How Long Do I Have?

[USCG CWO4]

It is less than a year since i retired and i have submitted my claim and it is almost finished. I have reciently been diagnosed with something by and outside Doctor and the diagnosis has been confirmed by a VA Doctor. I had not previously claimed this issue. How much time do you have to claim something? Is it to late or do i have to try and prove service connection? I am sure this is written somewhere so if anyone can point me in the correct direction I would appreciate it.

Take care

[Berta]

John is right on the mark.

It sounds like you meet the 'at least 10% level and would not need to prove a stressor,due to the point John made.

[Teac]

The most important thing is thing is to file for the MDD now, it is very likely you will have to do a C/P exam, but if it means your rated 100% then that should bother you too much.

[meghp0405]

i would agree with any above, you should file your claim now. It has been my experience that if a veteran files a claim for any type of mental health disease or neurological issues, regardless of a DBQ or not, the VA will do a subsquent C/P exam.

[USCG CWO4]

Well I got the DBQ done by my Doctor. Same diagnosis, MDD and Genralized Anxiety. I taked to the DAV and they told me, because I am still waiting on retro and final outcome of my intitial, that it may delay those by up to a year. At this point I don't care, been through to much to stop now. Praying that the DBQ is enough because I don't want to do a C&P exam. I did see a VA Doctor and gave him the diagnosis from my Doctor and he concured with the diagnosis, but it was not a C & P exam. I only have a month until my magic year is up, so I need to file now.

One question I have is what do I need to get it SC. In the DBQ axis III the Doctor cites 2 SC disabilities that I am already rated for...is that good enough? If not do I need to write a letter? Should I just file and see what happens and go from there?

Thanks for all your help so far.

Take Care

Bob

[USCG CWO4]

OK talked with the DAV today and was told to not file for the MDD and to just request T&P, due to my current disabilities. Any thoughts? I will hit my year mark on 01 May...would that prevent me from filing for the MDD in the future. Nervious about what to do!

[71M10]

The one year on chronic conditions is Diagnosis, Clearly you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition within the first year of your retirement.

Personally, I think your DAV guy is an Idiot. He tells you not to file on this because it could delay your retro/final outcome. He also tells you it is in Preperation for Notification (This indicates it has been authorized/approved). He thinks you should ask for T&P? is he indicating you need toilet paper or is he telling you should request Permanent and Total ? I don't see what good requesting permanent and total will do on a 90% award. Even if that had any real benefit, it would still trigger VA to have to evaluate and change the decision (that according to him is made).

My unprofessional and untrained opinion: File your new condition, revoke your POA with DAV and this idiot, and whatever you do don't buy a lifetime membership from some misguided thought of appreciation for the job they have done for you (current advice seems poor).

Best regards,