Questions On Things Being Sc

[thashow2k1]

So I'm getting out of the air force after 9 years in, and I've been diagnosed with sleep apnea (with cpap), ulcerative colitis and pes planks. Most of these things I've seen a specialist already for and received treatments. And I've attained copy's of all visits for VA storm I've been hearing about. I plan on filing all these claims upon the 180 day mark. How difficult will it be to get compensated for all of these? Thanks!

[broncovet]

What are you doing in the year 2028, or maybe 2030? I applied in 2002, and now, 13 years later, Im maybe "getting close" to getting things resolved. I hope you have better luck than the rest of us.

Whatever you do, keep a copy of your SMR's, this is the VA's favorite method of delay/denial is to lose your records. But then, who knows? YOu could get your benefits in as little as 10 years, like some have.

Back in 2002, when I applied, a guy told me he had been waiting 5 years. I did not beleive him, doubting it could ever take 5 years no matter what. Im eating those words.

However, one gal used to post here, got her claim done in 6 months...how? She sent her records in with her claim..copies, of course, and kept the originals.

Edited March 16, 2015 by broncovet (see edit history)

[georgiapapa]

thashow2k1,

As long as your medical conditions are well documented in your SMRs and there has been a continuation of treatment since your diagnosis, you should not have a problem having the conditions service connected and receiving compensation from the VA. Sleep Apnea with CPAP is rated at 50% by itself.

Make sure you follow broncovet's advice and send only copies of records to the VA with your claim. Never send the originals. Also, make sure anything you mail to the VA is sent Certified Mail return receipt requested. The VA does have a habit of losing documents. If you have any medical conditions caused from injuries in service, you may want to get "buddy statements" from other airmen who witnessed the accident causing the injury. Submit the "buddy statements" along with the SMRs showing treatment for the injuries.

Good luck to you and thank you for your service.

GP

[Gastone]

School me, what's the 180 day mark? As long as you have all your SMR's including clinician notes, you should be a prime candidate for the VA's Fully Developed Claim (FDC) program. As long as the VA Rater's don't determine the need for any other Medical information, FDC's can be put to bed in 4-6mos. Don't know the ratings on your other conditions but the SA on bipap is a 50%r. Read in a recent DAV Mag that the VA is giving a bonus of 12 mos additional retro to FDC's filed in 2015.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[Buck52]

Great advise above from these hadit members!

.................Buck!

[vern2]

The 180 mark is what is called the BVDD, and allows vets and retirees to start the claims up to 180 days prior to discharge/retirement. In theory this would speed up your claim, and should be resolved about 6 months after you get out. In reality, not so good. I used to be TAP person at Eglin AFB, and from 04-11, conducted pre-sep briefings for hundreds of AF, NAVY MARINES and ARMY that were stationed at Eglin. Always advised everyone to get sleep study and file for sleep apnea, among other issues. There was a definite spike in sleep apnea claims at my VARO! I used my lessons learned in dealing with VA as example on how to file claim and what to expect.

I had waiting list to attend my pre-sep, pre-retirement briefings.

[thashow2k1]

Wow thanks everyone for the great advice and I already developed a habit of keeping copies because my own clinic loses stuff, i am making sure to continue to get seen and get treatments and make sure everything gets documentes, it's insane, but thanks everyone I'm so glad I joined this forum, I'll continue to research so I'm well prepared and post when I have been granted or denied

[vern2]

Sorry, MEANT TO SAY BDD.

[USN_HM_VSR]

if its diagnosed in service your chance are very good.

[Fat]

Good information Vern2.