This is my first post but I have been reading and researching on these forums for a long time.
Hopefully someone can shed a little light on my situation. Or maybe ease my mind.
I am currently rated at 70% combined. I have a lower back rating of 40% and 5 other 10% ratings. About a year ago I filed for individual unemployability and was denied. I have 4 destroyed discs in my lower back and 3 more damaged ones in my upper spine. I recently got a spinal cord stimulator implanted, I am actually still recovering from the surgery. I also have nerve damage in one of my legs and am forced to walk with a cane.
I filed for unemployability due to the fact my service connected disability caused me to lose my job. I was forced to medically retire. I was advised by my VA doctor to stop working. I attempted to go through vocational rehab but they told me they could not find a career path for me due to my multiple disabilities and the fact I am only going to get worse. They then sent me to Independent Living and I am currently awaiting one more letter in the mail from my doctor (which has been completed) to receive the items I requested. I also applied for and received a handicapped placard for my vehicle (the VA doctor completed the paperwork stating I have permanent disabilities). My wife is also my caretaker and receives a stipend from the VA at the tier 2 level. I have also filed for another increase for depression and anxiety as secondary due to losing my career, as well as a rating for all the scars from my surgeries and others I got while still in the military. I am still waiting for those to work their way through the system.
During my C&P exam for my back to get my rating raised and IU, in the block or question that asks if I have been forced to miss work for more than 6 weeks I answered yes and it was documented. From my research I found that is supposed to give me 60%. Just with this increase it seems I should be rated a minimum of 80% combined.
I feel that the only things working against me are my age and my appearance. I know this sounds strange but I am only 39 and I always tried to take really good care of myself. If someone were to just look at me I do not look disabled.
Due to the denial of IU I hired an attorney to help me appeal. I was just tired of dealing with it on my own.... They took my case on contingency so that makes me feel like I have a pretty good chance of winning. I have a DRO hearing coming up on the 7th of July. I am curious what these hearings are like. I read that they are pretty casual, but is it different with a lawyer? Also based on what I said (I know the information is not complete) what are everyones thoughts on my chances of IU or an increase? My DRO hearing is in Nevada if that makes a difference.
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Usetacould
This is my first post but I have been reading and researching on these forums for a long time.
Hopefully someone can shed a little light on my situation. Or maybe ease my mind.
I am currently rated at 70% combined. I have a lower back rating of 40% and 5 other 10% ratings. About a year ago I filed for individual unemployability and was denied. I have 4 destroyed discs in my lower back and 3 more damaged ones in my upper spine. I recently got a spinal cord stimulator implanted, I am actually still recovering from the surgery. I also have nerve damage in one of my legs and am forced to walk with a cane.
I filed for unemployability due to the fact my service connected disability caused me to lose my job. I was forced to medically retire. I was advised by my VA doctor to stop working. I attempted to go through vocational rehab but they told me they could not find a career path for me due to my multiple disabilities and the fact I am only going to get worse. They then sent me to Independent Living and I am currently awaiting one more letter in the mail from my doctor (which has been completed) to receive the items I requested. I also applied for and received a handicapped placard for my vehicle (the VA doctor completed the paperwork stating I have permanent disabilities). My wife is also my caretaker and receives a stipend from the VA at the tier 2 level. I have also filed for another increase for depression and anxiety as secondary due to losing my career, as well as a rating for all the scars from my surgeries and others I got while still in the military. I am still waiting for those to work their way through the system.
During my C&P exam for my back to get my rating raised and IU, in the block or question that asks if I have been forced to miss work for more than 6 weeks I answered yes and it was documented. From my research I found that is supposed to give me 60%. Just with this increase it seems I should be rated a minimum of 80% combined.
I feel that the only things working against me are my age and my appearance. I know this sounds strange but I am only 39 and I always tried to take really good care of myself. If someone were to just look at me I do not look disabled.
Due to the denial of IU I hired an attorney to help me appeal. I was just tired of dealing with it on my own.... They took my case on contingency so that makes me feel like I have a pretty good chance of winning. I have a DRO hearing coming up on the 7th of July. I am curious what these hearings are like. I read that they are pretty casual, but is it different with a lawyer? Also based on what I said (I know the information is not complete) what are everyones thoughts on my chances of IU or an increase? My DRO hearing is in Nevada if that makes a difference.
Thank you in advance for any information.
"Usetacould"
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63SIERRA
its HIGHLY likely that many of your disabilities are lower than they actually should be.. Take close examination of what you are being rated for, and if it actually fits your condition. It seems th
USMC_VET
because they have no reason to help out in a timely fashion. For arguments sake lets say its predetermined you will win... If they help quickly and efficiently - you get the TDIU from here on
Usetacould
I got the call from my lawyer that they approved Unemployability monday, they conceded before my hearing. Then she emailed me tuedsay that it is going to be permanent and total. The weight has been li
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