ptsd Not Sure If This Is Good News

[jokerwaswild]

Hello, I attached a letter I received in the mail regarding my claim. I was shocked I recieved any answer this early. A littie back ground I am already 40% service connected for Scar, Lumbar Strain, knee condition, and Acne. I submitted my claim in April 2011 for PTSD from the GulF War, Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD, and a increase for my back. I knew with this many claims, I wouldn't here from the VA for at least a year. I have been checking my ebenifits account daily and the strangest thing happen. On Thursday ebenifits said my claim was in the decision phase. When I checked it friday, it went to notification phase. The next thing I know it, I recieved a letter from the DAV in the mail on Friday stating I received a increase for my back, service connected me for PTSD 30%, and lower extremity 20%. It also mentions Sleep Apnea deferered along with two other claims. Any way, I went back into ebenifits on Saturday to check again, this time it said my claim is in the development phase (WTF). Not sure what is going on.

I attached the letter for anyone to view and comment. The DAV also sent a letter saying I may be entitled to life insurance and to complete form 29-4364 and 21-8940. Not sure what is going on here

Thanks in advance for your comments

Joker

[Berta]

Good question-

I always advise to send the TDIU form YESTERDAY!

What I mean is to get the earliest effective date possible if the TDIU is awarded.

You are so close to a decision however,maybe best to wait and see exactly what the decision says.

I am surprised the rep didnt advise to apply for TDIU sooner.

a 70% rating will trigger VA to send the TDIU form but a vet can apply for TDIU with any SC percentage, when the evidence shows they are unemployable due to service.

[jokerwaswild]

Berta , lsounds like a plan. I'll get it out tommorrow. Here is the latest update with my claim. I checked ebenifits today and my claim went back to notification phase.Called Peggy at the VA, she said they decided on three claims, this explains the letter from the DAV, and deferred three other claims. Maybe they decided on the deferred claims. Things are moving so fast my head is swimming

Joker

1323108817' post=264919]

Good question-

I always advise to send the TDIU form YESTERDAY!

What I mean is to get the earliest effective date possible if the TDIU is awarded.

You are so close to a decision however,maybe best to wait and see exactly what the decision says.

I am surprised the rep didnt advise to apply for TDIU sooner.

a 70% rating will trigger VA to send the TDIU form but a vet can apply for TDIU with any SC percentage, when the evidence shows they are unemployable due to service.

[iceturkee]

Good question-

I always advise to send the TDIU form YESTERDAY!

What I mean is to get the earliest effective date possible if the TDIU is awarded.

You are so close to a decision however,maybe best to wait and see exactly what the decision says.

I am surprised the rep didnt advise to apply for TDIU sooner.

a 70% rating will trigger VA to send the TDIU form but a vet can apply for TDIU with any SC percentage, when the evidence shows they are unemployable due to service.

or in my case the c&p examiner wrote it would be highly unlikely for me to return to the workforce, even in a sit down job, because of my depression.

[carlie]

Personally - I would not submit one single piece of paper

to include the 21-8940, until I got the official notice from this newest decision.

I have seen many, many claimants that get to this level of adjudication,

they submit something and it throws the breaks on what's going on now.

I would tell the DAV that I am satisfied for the moment and will most likely submit my 21-8940

as soon as I receive my official copy of the new rating decision and that I appreciate the help they have been

providing on my claim issues.

JMHO

[Medic]

I second Carlie...I would hold off until you have the official copy and go back to the drawing board to see what needs to be resubmitted.

[jokerwaswild]

Carlie, I received my official letter from the VA itsofficial they increased me to 80%. However, still have not received retro its been three weeks. Because of my retirement from the Army I qualify for CDRP program where I can receive both diability and retirement. Also, the VA is still haggling over my sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD. Not clear what the haggle is for, the VA sent a letter to me back in July saying that if I am service connected for PTSD, they will consider the sleep apnea secondary. I talked to "Peggy" and he said even if the they grant service connection for sleep apnea it will only increase me to around 90% based on "VA math" does this sound right?

Finally, I want to give thanks to Carlie and other fellow vets for their knowledge and wisdom during this waiting process.

Thanks,

I guess now I have to change my personal information on this site from 40% to 80%

joker

Personally - I would not submit one single piece of paper

to include the 21-8940, until I got the official notice from this newest decision.

I have seen many, many claimants that get to this level of adjudication,

they submit something and it throws the breaks on what's going on now.

I would tell the DAV that I am satisfied for the moment and will most likely submit my 21-8940

as soon as I receive my official copy of the new rating decision and that I appreciate the help they have been

providing on my claim issues.

JMHO