hypertension My Story & Questions

[harleyvet]

Like many of you, I am still patiently waiting for the VA's decision on my case. I went on terminal leave from the Army in FEB 10, and medically retired APR 10. Before I left Ft Campbell, the VFW rep talked me into getting my VA file started early so that it would be processed faster. In FEB I signed the VFW as my POA and headed home to CO. My C&P exam was completed at the Denver VAMC and forwarded to Winston-Salem. W-S received my case in July and it has been in the decision phase since AUG 6. My list of complaints are as follows:

• anxiety condition
• depression
• insomnia
• lumbar spine condition (Due to two surgeries in 2008/2009)
• irritable bowel syndrome
• tinnitus
• shoulder condition
• right
• knee condition
• right
• hypertension
• premature ventricular contractions
• erectile dysfunction
• varicose veins
• GERD
• knee condition
• left

I understand the backlog that the VA is experiencing, and that they give 16-28 days average for each decision. Mine has been in the decision phase for twice longer than average, and my patience is wearing thin. I am financially under with no outlook of getting better, waiting for the claim (Not a good idea, hindsight and all). I had a job, but was fired due to an outburst that the VA psychiatrist says is directly related to PTSD (This was part of and added to my C&P). I have been unemployed since June of this year, trying to raise my family of 5 on my wife's part time job and my 70% retirement. Should I be writing a letter to W-S asking for hardship? At this point would it even matter? Is there anyone with roughly the same timeframe as myself that could give a good heads up as to their status? My guesstimate for percentage is 80, anyone want to add their 2 cents?

I appreciate any and all comments, insights, encouraging words. I know that many of you have been there and done that, that's why I am here....

Thank You for letting me vent....

[halos2]

...surviving on my wife's part time job, and my 70% retirement...I would not put too much faith in any sort of time lines in the claims process as many variables could take place. I hope you are continuing to seek therapy with the BH/MH dept. Documented scenes of your aggressive behavior and outbursts might help you proceed a little faster regarding your BH claims. It is a difficult time and you need to not loose hope along the way. Keep in touch with your VSO, get copies of all records including treatment records post discharge, and buckle down for a long fight! Many of us have been there, the thing is to never loose hope, and seek an appropriate way to explore your outbursts. Best of luck along your claims trail. How long were you in service?

[harleyvet]

I had our finances figured from leaving Fort Campbell in Feb until Sept. I thought things would go different for us financially, not necessarily banking on the disability from the VA, but we could use it now. I have left messages for the local VAMC admissions office to no avail, and they say that I can't set an appointment without first talking to admissions. I am never in downtown Denver to go there in person, but I might have to make a trip so I can talk with someone. I was in the Army for 7 years. Both infantry and after my first injury aviation.

[Pete53]

Welcome to Hadit you should hear something soon.

[Philip Rogers]

Just a reminder . . . any severence taken will extend the time period for receiving VA comp. VA requires a "payback" of any severence before you get VA bennies. So while the up front cash may look good bear in mind that it may be many yrs before you'll see any VA compensation bennies.

pr

[harleyvet]

Good News!

Checked my status through ebenefits again today, and my claim status is at the notification phase now. At least that is what the main page states. The detailed claim status view states that it is still in the decision phase. Now I just need to wait on the envelope to come along and see how it all went. I have seen on hadit where some people have begun receiving back pay while still waiting on the letter, is this normal? Does it really take that long to get the letter out in the mail? Just curious.

Thank You for the replies and patience.

[harleyvet]

Just a reminder . . . any severence taken will extend the time period for receiving VA comp. VA requires a "payback" of any severence before you get VA bennies. So while the up front cash may look good bear in mind that it may be many yrs before you'll see any VA compensation bennies.

pr

Is this a factor for combat related as well? I was under the impression that it would not be a factor with my main injuries being combat related. Please let me know if that is not the case, because if not, that is some good advice.