Ssdi Approved, Should I Send It To The Va?

[molo]

Hi Everyone,

I got word earlier this week that my SSDI claim approved. The back pay even shows in my bank as available tomorrow morning! I filed SSDI for RA and a headache syndrome (chronic daily and migraines). I have open claims with the VA right now including one for my RA. Once my paperwork arrives from SSDI should I submit that to the VA as further evidence?

Right now here are the claims I have open with the VA:

Filed March 2011 - Vertigo (unknown cause), scar from minor surgery, TMJ (diagnosed at my original set of C&P exams by VA dentist)

Filed August 2011 - RA. This one still doesn't show up in E-benefits and took 2 filings for the VA to even admit over the phone they had seen it. The second time it was still not entered as a claim just in my case notes. I am again making calls about why it isn't properly inputted as a claim but last time I did receive a dated letter stating that they had received the claim in Sept 2011.

Currently rated:

10% Tinnitus

10% Kidney issues

10% for Headache syndrome

0% plantar fasciitis

Thanks for any advice!

Rachel

[carlie]

Welcome

The VA 800 # can not provide accurate claims tracking info.

ebenefits is only a little better.

Always go by the printed word.

[Notorious Kelly]

Congratulations, MOLO!

[john999]

I would send in the award letter and any other material that shows you are on SSDI for RA. The thing is that you really need to be SC'ed for RA and that will depend on your SMR's and any other medical records that provide a nexus to service for the RA.

[molo]

The RA was diagnosed within a year of discharge. I believe it falls under the listing of chronic diseases (arthritis is listed, 38 CFR 3.309(a)) and since it was diagnosed within a year (the time frame listed in 38 CFR 3.307.) it should qualify as service connected. Am I incorrect and that is not enough to have it considered service connected?

Edited July 2, 2012 by molo

[broncovet]

Whether SSD will help you or hurt you at the VA hinges upon the reasons that SSD approved you.

If the reason SSD approved you is because of a condition that is service connected, then yes, by all means send this favorable evidence to the VA.

However, if you are approved for SSD for conditions that are not service connected, then watch out! It could wind up as an "excuse to deny". If you have applied to the VA for the same condition(s) as SSD approved you for, then you should probably also consider sending this in as evidence.

[Pete53]

Yes send them a copy its important that they are notified