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.

[Rich T]

See jbasser's post in yesterdays "SMC Ratings" thread.

Edited September 11, 2008 by Rich T

[Capt.]

Hello Googy,

CONGRATULATIONS..... Whenever a Veteran beats the criminal Veterans Affairs , it is encouragement to myself and all of those Vets and their families to NEVER GIVE UP. I read your numbered state of events and almost thought I was reading my own claims..... almost everything that you wrote I can relate to. I could not agree more with what you have said about doing your legwork and gathering your evidence. I was not as fortunate as you to have a VSO as good as yours in the beginning of my claim. I changed Service organizations from DAV to the VVOA and had a really good VSO but he got burned out and retired , but fortunately I got a good a VA lawyer and now I have to wait and see what the NOD period and the Notice of reconsideration at the DRO will do. Your victory is one for all of us and I am very thankful and happy that you have compelled the VA to do the right thing. Once again Congratulations to you and your family. God Bless, NEVER GIVE UP. C.C.

[Tbird]

great news ! and good on ya for wanting to help another veteran!

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.

[Googy]

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?

I have used the DAV - this will be the third time they have helped me. You don't even have to have a DAV membership for them to help. I DID join and am now my unit commander. Gotta pay the dues! Glad you did the happy dance!

[Googy]

Congratulations on a job well done. But I must ask what is CFR 350?

It is the Code of Federal Regulations. CFR 350 pertains to VA benefits, etc.

[Ron II]

It is the Code of Federal Regulations. CFR 350 pertains to VA benefits, etc.

I am happy for your success!! :P

BTW, the CFR 350 appears to be a typo--couldn't find 350 on the web.

Cheers!

Ron