Just diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome

[allansc2005]

Afternoon folks, new kid on the block here.

 

Last week I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome, which is an autoimmune syndrome, it's also known as Siccus Syndrome.

 

I was going through the VA's lists of medical conditions, and didn't fine the condition.

 

Anyone have any information on how the VA rates Sjogren's or Siccus Syndrome?

Thanks,

Allan

 

 

 

 

 

 

[allansc2005]

Berta,

Honestly I don't know if the SSDI is solely for SC or not.

I started receiving SC in 1990, applied for and finally got SSDI in 2001.

SS sent me to their Dr., if that helps.

 

 

[Berta]

An SSDI award solely for SC conditions is very probative evidence for TDIU.Solely is the key word.

I am sure the SSDI office could tell you exactly what the SSDI is for.

[allansc2005]

Berta,

I will certainly contact SSDI and ask them if my award was connected to my SC.

 

On another subject, because I got out in 1990, and have many compensation awards since then, the last being in 2014, am I still qualified for vocational rehab?

 

Thanks.

 

[Berta]

VOC Rehab is explained here:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

If VA  Voc Rehab states that this program is unfeasible for a veteran,solely  due to their SCs, then that also is probative evidence for TDIU.

[allansc2005]

Berta,

The problem I'm having is getting an answer to this question: How long after I was discharged, will I be eligible for Voc Rehab?

 

Nowhere in the links you provided, nor on the VA's website, does it answer this question.

I have already applied for Voc Rehab WEEKS ago on my Ebenefits page, and have gotten no response. 

 

 

[Berta]

http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/eligibility_and_entitlement.asp

"Veterans are eligible if they:

·         Have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable

·         Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA

·         Apply for VR&E services

Basic period of Eligibility

The basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from the date of notification of one of the following:

·         Date of separation from active military service, or

·         Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines that a Veteran has a Serious Employment Handicap.

Veterans are eligible if they:

·         Have received a discharge that is other than dishonorable

·         Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from VA

·         Apply for VR&E services

Basic period of Eligibility

The basic period of eligibility ends 12 years from the date of notification of one of the following:

·         Date of separation from active military service, or

·         Date the veteran was first notified by VA of a service-connected disability rating.

The basic period of eligibility may be extended if a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) determines that a Veteran has a Serious Employment Handicap."

 

For example: my husband received his first VA award for SC in 1983 (30% PTSD)

His USN ended in 1980, his USMC discharge was in 1968.

He went into Voc Rehab in 1988. He was employed by the VA at that time.

 

I dont know how they determine "serious employment handicap" for the extension. maybe I can find more on that at the BVA site.