Remanded Appeal? Now what?

[SecurityForces03]

Hi All,

This morning, ebenefits was pending decision dispatch. Now it says this:

12/17/2015

Remanded Appeal

Your appeal has been sent back for further development by the Board to the Appeals Management Center or to the office that made the original decision on your case.

Does anyone know what this entails? Is this bad? Any info would be appreciated.

[SecurityForces03]

Retro is paid if your combined rating increases. If your old rating was 70% and your new rating is 80%, you would get retro for the difference back to the effective date of when the combined rating changed.For example, if you were single with no dependents, at 70% you would get $1,334.71, but at 80% it would be $1,551.48, which is a difference of $216.77. If your combined rating increased effective six months ago, just multiple that amount and you would be due $1,300.62 retro. Those are based on the current rates. Of course, if you are married, have dependents, etc..., it could fluctuate based on those factors.  Here's a link to the $ tables: http://www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/resources_comp01.asp

The VA uses an odd algorithm to calculate combined ratings. Basically, the closer your rating gets to 100%, more or higher ratings are required to increase it. Simple math is not used: 10%+10% = 20%. Instead it is more like 10%+10% = 19%, which is rounded up to 20%. The table is linked here and reads like stereo instructions: http://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp

However, you can plug in your individual ratings into these calculators to determine what your combined rating is. For example, if you only have two ratings, like 70% + 40%, it does not equal 110%. It is calculated to 82%, which is rounded to the nearest 10%, which would be an 80% rating.

Hadit (web-based)
http://www.hadit.com/disability-calculator

Hutsky (Microsoft Excel-based)
https://sites.google.com/site/hutskysdesk
 

I hope this helps!

Thank you! Yes, I am very familiar with their rating calculators. My current rating is as follows:

10% Tinnitus

70% PTSD

From Appeal: 40% for Testicular Issues

From Appeal: PTSD Date remanded to RO for further review

My question is, I want to know if the new 40% is effective now? Or do I have to wait until the PTSD is decided? It's just for a date change.

[Vync]

I think it will be calculated in effective back to the date when you filed. Once your PTSD is finished, I believe the same will apply. I have a feeling you will at least get boosted to 80% combined or hopefully more, but keep in mind that the VA often does not do anything which makes any sense. Fingers crossed for you!

[SecurityForces03]

I think it will be calculated in effective back to the date when you filed. Once your PTSD is finished, I believe the same will apply. I have a feeling you will at least get boosted to 80% combined or hopefully more, but keep in mind that the VA often does not do anything which makes any sense. Fingers crossed for you!

I agree. So, I'd think they would change me to 80% immediately. Once the PTSD issue has been resolved (more exams), that will change as well.

Could it be "possible" that my percentage will be different on this coming month?

[SecurityForces03]

Looked in all the right places on ebenefits this morning. Nothing yet. Any insight?

[SecurityForces03]

Update: Spoke with DAV Rep, senior leader at their Washington DC office. He explained that my case went to AMC for adjudication. 

The 40% increase, back pay, and new percentage will take up to 6 months to process. He explained it that the BVA is not like an RO and can't do payments. AMC is the BVA's RO or payment center.

The PTSD has to have a second review from a doctor to make sure anxiety and depression is part of PTSD. Ridiculous, I know.

Positives: Increase from 0 to 40% for testicle issues. DAV supervisor said the PTSD remand is no big deal. Also stated that AMC isn't quite a "black hole" as it used to be perceived.

Edited December 18, 2015 by SecurityForces03

[Vync]

Update: Spoke with DAV Rep, senior leader at their Washington DC office. He explained that my case went to AMC for adjudication. 

The 40% increase, back pay, and new percentage will take up to 6 months to process. He explained it that the BVA is not like an RO and can't do payments. AMC is the BVA's RO or payment center.

The PTSD has to have a second review from a doctor to make sure anxiety and depression is part of PTSD. Ridiculous, I know.

Positives: Increase from 0 to 40% for testicle issues. DAV supervisor said the PTSD remand is no big deal. Also stated that AMC isn't quite a "black hole" as it used to be perceived.

Wow, six months? Well, at least you know it is in the system. Just don't go out and spend it ahead of time - wait until you see it in the bank.

Yeah, the VA like the PTSD part to be confirmed by their own people. This part does not make any sense at all to me. The depression part should not really matter, but I guess because it was tied to the PTSD claim...