penmar Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 Congrats brother! Have not been on here in awhile would you give us a timeline on your claim went from when you first received your 90% and how long it took you to get your final award? Enjoy, take a great big deep breath and say ahhhhhhh.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdman Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 I started my claim I think in 2011. I filed for a few things. was denied. I was given 0% for a broken hand to start. I then filed for Major Depressive Disorder. My wife didn't want me to file for it. She saw it as airing dirty laundry(I tried to commit suicide on AD that is why she felt that way). Anyway was given 30% for the MDD. I appealed it because they lowballed me. They never considered my suicide on AD because when i read the records they used the treatment records for my in patient were not included. I got the records and submitted them for an appeal. I then went thru my STRs with a fine tooth comb. I filed for GERD, Hypothyroidism, and Chronic Fatigue along with Sleep Apnea. in October 2013 I went from 30% to 90%. They gave me 30% for GERD/IBS, 10% for Hypothyroidism and 60% for Chronic Fatigue. My appeal was also granted and they gave me an increase for MDD to 70%. Immediately after the award I began researching my Hypothyroidism. I had a lot of weight gain since being diagnosed in 1995 and gained over 100lbs since discharge. In 2009 I was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 and in 2011 I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. I was denied prior for Sleep Apnea because it was not diagnosed in service. I filed a claim in November 2013 for Hypothyroidism increase, Diabetes secondary to Hypothyroidism due to Weight Gain, Sleep Apnea secondary to Hypothyroidism due to Weight Gain. I also filed for IU just in case I was not awarded. Well Sept 11 my claim was closed. I found out today I was awarded 50% for Sleep Apnea and 20% for Diabetes. Nothing else was increased. This put me to 100% and they awarded me P&T. My advice to anyone fighting the VA is NEVER GIVE UP!!! When I first started trying to get compensation I consulted with a Pro Bono Attorney. She told me she would not help me because I did not have a shot at any compensation. This motivated me! I read the CFR. I researched my conditions. When the VA tells you NO don't give up... On my first claim I applied for Mononucleosis(had it 5 times over a period of 4-5 years). Was denied... Told no residuals. I didn't give up. I researched Mono and learned that after 6 months mono turns into CFS. I then filed for CFS presumptive to GWI. I had the medical documentation and they gave me 60%. Thanks for the well wishes everyone. I am so relieved that I dont have to do anymore but in a way the VA claims kept me motivated. It was not easy but it is WELL worth it in the long run. My goal was never about the money.. I have an autistic son and the CHAMPVA benefits will allow him more help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgiapapa Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 jdman, I have an autistic granddaughter and I have witnessed the struggle and challenges my son and daughter-in-law go through trying to get their daughter the type of special help she needs. I hope Champva provides a lot of help for your son. I wish you and your family good luck and good health. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkInTexas Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Congratulations on the win! And thanks for your service to our nation! Mark USAF Active Duty 1988-1994 Security Police - Law Enforcement Specialist Thank you all for your service to our great nation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Computer Tech Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 JDman, Congratulations on the win and thank you for your service. Rick Take nothing but pictures Leave nothing but footprints Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosypalm Posted November 3, 2014 Share Posted November 3, 2014 Oohrah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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