Doc John Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 I applied for an increase in compensation for PTSD, and a service connection for tinnitus on 8/12/2009. I had a C&P exam on December 1 for the PTSD. Today is January 4, 2010; 19 weeks after the initial application and four weeks after the C&P exam, Praise God, I got an increase from 30% to 70% for PTSD but a denial of compensation for tinnitus and hearing loss in both ears. (However, I am waiting for my brand new hearing aids to come in at the VA Med Ctr on January 22.) Along with the award is a proposed finding of incompetency. The VA also gave me a Form 21-8940 to use to apply for another increase -based on unemployability. What do you folks think I should do about applying for individual unemployability? I am attending college classes 1/2 time on Chapter 31 Benefits. My vocational rehab counselor just asked for VA to pay me at full time student rate for school based on my PTSD impairment symptoms, even though I am a less than full time attendee. School is very difficult for me. And, now, I am wondering if my Vocational Rehab benefits will keep me from being classified as unemployable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt Schmidt Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 I would go ahead and file the claim. Just because you have the education doesn't mean that you can physically meet the requirements of a demanding job. IMHO, I don't think it's against the law in the U.S. to further your education. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrbilly Posted January 4, 2010 Share Posted January 4, 2010 If this was a "common sense" world I would think they would grant you IU in the light they have declared you "incompetent." If you're incompetent you obviously can't work but then again you are going to school so this one's up in the air. I think you have a great opportunity for IU even with the school. In the light you do get disqualified from Voc Rehab make sure the VA knows this with a letter from your Voc Rehab counselor or you can use the voc rehab denial letter too. Congrats on your increase and a fast decision. Jerr I applied for an increase in compensation for PTSD, and a service connection for tinnitus on 8/12/2009. I had a C&P exam on December 1 for the PTSD. Today is January 4, 2010; 19 weeks after the initial application and four weeks after the C&P exam, Praise God, I got an increase from 30% to 70% for PTSD but a denial of compensation for tinnitus and hearing loss in both ears. (However, I am waiting for my brand new hearing aids to come in at the VA Med Ctr on January 22.) Along with the award is a proposed finding of incompetency. The VA also gave me a Form 21-8940 to use to apply for another increase -based on unemployability. What do you folks think I should do about applying for individual unemployability? I am attending college classes 1/2 time on Chapter 31 Benefits. My vocational rehab counselor just asked for VA to pay me at full time student rate for school based on my PTSD impairment symptoms, even though I am a less than full time attendee. School is very difficult for me. And, now, I am wondering if my Vocational Rehab benefits will keep me from being classified as unemployable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc John Posted January 4, 2010 Author Share Posted January 4, 2010 (edited) Yeah, the "common sense" thing always seems to be an issue with VA but, at least the increase in compensation came quickly this time. I was amazed. I think I will attempt the unemployability rating. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If my name was Alice, I might think I was in Wonderland. Edited January 4, 2010 by Doc John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder Pete53 Posted January 4, 2010 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted January 4, 2010 Ask them to grant to the effective date of 70% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder LarryJ Posted January 5, 2010 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted January 5, 2010 (edited) Ask them to grant to the effective date of 70% Pete, I do not, anymore, know whether that "will fly" or not. The absolute soonest that he can get that damned 21-8940 turned in, the better! 'Cause you KNOW what they are gonna say, they gonna say "the latest of whichever date, and the "whichever date" is gonna be the date that they get his darned 21-8940! Ain't right, but, hey.........who's rules we gotta "play" by, ya know? HECK, I've even got an NOD on my EED "in-the-works"! LarryJ 214-742-8387, ext. 71117, I'll be there, tomorrow, call me if you feel lakit! Edited January 5, 2010 by LarryJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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