Retiring Soon With Issues

[SFCTRUCKDRIVER]

CAN ANYONE HELP WITH WHAT THEY THINK IS A GOOD % FOR THE FOLLOWING.

I AM A 20 YEAR VET GOING TO RETIREMENT PHYSICAL NEXT MONTH. I HAVE HAD 2 SHOULDER SURGERIES, AND HAVE CONSTANT PAIN WITH LIMITED RANGE OF MOTION, DIAGNOSED WITH IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME.

NEXT IS GERD, WITH A HYATIAL HERNIA.

NEXT IS DDD IN C5/C6 WHERE I HAD A FUSION DONE BUT HAVE NERVE DAMAGE.

ANYONE WANT TO POINT ME IN THE RIGHT % DIRECTION OR EVEN GUESS LOL..

THANKS

ERICH

[Commander Bob]

Good Morning SFCTRUCKDRIVER . What is a CAB? You mentioned that you were awarded a CAB, in an earlier post. Did you mean CIB? Is your PTSD combat related? Best wishes for a sucessful transition.

Cmdr. Bob

[vaf]

Don't depend on a Veterans Service Officer to catch everything, this is YOUR claim. I would try to know as much as possible about my own claim, including what's in my medical records, and regarding 38 CFR, Part 4. That way, when you talk with the VSO about them, you have some solid ground on which to base any questions, or to know enough to disagree with something he says or does. The initial VSO paperwork I've viewed involving vets I assist with claims (when they've expressed a dissatisfaction with their VSO) normally lists physicial conditions, but neglects to tie a disability code from 38 CFR, Part 4 with that condition. If you don't have the code, you won't know the rating criteria for that code.

This is not meant to disparage your VSO, but many times, these guys work with a lot of veterans and soon-to-be veterans, and they will not focus as closely on your claim as you will.

My approach is to initially review a vet's medical files and create an Excel spreadsheet that lists the date, the complaint, the healthcare provider providing treatment, the location, diagnosis, and another column for comments. Once that's done, you will get an excellent overall picture of what you should claim from the VA. It wouldn't be a bad idea for you to do this before you sit down with your VSO.

[SFCTRUCKDRIVER]

a CAB is a combat action badge. The same as a CIB for non Infantry troops. same criteria for awarding it. Got it for being a convoy security team in Iraq. IED, IED, IED LOL....

[SFCTRUCKDRIVER]

PTSD is direct combat related CMDR Bob.

[MikeR]

I am pretty sure that the regs basically give you a shoe in if diagnosed with PTSD in service, also do not count on the VSO for anything. I would Not sign a power of attorney over to a VSO.

[Commander Bob]

a CAB is a combat action badge. The same as a CIB for non Infantry troops. same criteria for awarding it. Got it for being a convoy security team in Iraq. IED, IED, IED LOL....

Thanks for the info about the "Combat Action Badge". I was in the army forty years ago, and I don't remember the CAB. I'll check it out. It sounds like an outstanding, and well deserved recognition for our soldiers engaged in this 21st century warfare. Congratulations, and welcome home SFC.