Additional claim pending NOD

[brent1812]

Good morning, I've had a NOD pending in St. Pete for a PTSD Claim, I was advised to process that claim first.  It was denied, hence the NOD.  I have several other claims I would like to file, but was told they would not be reviewed/looked at until the the NOD was resolved. Is this true?  That doesn't make sense to me, but this whole gig hasn't made any.

Thanks for the comments.

Brent

GySgt, Ret.

 

 

[jlrith]

Not true in my experience.

I have had various claims in various stages be resolved at various times.

The important thing here is to file your new claims now!  All of your benefits are based on the date of claim.  It doesn't matter if the claim is then delayed, you get benefits back to the date you filed.

If you wait to file, you lose out!

I have heard that filing claims can slow down the overall process, but that was also back when there were paper claims files; they didn't like moving physical files around.  Now everything is electronic so that doesn't matter.  

[Vync]

Welcome to Hadit!

I had an active NOD in progress and the VA still completed several other claims. Appeals are based on dates, so you don't lose your place in the NOD line just because you file other claims.

If you filed what is referred to as a "shotgun claim" (has large number of disabilities), then processing can take more time. I read a BVA case a while back that involved over 40 claimed disabilities. Typically, the regional office will try to knock them all out at the same time, but in the end, some may be able to be approved while the others remain deferred waiting for something else. Unless you're on the verge of hardship, it is probably best to let the VA be thorough.

If you submit a claim, it is generally a good idea to also request any secondary conditions which may meet the rating criteria. If the VA grants the initially claimed disability, then they are supposed to also evaluate any secondary conditions. Just because they are supposed to do this, doesn't mean that it actually happens. Why not go ahead and let them know.
  For example, if you filed for PTSD and the medications use to treat it cause your hydraulics to not function properly, that could be grounds for an ED claim. Another example is with back injuries. If you injured your back in the service, but now have really bad sciatica then that may also qualify as a secondary claim. It's like the old, "hip bone connected to the thigh bone" song. Some disabilities have an unwanted cascading effect.

Good luck!

[broncovet]

Agree.  It isnt true.  You may apply for any benefit at any time.  It does not matter if its in appeals.