Claim Questions?

[chrisbal]

I called the VA today to check the status of my temporary 100% claim for surgery and they stated “it was ready for decision”. What does this mean and how long does it usually take? I am rated 0% for the condition I had surgery on.

Also, will the VA set me up a C&P exam automatically to determine where I stand? My Veterans service officer stated that I don’t need to file for an increase because they would set that up automatically? Any advice?

[chrisbal]

Great, thanks for the help. I am in the middle of filing this through VONAPP now. Do I need to say anything specific or just say I am requesting for an increase for my Temporomandibular joint disorder

[pacmanx1]

You can tell them what you were going through before surgery and the problems that you are having now. If possible you may want to try to send in evidence by certified mail and return signature receipt to have proof that you sent it in.

Edited March 5, 2010 by pacmanx1

[chrisbal]

Pete thanks for the help. Last question, I have been having seconday issues related to this. Do I list them on the same form. Like chronic pain, sleep, etc.

[pacmanx1]

Yes, you can say that you feel that they are associated to or they are the results of your already service connected TMJ. It would really help if they were already documented in your VAMC records. If you are not seeing a mental health doctor, you may want to try to get an appointment in that clinic and try to get a sleep study done.

Hope the best

Edited March 5, 2010 by pacmanx1

[chrisbal]

Thanks for all the help Pete. My surgeon has recommended I go see a pain management specialist for my pain. I have been on pain medicine for a long time because of this. He also just put me on a new type of medicine for my headaches I have been having. I will have to check with the sleep test. Any other suggestions?

[pacmanx1]

You can add a claim for headaches also