Difference Between Pyramiding, New And Old Conditions

[cowgirl]

Okay here goes. hope my inquiry makes some sense, feeling anxious sometimes keeps me from trying.

Depression claim is in, recently denied 'nexus", new clear diagnosis submitted and hoping for best, even before Christmas~!.

Submitted SC condition increase request due to increased VA (varicous veins.) Now two "other" health conditions are troubling me; one previously denied with new IMO details and two other SC issues, lumbar and knee, .

I want to be successful in getting treatment and compensation. Are these claims too many? IF i request increases on currently SC items, is that pyramiding? thanks, cg

[Vike17]

Cowgirl,

I'm sorry to say that your inquiry doesn't really doesn't make sense. You stated;

Depression claim is in, recently denied 'nexus", new clear diagnosis submitted and hoping for best, even before Christmas~!

Are you saying you previuosly claimed depression and were denied on the basis of not being able to show a nexus between your current condition and your military service, and now have submitted a current diagnosis as new and material evidence to re-open the claim? If this is the case, then submitting a "new clear diagnosis" won't do any good. If your claim was first denied because there wasn't a nexus between your current disability and your miltary service, then you'll need to submit evidence to that effect; meaning you need to produce evidence that show a connection between your current depression and your military service. This would probably mean some sort of continuity of treatment from time of discharge to the present or an strong IMO from your shrink.

Submitted SC condition increase request due to increased VA (varicous veins.) Now two "other" health conditions are troubling me; one previously denied with new IMO details and two other SC issues, lumbar and knee

Did you file for an increase in evaluation for an already service-connected Varicous Veins? What was the 'other' condition that is troubling you that was previuosly denied? Did you try to re-open that denied claim with an IMO? Have you already filed for an increase in evaluation for your service-connected low back and knee?

I want to be successful in getting treatment and compensation. Are these claims too many? IF i request increases on currently SC items, is that pyramiding? thanks

There is no such thing as "too many" claims if they are legitamate? Requesting increases for disabilities already service-connected by VA isn't pyriamiding! Pyriamiding is the term used by VA that prohibits them from awarding service-connection of a body part more than once. For example, you cannot be awarded service-connection for a lumbar strain and IVDS, they both cover the low back. Another example would be the VA cannot award service-connection for depression and PTSD, those two are both mental disabilities. Does this make sense? The only body part or joint that can be rated for more than one disability without pyriamiding is the knee.

Vike 17

Edited December 18, 2006 by Vike17

[cowgirl]

Vike 17, thanks for the feedback, I must have jumbled my thoughts a bit, you helped me reconnect them!

I'm sorry to say that your inquiry doesn't really doesn't make sense. Okay, I find myself,aging in several quadrants and those multiple body parts are griping all at once. Sorta scared and find it hard to hang 'disability" laundry list out. Still reeling first disability claim comments being a"sick call list" very depressing and insulting;

Thanks, this is what is going on, you are a mind reader! SO and I submitted it and they thinks its a go. If your claim was first denied because there wasn't a nexus between your current disability and your miltary service, then you'll need to submit evidence to that effect; meaning you need to produce evidence that show a connection between your current depression and your military service. This would probably mean some sort of continuity of treatment from time of discharge to the present or an strong IMO from your shrink.

Edited November 18, 2007 by cowgirl

[Vike17]

Now things are a bit clearer!

You do not need an IMO for an increase in evaluation, it's already service-connected! When a veteran files for an increase in evalution, the only thing the VA needs to see are medical records since the last C&P exam. They also base their evaluation(s) from current finding, such as range of motion (depending on what disability they are looking at) ect...

Filing additional claims on top of claims already in the works may slow down the overall process. I'm not saying it will in your case but it is a possibility. Having said that, you should file any legitimate claims ASAP to protectthe effective date.

You said you may "try" for IU. Did you loose your job to any service-connected disabilities? If so, then file the IU form! If not and you are still working, don't throw a claim out there that has no merit.

Vike 17