Opposite Claims Question

[purple]

I took note of the topic of the hassel of going through the claims process....with the thousands of folks here on Hadit I just wanted to know if anyone else on here, besides me, has had a positive experience with the claims process?

My claim was processed in under a year...I did it all myself...and I received 100% IU, P&T, no further exams req.

I can't be the only one who has had success with a claim.

[luvHIM]

Purple, I am not pissed off. It wasn't about getting upset and I'm sorry you went in that direction.

But for the record, my claim was for a rate increase. I was already service connected. The VA denied me on every level (initial; recon; and NOD) before I filed a form 9.

Claim, suddenly out of the blue, is granted in a review process. What happened...because the evidence was always there...someone finally looked at it (that's what happend). VARO CUE'd themselves.

A final note: This site stresses the importance of having evidence to substantiate a claim.

Berta has always emphasized compiling your evidence and uses tabs (if necessary); and keeping copies.

My point, as I think several have alluded to, is that it obviously takes the correct evidence to win a claim at any state or government agency.

I certainly appreciate you reiterating that...but some of your threads/posts were coming across as if many here on HADIT do not/did not know that. I was just asking that you gives us some credit. Take note that not everyone still fighting with the VA is a newbie to this site. That's all.

[vmo]

Not all of us were or are aware that a service member could acquire original medical records from military. I have met other vets who obtained their's. Some legit and some not so. Many vets currently are receiving complete copies of Service medical records when separated from active duty, how fortunate. If I could have had my original records, I could have typed or written (forged) some ailments in the records---not that I would recommend/or did this. Therefor, I can see how in the late 60's to 71, the Navy medical people were not real cooperative about me taking my medical file or releasing records. I don't remember copy machines being readily available in 70-71, maybe they were. Obviously, having original or complete copies of medical/mental records at separation is/can be a huge advantage when filing your claim. Also, as is well documented by many prior posts---you can submit a well supported claim including complete service medical records, etc., and still be in for one hell of a battle with the VARO.

[cvsp]

I remember my ETS physical. It was the nicest civilian doctor. She was upset with the treatment I had received while active and made some very good notes regarding it. At the end, she handed me my SMRs and told me to guard them well. She also advised me to file with the VA.

At the time I thought it was par for the course and that they had a microfiche or some other copy of records. Not until recently did I found out that I am not suppose to have them. In speaking with an IRIS agent, she told me she was handed her SMRs during ETS and had the same idea I did. She mentioned she ETS'ed in 2005. So I guess it will never change.

Looking back it seems like the doctor who handed me the records knew a lot more of the goings on, and am thankful for such.

Edited March 15, 2009 by cvsp

[purple]

Yes. I saw how I was getting "screwed" during the MEB process and could only guess what was going to happen when I needed to file with the VA....so I knew I needed to have all of my original records. It was also hinted to me by a civilian provider that I was seeing while still on TDRL that I "watch my back" where my records were concerned.

I was very shocked at how easy it was to obtain my original mental health files! All I did was ask for them and they handed them to me.

I put zero trust in the VA from day one...

[Pete53]

Purple:

It may make you mad but I think that you were very lucky. The VA never just handed over my records I had to fight like hell to get them. They also ignored my IMO and diagnosis by my VA Doc's.

How do you think that you would have come out if it took you five years to win?

Just try to have some empathy for those who did not breeze through the VA like you did.

[purple]

I do have empathy....what makes you think that I don't?