tdiu Do I Want To Stir The Pot Or Follow My Grandpappy's Logic...

[LarryJ]

Okay, so I filed for SC and disability for my left knee, lower back and right knee due to the aggravation because of altered gait due to my SC'd left ankle injury.

Since the time I filed for the left knee, lower back, right knee I received a C&P for the same, and, of course, was denied, even though the examiner found "severe arthritic changes" and decreased ROM, etc. He also made one of those silly-assed statements, and I quote, "altered gait does not, necessarily, cause advanced arthritic changes in other joints and the veteran is most likely genetically predisposed to arthritis" (yah, right, like he is not only a P.A. but also a geneticist).

Anyway, since that denial, I filed an NOD, obviously.

My question is this:

Since filing that NOD, I was granted 100%, tdiu, P&T, due to my MDD, along with my already SC'd left ankle. And, I've since not heard a word concerning my NOD.

Do I want to go poking a long stick into the snake's den, otherwise known as the VARO, Waco? Or, do I want to just sit back and relax?

I was going over all this stuff today.....trying to reach a decision....and the more I read, and the more I came to understand all the BS that I had been through and the more it came back to me, the more pissed off I got and the more DEPRESSED I got. Heck, I've regressed, taken one step forward and THREE steps back, just within the last 6 hours.

I will not sleep tonight, I know.

[LarryJ]

Nope, Chap 35 for only, like, a year.

No, no SOC since my NOD.

Still thinking. I guess I can't make up my mind. I sure will have to gather together some "firm resolve" somewhere.

I remember what I was beginning to become before I finally "won" my 100%. I was beginning to think and feel like a bitter old man.

[Commander Bob]

Nope, Chap 35 for only, like, a year.

No, no SOC since my NOD.

It sounds like they lost or shredded your NOD. How long ago did you file the NOD?

[john999]

Larry

If those crummy bastards owe you anything then file. The VA takes advantage of so many people they need to pay for anything they might owe. If you are 100% you should file for housebound. If I were 100% for a single condition I would file yesterday for housebound. I am 90% for a number of conditions so it would be a little harder, but I have considered it. If there is anything in your records that indicate you were unemployable before you got the award you might run it by a good Vet lawyer to see if you have a CUE based on an inferred claim the VA ignored. I read in the VBM that if the VA knows you are unemployabled due to a SC condition they have an obligation to adjudicate a TDIU claim. They never do it, but they have the legal obligation. The VA cheats veterans on effective dates all the time.

[ausgmblr]

Larry,

The biggest problem u got is ur correspondence with the NOD went to Waco.

Try the E-Mail (sirus) site and ask what happened. Last time I ask on mine 2/22/08 and Nat'l Ofc said Reg'l office should reply in 5 days or about. still waiting kept copy of e-mails. Hope the DAV's not representing you there. Think there working full time for the VA.

But definitely pursue your valid claim, you don't know what changes congress will make in the future and what affect it might have, comp, a&a, widow benefits, etc;.

If you find a good rep in waco let us know

ausgmblr

[LarryJ]

Larry,

The biggest problem u got is ur correspondence with the NOD went to Waco.

Try the E-Mail (sirus) site and ask what happened. Last time I ask on mine 2/22/08 and Nat'l Ofc said Reg'l office should reply in 5 days or about. still waiting kept copy of e-mails. Hope the DAV's not representing you there. Think there working full time for the VA.

But definitely pursue your valid claim, you don't know what changes congress will make in the future and what affect it might have, comp, a&a, widow benefits, etc;.

If you find a good rep in waco let us know

ausgmblr

Well, lessee.........hmmm? A good rep in Waco?

DON'T BOTHER ME, DAMMIT!

I'm thinkin.

[cowgirl]

Larry, I read the posts here and think why not file. But, before you file, make sure you have something else to do in the meanwhile. Being on ssdi now means I am having to re-invent myself, because I am not a 'housewife' of a just a 'mom'at'home' type after my military career. So, I have to and get to do it my way. Yes! Bought a crockpot for the family so I can do my thing.

All that aside, if you want to apply for sc or increase, ok. You know the ropes, the ins'outs and possible can'o'worms. Have seen others across the net display being sc more than 100%, seem content and still help youngsters get their first claim in. Just decide, go for it or not. No regrets, your choice.

Best to ya,

Cg'up2009!

Maybe start a 'Dear Larry' column for comic relief during our claims struggle?