Filed My Initial 21-526 Today!

[Raybob]

B) I filed my initial 21-526 today thru American Legion! It is my 180th day before retirement on 1 Jun 2010. American Legion folks and the folks here on Hadit prepped me well educated before my retirement physical and I went in prepared with a typed 15-page listing attached to my DD 2807 (Report of Medical History) that the doc was so impressed with, she put a note on the 2807 that she concurred with the entire attachment! She listed everything I asked for! I also included the VA form for rehabilitation in my package since I heard that incluing it wih the original claim, you will get a faster review to be given a preliminary rating (since you are able to claim rehab benefits 6 months before separation). Thanks for the posts and all the advice on here, and I will be sure to provide future posts with tips and suggestions on how the process is working! Cheers to all!

[Berta]

Did the vet rep mention CRDP /CRSC yet?

It is possible you could be eligible for one of these payment programs.

[Loma Linda Bill]

Did the vet rep mention CRDP /CRSC yet?

It is possible you could be eligible for one of these payment programs.

Berta- what is CDRP / CRSC Loma Linda Bill

Thanks

[Raybob]

Did the vet rep mention CRDP /CRSC yet?

It is possible you could be eligible for one of these payment programs.

Hi Berta! Thanks for asking about the CRSC. I do not qualify because I have never trained for or been deployed into a combat area, so I am not eligible.

I do believe I will have a high enough rating (esp since I am on a CPAP among a long list of other things) to qualify for the CRDP!

LL Bill: CRSC is Combat Related Special Compensation and CRDP is Concurrent Retirement & Disability Payments.

Cheers,

Ray

[Vync]

Thanks for asking about the CRSC. I do not qualify because I have never trained for or been deployed into a combat area, so I am not eligible.

Kinda makes you wonder what all the 'realistic' combat training was about while we were in basic training. But I don't think it qualifies for CRSC/CRDP.

[Raybob]

OK, things heating up now!

1. I received my letter to go to my VARO for my VR&E Orientation. I filed together with my initial claim rather than waiting to get the results of my initial claim -- my thinking was that they would give me an indication where I stand. Based on VA's response, they believe I will rate at least 20% on one of my conditions and the letter also notes there are other conditions being considered that will likely increase my rating. I was hoping for more detail, but I am satisfied with what I received.

2. Also received my complete schedule for 9 C&P appointments on 5 different days starting next Friday and covering about a week and a half. On my first day, the appointments are more general (X-Ray, Dental, and Pulmonary function). I am also scheduled for Optometry, Audio and ENT... and then another 3 appointments where they just list a doctor's name, so on Day 1 I will ask the clerk what each is for.

I have printed out all of the examination checklists from the VA website that I think they will be using so am reviewing and writing in my answers to most questions to be prepared when asked by the doctor. For some, I need to look up in my records to confirm when symptoms first started, meds/treatments, clearly state how they are impacting me, etc. The day before I go to each appointment, I will prep up on that area and also take my copy of those specific SMRs with me when I go in. And since I am still active duty, I plan to wear my uniform.

Will be at the VA Hospital in Lebanon PA. Fingers crossed for good results.

Cheers,

Ray

[Pete53]

Good Luck

Don't rehearse so much that you appear coached