Help with some VARO and NOD questions

[Rootbeer112]

Hello,

 

   First time user so please bear with me

 

I got a phone call from my VARO yesterday, apparently the Appeals department he said. I entered an NOD in 2016, for PTSD and Migraines. I sent in DBQ's for both, Nexus letters for both etc... After they received the NOD they requested more information from my Psychologist, which she in turn sent them 38 more pages of treatment. Since then I have heard nothing until yesterday. The man from the VARO said he just had a question about one of my stressors and asked a few questions. He said he had all my other paperwork and DBQ's and Nexus.  He then stated he was the one who gathered the information so I am assuming he was a VSR. At the end of our conversation he said my claim was flagged and needed to be completed quick. I asked how long till it was done, as the cost of my Meds alone is killing me as I have six children to care for etc..... and he said he would give it to the VARO as soon as he was done reviewing it which would be the end of the day, and said by next week!!!!

My questions, is it normal for a VARO to call with questions, and if so how long after will the claim be completed, he said next week but is that even possible I have been waiting awhile, and according to my VSO, VA doctors and my own Psychologist there is no way it shouldn't be approved, which of course now has be thinking it will be ugh.. anyway, any thoughts would help, and thank you all for your service.

[Rootbeer112]

2 hours ago, Gastone said:

Root, the only way "YOU" personally get to talk directly with a DRO or Rater is if they initiate the contact, as in an "Official Informal DRO Evidence Conference" usually requested by the DRO or yourself. A few Hadit Vets report they've been contacted by DROs or Raters by phone.

As to your recent RO visit, did you call ahead and make an appointment with your VSO-POA HQ Honcho, to discuss your need for a Status update? Your VSO-POA at the RO, has direct computer access to your C-File. A VSR can also make direct personal contact with the Rater or DRO assigned to your Claim, usually by just walking down the hall.

What's the date of your NOD?

Semper Fi

I just went down because one of the Vets on here said they walked in and it helped, no I didn't make an appointment. A VSR called me two weeks ago about a truck accident I witnessed while serving, but I didn't list that as one of my Stressors for my NOD. Which I thought kind of strange, but I gave him the information and he said he would forward it to the DRO and my claim would be done soon. That was almost three weeks ago. My NOD was filed in 2016. I have sent in DBQ's, Nexus letters etc...

My NOD is for PTSD as well as Migraines. I also filed a claim for Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD which they have already linked to my PTSD but have yet to approve PTSD so I don't know how that will work out. When I go on Ebenfits and go under Disabilities under PTSD it says not connected which is why I have the NOD working, but then under that there is an arrow stating that my sleep apnea is related secondary to my PTSD?? so again I have no idea how this is going to play out. I can't imagine they don't approve the PTSD but if they do then I guess I get sleep apnea connection as well????

[Buck52]

yes I agree with ya Rootbeer, if they approve your PTSD especially if its chronic B/C certain PTSD Meds that can cause/related OSA & that sleep medications can be related to S.A. or OSA .

So first they rate your PTSD Claim, then they work on the secondary claim for Sleep Apnea , usually a  certified sleep specialist needs to go in full detail as to why the PTSD Meds is related to the OSA

Remember,  Being prescribe a C-pap is no guarantee to win a Secondary S.A. Claim.

I never had S.A. while in the military or never knew what it was, later I developed S.A. ..AFTER BEING DIAGNOSE for chronic PTSD AT 70% 

MH Phyistrist refered me to the sleep clinic Did a sleep study..and was diagnose with S.A. &  prescribe a C-PAP Machine to use  and it helps. 

But never filed a secondary claim for it  b/c of the PTSD Meds...I can't get a Dr to state that the PTSD Meds is the cause or related to my S.A.

I know without that opine from a sleep specialist  that it would be denied.

And private sleep specialist are expensive, usually they will want to give you a sleep study  even if you had one from VA...I can't afford to pay out of pocket.

Edited July 18, 2017 by Buck52

[Rootbeer112]

19 minutes ago, Buck52 said:

yes I agree with ya Rootbeer, if they approve your PTSD especially if its chronic B/C certain PTSD Meds that can cause/related OSA & that sleep medications can be related to S.A. or OSA .

So first they rate your PTSD Claim, then they work on the secondary claim for Sleep Apnea , usually a  certified sleep specialist needs to go in full detail as to why the PTSD Meds is related to the OSA

Remember,  Being prescribe a C-pap is no guarantee to win a Secondary S.A. Claim.

I never had S.A. while in the military or never knew what it was, later I developed S.A. ..AFTER BEING DIAGNOSE for chronic PTSD AT 70% 

MH Phyistrist refered me to the sleep clinic Did a sleep study..and was diagnose with S.A. &  prescribe a C-PAP Machine to use  and it helps. 

But never filed a secondary claim for it  b/c of the PTSD Meds...I can't get a Dr to state that the PTSD Meds is the cause or related to my S.A.

I know without that opine from a sleep specialist  that it would be denied.

And private sleep specialist are expensive, usually they will want to give you a sleep study  even if you had one from VA...I can't afford to pay out of pocket.

Buck

 

   I already sent in the DBQ's and Nexus letters from my VA Provider as well s the Head of Sleep at the Philadelphia VA stating its directly due to my PTSD Meds, I believe that's why they already connected it to the PTSD. Under the disabilities section on Ebens, there is an arrow stating that the sleep apnea is secondarily related to PTSD. So I wait for them to connect me for PTSD which I can't understand how they can't with all the evidence, DBQ's and Nexus letters I sent with my NOD as well as proof of stressors.

[Buck52]

They maybe taking their time to rate  or RTC (Rate the Claim)?

or it maybe if your symptoms don't meet the qualification's then they would rate it at 0% S.C. 

proof of stressors is not a symptom  but a criteria to qualify for PTSD..The VA Rates a veteran on his symptoms.

just hang in there and see what they rate you? you can alwaus disagree with their decision..if you have the symptoms  according to the rating sheet and you get a 0 % rating but S.C. then you will need Appeal.

[R3dneck]

Rootbeer112 don't think too much into a decision from the VA until you get your BBE or you hear exactly what they decided from NSO or attorney. Like Berta said they have an "Enhanced Duty" to assist since they lost some of your records. Stay calm and breathe easy my friend.

[Rootbeer112]

16 hours ago, Buck52 said:

They maybe taking their time to rate  or RTC (Rate the Claim)?

or it maybe if your symptoms don't meet the qualification's then they would rate it at 0% S.C. 

proof of stressors is not a symptom  but a criteria to qualify for PTSD..The VA Rates a veteran on his symptoms.

just hang in there and see what they rate you? you can alwaus disagree with their decision..if you have the symptoms  according to the rating sheet and you get a 0 % rating but S.C. then you will need Appeal.

Ok Buck,

 

   Sent in proof of Stressors, as well as the VA asked my outside Psychologist for more information and she sent in another 38 pages of info along with Nexus letters and DBQ's so just have to wait