haparnold66 Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 (edited) Claim filed (Oakland VARO): Aug 21, 2013 Decision (Phoenix VARO): Jun 10, 2014 Retro to Sep 01, 2013 deposited: Jun 13, 2014 BBE arrived: Jun 14, 2014 PTSD s/c: 70% DM type II s/c (Agent Orange presumptive): 10% Hearing loss (1 ear): denied Total rating: 70% After I had my 3 C&Ps @ McClellan, CA in March, 2014, the process seemed to gain momentum. My VAHC primary doctor prescribed oral medication for the DM type II condition in late May, 2014; therefore I have now filed for an additional 10% rating for DM type II. Should that be approved, my total rating will increase to 80%. I wish to add that I have been in the VAHC system since October, 2008. I was in rather desperate straits at that time (living out of my car) and turned to the VAHC system in Phoenix (yes, THAT one!). When I sat down with the intake counselor, I felt scared and alone. He looked over my DD-214 and his first comment to me was, "Vietnam, eh? We have lots of programs for you." I have never felt so relieved in my life. I was admitted to a vets' shelter for 3 months while I was finding a job. I stayed in the VAHC system when I returned to California and have had experience with it in Oceanside/Escondido, CA (San Diego area); Oakhurst, CA (Fresno area); and Mather, CA (NoCal area) - in addition to Phoenix. While the VAHC system has taken a beating in the media and before Congress (deservedly so), my personal experience with it and those who work for it has been nothing but positive. My claims process took much less time than I expected in the beginning. I do know that it helps to have one's "ducks in a row" before filing. Though I did not use a VSO, a competent one can be very helpful. In summary, I must say that I am so very grateful for what the VA has been able to do for me. I thank every American taxpayer for footing the bill. I view it as a huge "Welcome Home" for military service so long ago. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it. Edited June 18, 2014 by haparnold66 Jim MAC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Computer Tech Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 Congratulations on the win. Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyWife Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the details of your story. It helps others to know a little bit what to expect. I'm curious of two things. At what point did they send your claim to a different regional office? Did you get the ratings that you were expecting? PS --if you're not working, be sure to file for TDIU & Social Security disability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marine0816 Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 (edited) good luck Edited June 17, 2014 by marine0816 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
63SIERRA Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 HELL YEAH. FILE FOR TDUI .. 100 percent. equivilent. Also keep this in mind, the VA should have been paying you for PTSD since the day you stepped foot out of vietnam. You accumulatively missed out on likely hundreds of thousands of dollars Of EARNED benifits. Its not charity. NavyWife 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killemall Posted June 17, 2014 Share Posted June 17, 2014 Thank you for your service and congrats brother Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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