tdiu Claim Moving Quickly

[eddingtons]

I filed the form to ask for TDIU on Feb 4. I had a CP beginning of March and my claim already is in the decision phase. I did not submit a letter explaining how my 70% Bi-polar had worsened but it was stated in my form asking for increase. My wife submitted a letter explaining how our lives are effected. My VA psych dr submitted info that my condition had worsened and that I could not work. I submitted a couple of employment forms and requested others but I do not think they responded. They received the records from Social Security showing that I received SSDI for service connected disabilty.

I have no idea what the CP doctor put. She could have said I was worse or she could have said nothing derogatory but nothing helpful. The problem I am wondering is that it was difficult to show that my disabilty has gotten worse in the last year because I have been unable to work. I stopped working Dec 2009. I was first awarded Feb 2010.

They knew I was not working in Feb when I was first awarded but I had only been out of work 2 months. Will the fact that I have not had a job or even applied for work be enough to show that I have gotten worse.

I was in a partial hospital program at the time of CP in 2010 and have not had any further for Depression, however I was hospitalized in Oct 2010 for an ulcer because I stopped eating for a month and my meds ate a hole in my stomach. No direct evidence showing that meds caused it but I dont take ibuprofen so likely lithium etc caused it. I also lost 30 lbs during that month because I could not eat because of depression.

So in a round about way I guess I showed that my condition worsened. It is just difficult to list ABC reasons that I am worse than I was last year. I was rated at 70% and am probably still 70% but would like to receive 100% unemployment compensation since my disability prevents me from working. I have had 10 plus jobs in the last 10 years, everything from a computer helpdesk at Procter and Gamble to a ramp guy for an airline. I lost them all for memory issues to I hate to admit it but theft due to impulse issues. I did explain all this in my CP exam.

Should I ask for my CP exam at VA hospital or just wait for decision. Ultimately I guess the CP alone does not decide anything but I thought it meant a great deal??

[rakkwarrior]

I don't think you have a lot to worry about as long as the VA Rating Specialist can read. Seriously if every thing you're saying is a statement of fact you shouldn't be too worried...mist of the time the RO can identify and want to fast track the obviously easy claims.

Did you have your last employer fill out a VAF 21-4192 or did the VA notify you they were doing the same?

This will be a key piece in regard to obtaining information on why you left, and more importantly the date you last worked.

All in all you seem to have a solid case.

[eddingtons]

Thanks.

I sent in a copy of a letter I had from my last employer when I requested a medical leave of absence but not the actual form from the VA. It was a form filled out by my VA doctor for my employer asking for a leave. I dropped the VA form off to HR but I dont know if they responded to the VA or not.

I am hoping that it is going quickly because everything is in order and because I only have one service connected disabiltiy. It should simplify my case that SSDI is for same disabiltiy.

The only hold up would be if they decide that I am not better or worse.

Now it is just a waiting game.

[carlie]

I have no idea what the CP doctor put.

Should I ask for my CP exam at VA hospital or just wait for decision.

edding,

If your C&P was done at a VAMC - you can probably get a copy by going to

their Release Of Information (ROI) office, showing your ID and signing their form

to get a copy of the C&P results.

[eddingtons]

Claim now shows at notification phase. I will be very surprised to find positive that fast..but still have to hope.

[Berta]

With the SSA solely for the same SC disability, they should award you TDIU.

I am glad your claim seems to be moving very fast.

[vmo]

edding,

If your C&P was done at a VAMC - you can probably get a copy by going to

their Release Of Information (ROI) office, showing your ID and signing their form

to get a copy of the C&P results.

This might help: I live 80 miles from the VAMC that has done most of my C&P exams. I live 17 miles from the local VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic. **I just drive to the local VA Clinic cause it is so much closer, which has access to all of my C&P exams done 80 miles away at the VAMC. I sign a release, they download them and give me copies. Saves a lot of driving.