diabetes Smc For 100% Plus 60%

[fisherman]

I applied for under agent orange my diabetes II for my service connection from Viet Nam service in the first part of August. I am taking metformin 500mg twice a day, and told to diet and exercise. Today Sept 27 I received a phone call from the VA making an appointment for next Tuesday Oct 2 2012 for C&P for my claim. I don't know what to make of this because I thought I would have to go threw a big process to get this done. In my claim I didn't ask for SMC at this time will they award this without asking? I asked the person who called if I needed blood work and she said no just bring my medicines I take. Today I went to that C&P and the guy told me this was a simple matter, VA only wanted to make sure I had Diabetes II, He ask if I had any medical information other than the VA and I said no. I also got a package from the regional office with forms I signed at the DVA for no more evidence decide my claim. I am completely at a loss about this, could someone help me to understand what I should expect. I am 100%PTSD 40%hearing 10% tinnitus plus the diabetes rating, will I qualify? Many thanks

Edited October 2, 2012 by fisherman

[Chuck75]

The VA has a reputation and rather obvious history of denials, regs or not, and hoping that the veteran does not submit a "timely appeal".

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained" seems to be the governing factor.

After all, the majority of denials are not appealed. And, lets say that 50% of the appealed denials are reversed, or require further RO work.

The VA still comes out ahead.

Think of the bureaucratic man-hours expended, and how they inflate personnel numbers and budgets.

Then, assume that 50% of the denials were not appealed, or the appeal was denied for various reasons.

It's a win win for the VA, anyway you look at it.

John...

Exactly. If you expect the Va to follow regs in YOUR favor, you are likely to be disappointed. The VA, however, will follow the regs to the letter to deny you..if they have the chance.

[john999]

Even when you win a big retro claim the VA parcels the compensation out according to what the rating percentages were worth back in the day up until the present. If I understand correctly if you were to get 100% effective 1980 you get 1980 money up until the next cola and on and on to the present. It always is in the VA's advantage to deny a claim moneywise.