Should I File Other Claims After 100% P&t Award?

[georgiapapa]

Would it make sense for me to pursue additional claims after being awarded 100% P&T-no future exams?

I just received the brown envelope with my award notice today. I also just sent the VA an informal claim notice in November for new claims for IHD and adjustment disorder with anxiety & depression.

QUESTION: Is there any reason I should not go ahead and pursue my new claim for agent orange presumptive IHD?

I would like to be service connected for IHD in the event I die from a heart attack. This would give my wife another route for a DIC claim.

QUESTION: Should I pursue my adjustment disorder claim?

I see this as a potential problem because it is the type of claim where VA might require continuous exams and I would prefer keep future exams to a minimum.

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanks,

Georgiapapa...

[JT24usn]

The IHD is your decision. Hopefully enough sound advice has been given.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp

[meghp0405]

This would definately depend on the disabilities that you are currently service connected for. If, for an example you have 10% for an ankle injury. you have not had this ankle checked by a doctor in a couple of years, the reviewer(s) at VA will, say, this hasn't been checked or anything annotated, they will send you a letter stating a proposal of reducing your % for your ankle. That could effect the overall disability.

If you have a life threatening disability that is service connected I would submit a claim. If you pass away from a service-connected disability, your spouse will be entitled to the DIC benefit.

If you have been 100% for longer than 10 years, I would NOT submit a claim regardless! Your surviving spouse is automatically entitled to DIC after the 10 year rule.

lastly, being 100%, VA is going to take care of you whether or not your complaint is SC or not.

Hope I haven't confused you...

\\

[georgiapapa]

Thanks for the input.

Georgiapapa...