nbll01 Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 (edited) I feel your pain. Seems this is a original claim and not a NOD (appeal). I filed my original claim in 2008 and was promptly denied in 2009 across the board. You have the 30% going for you right out of the gate so thats good, Congrats. I have a feeling you may be like I was and really did not have any medical evidence to support my claims in the beggining.I never had insurance and wasnt aware I could go to the VA and get treatment. I also had no idea what to really file for (vso can help some in this area). I knew what I felt but wasnt sure what it would fall under in the 38CFR I would really get familiar with the 38CFR....Know what youre claiming and the symptoms as well as the percentages..it really pays to educate yourself on these. When going to your PCP ask them to be referred if you need treatment for something specific..IE mental or Neuro if they dont already refer you I filed my NOD in march of 2009 and I got a partial grant of my claim (60%) and it was backdated to 2009...turned out to be a huge retro payment..Point is NOTHING about this process is fast and there is no gaurantee it will be done correctly... YOU are gonna be your own best advocate for YOU...DONT ever expect that the VA will make your case for you. Educate yourself on how all this works, make sure you connect all the dots for them and with a little luck you will get the decision you deserve. You have to commit to the long haul when it comes to the VA..Good Luck Edited April 10, 2013 by nbll01 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonio Posted April 10, 2013 Share Posted April 10, 2013 I will pray for you but it will take patience in this is the VA, I thought the army was hurry up and wait but this is a different beast altogether. The good news is your starting at 30% Put in a timely NOD for the other aliments you were denied and continue to fight. I started out at 10% and I am not at 80% the point is don't give up. God bless you and Thank you for your service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpowell01 Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 Can I start by saying how depressed this letter has made me? I learned a couple of days ago I was awarded 30% however I wasn't sure for what. Today...I know and it has really upset me. I went to Basic Training June 2006 in July I got injured my elbow nerve was poping out I went to rehab at PTRP in Fort Lee. There I left with shoulder and back pain. The Physical Therapist who treated me told me my pain was mental and emotional and I didn't have any physical pain at all. And right now I can hear her voice a voice that won't seem to go away. No one believes me no one can see that my pain is real and no one knows what is like to live in chronic pain. Maybe it's because I stand tall and walk like I was taught. My posture is great. My mind hurts my body hurts and these people have made me feel an inch tall. My effective date is Jun 15, 2010 Positive PPD (nonactive TB) 30% Everything else was denied Bilateral feet condition Bilateral shoulder condition Bilateral ankles condition Chronic Fatigue Bilateral Cubital tunnel Tendonitis left elbow bilateral knee strain Degenerative Disc Disease cervial spine to include pain radiated to fingers All those conditions listed above have explainations with them the conditions below do not Anxiety and Depressive Disorder Degenerative Disce Disease of lumbar spine to include osteoarthritis, back pain, herniated disc and sciatica These two conditions are my primary conditions. I was treated for Depression and Anxiety for three years the Dr who did my QTC exam diagnosed me with depression. As far as my back is concerned I'm sure that is what made the rest of my body go to pieces. During my QTC exam I had 35 xrays done, I spent ten minutes with the Dr the only time he put his hands on me was to measure my c-section scar. I'm about to try to contact my VSO. I thought maybe I was given 10% for sciatica and 10% depression and maybe even 10% for my back but not anything. The shock is still so fresh. I had insomnia before waiting for a decision, it might be another week before I see the back of my eyelids. I have never been the positive type it's not in my nature. it's why I only leave the house to take my husband to work and pick him up or when I really need to. It's why I don't drive behind or on the side of semi trucks. It's why I won't let anyone watch my kids so I can take a day for myself. I was really very positive when I got this yellow envelope and now my heart is broken. The curse of Friday the 13th has claimed another victim. I knew it was not going to be easy, but for the life of me I never thought they would not service connect my conditions. There was nothing wrong with me before I went in. And I'm still plagued by everything till this minute. The paper says I have one year to appeal, if I had the strength my NOD would be on its way tomorrow. It is time to put my boxing gloves on. I'm going in swinging. Feels good to vent a little. On a positive note $492 is better than the $000 I had before and after I let the anger go that is how I will continue to look at it. Diapers and wipes and milk are very costly. -Natalie Natallie, Trust me I know that feeling when the pit of your stomach just sinks in and you feel like throwing up. Then comes the anger....But there is a way you can win your case. File an appeal "NOD by a Decision Review Officer" and then get all your medical records, everything from the military to the VA and any private records. Get copies of all Xray reports and any MRI reports. Also get a copy of the MRI disc. Then contact Dr. Craig Bash and talk with him about looking over you records and see if he can see anything on connecting the dots. I cannot say he will but most of the time he already knows if he can just by hearing your story over the phone. He will tell you right then and there. Yes he is expensive but it will pay for itself in the long run...These denials from the VA is right up his alley because Dr. Bash is a Specialists that has 2 more years of college than most doctors... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonio Posted April 11, 2013 Share Posted April 11, 2013 I failed to mention in my previous post that I also used Dr.Craig Bash & my Claim is also in DRO review process in Atlanta as well. It will be money well spent for you to forward a copy of your c-file and any medical documentation for an IMO (independent medical opinion) by Dr.Bash, Keep your head up and keep us posted on your journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimmy Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 Congrats on 30%! This is a journey and you are well on your way. Don't be discouraged. Keep pressing on! I am so happy for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cham1968 Posted April 19, 2013 Share Posted April 19, 2013 Thanks yall. Yes, my claim was processed at the Atlanta RO. You have a decision is a great start! Like someone suggested just take a deep breath get all your papers back together and begin the rest of your fight. Don't let it frustrate you to a point of not enjoying that which you have(family). That's a blessing within itself. So continue to hit this site and please vent if needed. Congratulations on that 30% and Good luck with the rest God Bless KC also stuck in the ATL RO your decision gives me a little more hope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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