** Hickory** New Member - Looking For Help

[hickory]

I am S.C for a Anxiety Disorder at 50%. The V.A. has proposed to reduce the 50% down to 10%.Requested a reduction hearing, at the hearing I had a mental melt down. I think I was able to answer all the questions. The hearing Officer stopped the hearing a couple of times for me. Question How bad is this going to be for me?

[carlie]

I moved your topic to where member's would see it.

[free_spirit_etc]

Personally, I think having a mental "melt down" might be evidence that your anxiety is somewhat disabling. Did they say on what basis they want to reduce you?

[Navy04]

Hickory,

I know how you feel. I have a 30% for my PTSD/Anxiety and it is temporary. I have a FDC in to have it upped since I can not work anymore and currently applied for SSDI. I am very anxious about them trying to screw me, like they are trying with you. Just fight bud. God bless you and I wish you the best.

[broncovet]

You just have to be patient and wait for the results. I have even heard of VA proposing a reduction and the Veterans gets even more benefits, ultimately. Keep checking ebenefits, and appeal the reduction if you dispute it.

If you appeal the reduction, take Katrina Eagle's (Veterans law attorney) advice.

Importantly, dont try to prove you meet the criteria for x percent. Instead, show that you have not improved since your last rating decision. You see, the rating schedule basically includes language to the effect "for symptoms such as"....ok? This does not mean they are the only symptoms, or that you have to have any of the "suggested" symptoms..it is a judgement call by the rating specialist, that you meet the criteria for x percent at the time of your rating.

The VA needs to show you "actually improved", and if you are P and T, you "actually improved under ordinary conditions of life" (that is, you are working since "ordinary" people work, disabled people do not. How long have had your rating they are reducing???

Do your homework and read all about rating reductions. You did the right thing requesting a hearing. Now you wait.

Edited October 24, 2013 by broncovet