Migraines

[Fletch]

Well...I was previously rated at 40% and the breakdown is 30% for Sacroiliac Dysfunction and 10% for Migraines. I had one of those exams where you go in and they check you out again. I was armed with my civilian medical records and a letter from my doctor stating that my migraines are 3 to 5 times a month in frequency and are prostrating. I even had my employer write a letter as well to attest to how many times I called out or went home because of these headaches. (22 days total)

VA's response:

The evaluation of migraine headaches is increased to 30% disabling. An evaluation of 30% is granted whenever there are characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month over the last several months. A higher evaluation of 50% is not warranted unless they are very frequent, completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

Since there is a likelihood of improvement, the assigned evaluation is not considered permanent and is subject to a future review examination.

^^^What kind of bull is this? I gave them every treatment record I had since 1993 to present. The facts show an increase in frequency and that they are prostrating. They even put in their own response that 30% means that I have an attack once a month on average. I have 3 to 5 and they have all the evidence. Maybe I just don't know what very frequent is to get that 50% rating. This is so frustrating dealing with them. It seems like they like to play with our lives. Totally stressing me out.

How do they figure your total rating? I now am rated 30% for Sacroiliac Dysfunction and 30% for Migraines and 0% for blood pressure and they told me my rating is now 50%. I was at 40%. I just was awarded 20% more than I had and it only equaled a 10% increase of my total rating?

Thanks in advance for your comments!!

Fletch

[Fletch]

Thanks for your answer spike.

Another issue I have with this whole VA process is the language which was typed on my award letter. In some cases, it was broken English. Totally unprofessional in my opinion. For instance,,,,an A was left out and a few AND's. I'm not trying to be critical with the VA, but come on!

Oh...ya,,,I noticed that they said that they need some more info on my son. I have to call and find out what they need. they should have everything since he was born at 29Palms. What could they possibly be missing?

Thanks,

Fletch

[carlie]

What benefits does my state provide Disabled Vets?

Click here and find out.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE CONNECTED DISABLED VETERANS

EVALUATION BENEFITS

0% To 20%

•Certification of Eligibility for home loan guaranty.

•Home loan guaranty fee exemption.

VA Priority medical treatment card.

•Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling under title

38 USC Chapter 31 (must be at least 10%)

•Service Disabled Veterans insurance (Maximum of $10,000 coverage) must file within 2 years from date of new

service connection.

10 point Civil Service Preference (10 points added to Civil Service test score).

Clothing allowances for veterans who use or wear a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (artificial limb, braces, or wheelchair) or use prescribed medications for skin condition, which tend to wear, tear or soil clothing.

•Temporary total evaluation (100%) based on hospitalization for a service connected disability in excess of

21 days; or surgical treatment for a service connected disability necessitating at least 1 month of convalescence or immobilization by cast, without surgery of more major joints.

30% In addition to the above:

•Additional allowances for dependent(s) [spouse, child(ren), step child(ren), helpless child(ren), full-time students between the ages 18 to 23, and parent(s)]

•Additional allowances for a spouse who is a patient in a nursing home or helpless or blind or so nearly helpless or blind as to require the aid and attendance of another person.

40% In addition to the above:

•Automobile grant and/or special adaptive equipment for an automobile provided there is loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, loss or permanent loss of one or both hands or permanent impaired vision of both eyes with central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in better eye.

•Special adaptive equipment may also be applied for if there is ankylosis of one or both knees or one or both hips.

50% In addition to the above:

•VA Medical outpatient treatment for any condition except dental.

•Preventive health care services.

•Hospital care and medical services in non-VA facilities under an authorized fee basis agreement.

60% In addition to the above:

•Increased compensation (100%) based on individual Unemployability (applies to veterans who are unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service connected disability)

100% In addition to the above:

•Dental treatment.

•Department of Defense Commissary privileges.

•Veteran’s employment preference for spouse.

•Waiver of National Service Life Insurance premiums.

•National Service Life insurance total disability income provisions.

•Specially adapted housing for veterans who have loss or permanent loss of use of both lower extremities or the loss or blindness in both eyes having light perception only plus loss or permanent loss of one lower extremity or the loss or permanent loss of use of one lower extremity with loss or permanent loss of use of one upper extremity or the loss or permanent loss of use of one extremity together with an organic disease which affects the function of balance and propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or wheelchair.

•Special home adaptation Grant (for veterans who don’t qualify for Specially Adapted Housing) may be applied for if the veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to blindness in both eyes with visual acuity or 5/200 or less or loss of or permanent loss of use of both hands.

100% (Permanent and Total) in addition to the above:

•Civilian Health and Medical Program for dependents and survivors (ChampVA)

•Survivors and dependents education assistance

[Fletch]

Wow! Thats fantastic info!! Thanks tons!!

[jbasser]

Wow! Thats fantastic info!! Thanks tons!!

Carlie, can you add the following to the 100 percent P and T.

A spouse, widow, wodower, mother can use the Veterans employment preference if the Vet is 100 percent disabled.

J

10-Point Derived Preference (XP)

Ten points are added to the passing examination score or rating of spouses, widows, widowers, or mothers of veterans as described below. This type of preference is usually referred to as "derived preference" because it is based on service of a veteran who is not able to use the preference.

Both a mother and a spouse (including widow or widower) may be entitled to preference on the basis of the same veteran's service if they both meet the requirements. However, neither may receive preference if the veteran is living and is qualified for Federal employment.

Edited February 17, 2009 by jbasser

[luvHIM]

Carlie, where do you apply for these extra benefits (i.e., automobile grant, and also voc rehab)...on va.gov website?