hypertension 100% (Iu P&t): Is There Any Reason To Pursue Claims?

[hedgey]

I don't know if this is in the right forum, but since my 100% is from TDIU, I figured here is the right place.

I've seen that some vets here continue to file claims even after being rated 100%. Why would that be wise, I wonder?

I have a NOD 1 year deadline this week. They low-balled me on my feet (this is according to my VA podiatrist) and denied my knee completely. My NOD would be supported by physical therapy notes, a years worth of podiatry notes, etc.

But I know that since I'm 70% PTSD, 10 & 10 for each foot, getting to 100 scheduler isn't likely (right?).

I also wonder if I should pursue a claim about my IBS. It was dx'd by VA docs, and there's notes by my VA psychiatrist that it's stress-related, so I would claim it as secondary or aggravated by PTSD. I also wonder about my hypertension. It's controlled by meds (most of the time) but it's part of this PTSD package.

It won't get me any higher rating, so would there be any other advantage? Would it make them more considerate about allowing non-VA tests if it was for an SC problem?

These are all issues that I've been told to file claims on, because "it could be important down the road". Is that true?

Edited to Add: If it were up to me, I'd never file for anything else. I dread the thought of the ordeal, the C&P's etc. But I have a family, so I guess for their sake I'm asking this question.

Edited April 3, 2011 by hedgey

[hedgey]

Pete, thanks. I need to work on my searching keywords!

[hedgey]

Halos, i didn't have any deal making, but your situation brings up one of my fears about filing more claims. I'm afraid of stirring the pot. I just got 100%, and don't want to lose it.

But hypertension & IBS both are problems that lead to worse problems. I don't know. I wish I could find an advisor who would be working just for me, someone smart and really good at dealing with the VA. Someone who could tell me what to do so I don't have to try to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing.

Course, that means interacting with a new person... back into my hole go I.