ptsd Adding Disability's to already P&T SMC-S

[Buck52]

Question

Can a veteran file for other disabilitys   I am already 100% P&T & SMC-S H.B.!  & later come down with other disability's to file for.

My reason for asking is I have a couple more disability's that I need to get SERVICE CONNECTED.

I have a VA Diagnoses for Sleep Apnea  and useing a C-PAP Order by thr VA Sleep Clinic.

Should I file a Claim for  Sleep Apnea  Secondary/ Aggravated by 70% S.C. PTSD AND Meds from it.??

someone mention to me that I don't need to file anymore  or your taking a chance they reduce your ratings you have now....even if I don't get any more $$$ I want to get my VA Diagnose of Sleep Apnea S.C.

For DIC purposes  I am rated 100&P&T AND 70% Direct Service Connected PTSD &SMC-S H.B. at current.

any thoughts from anyone? 

.................Buck

I 

[brokensoldier244th]

If you die in your sleep from Apnea and its not connected then your family will not qualify for DIC.

[Buck52]

yes I agree, but does it piss the raters off filing for so many different conditions?

what would happen if I was rated for S.A.? HOW WOULD THEY FIGURE THE THAT IN  WITH WHAT i CURRENTLY HAVE.?

I mean I don't want to be greedy or anything like that  beause I am ok with my current ratings...but as you mention if I died from S.A./OSA

Then nothing for the spouse (NO DIC)

Anybody else care to comment?

Thank You

[Mike_S]

I'm looking for the same answer but I'm P&T getting 100% for TDIU 70% rating for disabilities. I think the P&T could mean permanent and temporary.

They could easily get pissed and change it.

There are claims I should appeal and I have a few months left for that and a NOD. I am preparing everything while I decide.

I think ASKNOD would probably tell me to file everything.

[brokensoldier244th]

If you were rated for SA it would add to your overall percentage but you would see no change in compensation. Other than it being SC you would notice nothing different. I know there are people that have had negative dealings with VA but ive been working with them for 12 years (not employee, just as a veteran filing claims) and Ive only had 1 appeal and it was my own fault for not having all my evidence squared away at the time.

 

[opinion]There are so many of us that file that I seriously doubt that VA rater Number 45732 look at your claim and takes it personally. They get paid well enough as it is, its not hurting them one way or the other. Therefore if you have a doctor that has DX the apnea as service connected then even if your rater misses it (and they should not if you call attention to it in your claim) you will win your appeal. They can't keep up with the claims they have now I dont' know where this idea that they will deliberately go look through your file to find something to reduce comes from, especially if you have been going to treatment for it regularly and there is no change. Its too exhausting to go through the day looking at every negative What IF with VA, its not worth it. Put your claim together, dot your I's, cross your T's and send it in, then get on with whatever you normally do. [/opinion]

Edited June 17, 2016 by brokensoldier244th

[Buck52]

Roger that brokensoldier 244t!