New And Have Questions

[jstan2010]

Hi folks, I'm new here and found this site while doing some research. I wanted to say thanks for all the great info on the site and also post some details and questions about my scenario.

I have been awarded and receiving 60% disability since September 2004 for degenerative disc disease, pfs, and flat feet. That said, at the time of award, I was married with 2 children. I have since expanded my family to 7 children. We recently had twins and this prompted me to look things over with my benefits. I realized that I never updated or added any more dependents with the VA. Admittedly, this was ignorance on my part for never doing so, it just never crossed my mind.

My question, I think, is how do I go about adding my additional children? Also, should I expect this to ever happen in a timely manner? Lastly, will they back pay to the birth dates, or did I screw myself out of that? I feel like an idiot for never doing this, but it just never crossed my mind.

I also would like to know about trying to get additional compensation for a condition that I did not claim at the time of my visit to the VA. I have a constant high pitch ringing in my ears(I was a hydraulic mechanic and worked around the constant whine of hydraulic pumps). I wasn't aware that this was something I should have claimed, but now see it's tinnitus and should have.

Please give any and all input and advice.

Thanks,

Jason

[jstan2010]

So the very nice man at the VA informed me that I would not receive benefits back pay for anything over 1 year. So that sucks, but now at least I can get the ball rolling on adding the latest 4.

[jstan2010]

I wanted to thank you folks for helping me out. I received a letter from the VA today stating they have updated my info and adjusted my dependents/compensation. That wasn't too long of a wait I suppose, especially for the VA.

Thanks!