I Won, I Totally Won!

[Googy]

Well, after exactly one year I won my claim with the help of my awesome NSO and lots of study on my part, a lot of help from hadit.com (thanks Berta) and a bit of luck. They awarded me SMC R2 and a year of back pay.

1. I started a claim.

2. I received a letter from the VA with a scheduled C & P exam. Saw a Doc and she wrote out the report which was not even true. I wonder what her M.O. was?

3. I amassed a huge stack of medical records proving a nexus pertinent to this claim and submitted it. They didn't even read the info, they simply denied everything. I thought I would overwhelm them and surely they would see the facts and approve.

4. I appealed and then requested a DENOVO review.

5. Had DRO hearing. I was not present for the hearing and my NSO represented me. He did a great job and my claim was approved. I really thought I would only get to SMC M or P with only a slight chance of being approved for R1. I saw some Docs who really know my medical history who have been treating my medical condition(s) over many years and they were able provide letters that really sealed the deal. Thanks Docs!

Well here it is and my beautiful wife is home caring for me and I am getting great medical care now. That was a difficult and nerve wracking process. So now I am 100% P and T receiving SMC R2. I have hope that I can stick around for a while. I really love God, life, my family and credit Him with blessing my family and myself with these great gifts.

Now, any of you out there that think dealing with the VA is an impossible task. Let me tell you that you can win, but it takes some work. I know I was fortunate, but if you study up on the VA workings and that cryptic CFR 350, get a NSO who cares, get your info together such as med records and letters from Docs in support of your case, and persist in appealing and appealing, you have a good chance of catching someone's attention and getting good results. I will keep checking in and trying to help another Vet who is falling through the cracks like myself for over 20 years. I will begin another claim next year. I have alot of paper to feed that fire with.

Thanks,

Googy

PS If you wonder what Googy means, it was my favorite place to eat as a child in Scottsdale, AZ. Googy's was the name. It has been closed down since the early 80's, I believe.

[cowgirl]

Amen and congratulations on getting whats due you! We know it shouldnt have taken so long to get to you and your loved ones.

You are an inspiration~!

Best to ya,

Cg

[Josephine]

Congratulations!

[Berta]

FABULOUS News!!!!

Of course the SMR R-2 level shows you are severely disabled- that isnt good-but this award sure is!

You are so right Googy- we need to do the legwork and get every bit of evidence we can.

I commend you for your persistence.To have a supportive NSO as well can do wonders.

But even the best SOs out there-we still need the medical evidence .

This news made my day!

[halos2]

I was feeling down again, not sleeping at night at all and read you comment...Well I wanted to do the "HAPPY DANCE."

But am not sure how to do it. SOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT TO HEAR FOR YOU AND FAMILY. Get to enjoy and praise you know who as he held your hand all the way!

YIPEE!!!! Congrats! Who do you use for VSO?

[Rich T]

Congrats, and you are right about studying and knowing the cfr 350. I always say to really understand it, you have to print it out. I used to get so confused when I tried to read it by scrolling. BUT why would you file another claim? NOTHING can be added to the R2!! You can go for benefits like; car, house, and the (HISA)hospital home improvement grant. Those things don't take a claim, just application forms. Now it's your turn to step up and help a brother or sister. Make, your worship, your family, your health, and helping other vets your life's concern.

Edited September 10, 2008 by Rich T

[Pete53]

Googy:

It took to long but at least it worked like it should. I am happy that you won and wish you the best.

Pete