Not Sure Of My Odds Winning Tdiu.

[Adrianaj]

I am aware of the rules for filing TDIU as I am only 60%. However, I still want to apply using the special criteria if you don't meet the 70% rating. I have 50% for migraines which is the highest they can be rated. I have episodes sometimes twice a day lasting hours causing me to be in total darkness and silence. I have trouble doing my daily duties as a mom and wife and need help from my husband and mom. I was laid off from my job due to reduction in force but I know that my disabilities played a factor. I am not fit for any type of work because of the frequency and intensity of the migraines. Don't get me wrong, I would love to continue working but I would be no good to any employer. It really is depressing. Has anyone had any success being awarded TDIU for migraines? If so please share any information that would help or ease my mind. I know it is a long shot but I will try anyway. Also how should I file? I have a DAV rep helping me but not so sure if they have my best interest at heart because of their caseload.

[Philip Rogers]

I'm waiting for my decision on TDIU. I just read something that makes me ask the question: According to my SO I can not file for Tinnitus as the VA gave me hearing aids which I do not use as it makes it worse. Therefore the question is she accurate?

notapb1 - your SO is a freaking idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would absolutely rescind your POA with him/her and "I" would spread the word at your VA as to what a idiot he/she is.

You should file a claim, prior to 12/31/2014, so when you get awarded it, you don't lose any comp increase you may receive. Bear in mind that tinnitus pays a flat 10%, which depending on how your current 80% totals, may mean no additional comp payment (VA math).

I, personally don't understand why hearing aids make your tinnitus worse, as to my knowledge, the noise is actually in your head???

pr

[broncovet]

PR is correct. Personally, I have both:

1. Hearing aids supplied by VA (hearing loss disability is 10%)

2. Compensation (10%) for tinnitus.

Your SO is incorrect. Many Vets have tinnitus/hearing loss/ hearing aids..all 3, as I do. This is not unusual.

[notapb1]

PR and broncovet,

Thanks for the response. Yes the noise is in my head. The type of Hearing Aids I have are molded to the outer ear. When I talk it's like an echo in my head. If I'm sitting in a quiet room it is louder to me. My wife walked downstairs one morning and asked how I could stand it being so quiet? I said it wasn't, as to the ringing and voices in my head. lol.

I am waiting for an answer on my TDUI which should be soon. If I submit another claim which would have to attach to the original will it not make it longer?

I had planned to rescind with my SO for other reasons, but felt I should wait until the outcome of the TDUI. Unless it won't effect that.

Thanks again,

Edited December 22, 2014 by notapb1

[carolinian]

When I put my claim in 2012 I was told that a veteran cannot receive compensation for hearing loss and tinnitus. We are our own best advocate and the best way to learn is to learn the regulations they are suppose to be using. The only way to get clarity is to find it in black and white. I love the folks here in this website because so many people have been fighting tooth and nails with the VA for a long time. Knowledge is power and it is good we can agree on something and that is get everything that we deserve including spouses of veterans that took care of our kids, home and waited faithfully for us. I just wanted to give a shout out to all spouses that stand by their significant other while they continue the VA fight. The only way to find out if you will get denied is to file the claim and see. Good luck to all!

[broncovet]

Notapb1

Most Vets advocates agree its not a good idea to fire your VSO in the middle of a claim. The VA does not need much of an excuse to delay you, so dont give em one if you can help it. Worse, they could send notices to your VSO, and, if you pull their POA, then you would not get those notices. This said, watch that VSO like a hawk to make sure (s)he is not booby trapping your claim with incompetence.

Carolinian

VA has almost as many "protections" for incompetent VSO's as they do "protections" for crooked VA executives, and that's a lot! For your SO to feed you KRAP like you can not get tinnitus and hearing loss is beyond just "incompetence" and laziness. Remember, its written into the VSO charter that VSO's have to "cooperate" with VA. You have an instant conflict of interest, which, of course, Veterans are not told about.

It would be like if your neighbor sued you, and you went to his attorney and asked him to represent you in the suit, also. An attorney can not represent both sides, but a VSO can/does.

[K9MAL]

Most Vets advocates agree its not a good idea to fire your VSO in the middle of a claim. The VA does not need much of an excuse to delay you, so dont give em one if you can help it. Worse, they could send notices to your VSO, and, if you pull their POA, then you would not get those notices. This said, watch that VSO like a hawk to make sure (s)he is not booby trapping your claim with incompetence.

I just pulled mine after his feeble attempts at my DRO hearing. In the past 2 years I've never received a single thing from the VFW concerning any of my contentions. So, for me, no notices before I rescinded POA and no notices after.