Insomnia - Combined Rating

[Detonator]

I left the Army in 1995 with 20% lower back, 10% left knee meniscus, and 20% right knee PCL deficiency following surgery (50% total). Last year, I asked for an increase on my left knee, right knee and requested a secondary service connection for insomnia due to chronic pain.

Today, I received a letter stating that they denied any increase for my knees but did grant service connection for my insomnia (it dates back to 1998) and awarded 10%. However, the letter states the VA does a combined rating and will not increase past my 50%.

So what does the 10% service connection for my insomnia mean? I was hoping to get at least a 12 month back dated check for the 10% but it doesn't sound like I will get anything.

If someone could explain how this service connection for insomnia will help me....please let me know.

Also, the way they worded the decision, it makes it sound like I'm lucky they didn't decide to reduce my 50%. Amazing!

Any insight would be helpful!

[vaf]

If you now have two separate ratings, one at 40% and another at 10%, then according to the Combined Ratings Table in 38 CFR, you should be at 46% rounded up to 50%. You can ask the VARO for reconsideration, citing the Combined Ratings Table and make sure that the VARO understands you now have two separate ratings instead of one. It's possible someone there made an error in computing your overall rating.

I would also send them an inquiry through IRIS, the computerized system through the VA website, and make sure you keep a copy of the VA's response. If they don't agree that you're rating should be at 50%, then ask for a DRO to review the decision, keeping it local. You didn't say if you agreed with or disagreed with the total decision, but if you disagree, you can include the question about the VA math in your request for a DRO to review the entire decision.

The VA doesn't use the Ratings Table itself, but a computerized equivalent of it. If the VARO gave you a separate rating for HBP, then it is not pyramiding. You would not have received a separate rating for HBP if it had been a case of pyramiding.

At 50%, you should get your meds free of charge at the VA Medical Center or through the mail. Not sure about co-pay on doctor's visits, someone else can speak to that here, I'm sure. I don't think you pay for those, either, but someone will correct me here if I'm wrong.

[trailblazer]

Thanks VAF, you've been a big help. I don't have the experience you folks do and I really do appreciate having somone like you and hadit to help people like me. As my knowledge grows in the va laws and policies, I hope to be able other vets in the future. Have a nice day.

[Ricky]

how does a vet rating for insominia i have ratable head injuries what do i have to prove

There is no true rating for insomia as it is a symptom of some other disability and is used to justify that disability. More often than not it is worked into some type of depression issue. It can be part of PTSD, anxiety, depression etc.....