Received BBE

[Holllie Greene]

Hi,

I finally got the BBE yesterday.  My efforts were a total waste of time.

1)   Worsening of MS--I did not have to use a walker all the time, increased urge to urinate, LOU of left hand ---due to major MS flare last year.  Had C&P. BUT IT WAS DENIED.  MS does not ever get better it gets worse.

2)   Secondary service connected cataracts due to Prednisone use for MS flares.  Denied.  Glad to have my eyesight of course (surgery done by local non-VA ophthalmologist---my private BC/BS insurance paid for one eye and Veterans Choice paid for other eye) but there was a time my eyesight was bad.

WASTE OF TIME GOING TO PALO ALTO VA for C & P exams.  WASTE OF TIME.  WASTE OF TIME.

 

[Gastone]

HG, too be a little nosey, your husband is 100%, Scheduler or IU? What exactly is this Claim or Appeal for?

Any chance you post a redacted copy of the Claim and Denial Decision?

If you're having problems with your respective VSR or the VSO in general, don't even talk to them about switching your POA to another VSO, just do it. Just spend some time interviewing with 1 or 2 other VSO to determine your husband's comfort level. See what each has to say about your claim or appeal and what their possible plan of attack would be.

[Holllie Greene]

Hi Gastone,

Switching my POA to another VSR is the best option for all, my husband thinks he may be a mysogonist or have it out on a personal level against me.  I kind of think he is not used to dealing with women vets as he addresses my husband (hence that scene where he was in very high spirits asking my husband what a FDC was). 

Interviewing other VSRs is a good idea and we plan on talking to one in particular who has a good recommendation from a mutual friend.

I am 100% T & P, static disease of multiple sclerosis and the appeal will be for worsening of the disease.

I wish I could post a copy but I do not have the knowledge or equipment to scan.   It was all I could do to get that snow pic on my profile.

Thank you for your ideas and thoughts, I appreciate it very much.

HG

Long story short:  I experienced a flare of the disease approx. 8 months ago and went to the local civilian ER where I was stabilized.  To me this was "worsening of MS" so I put in for an increase (in this case it would be a half step in the SMC realm but it was DENIED.  So that is what I am up against.

Edited January 18, 2018 by Holllie Greene
more info

[Gastone]

If I understand your post correctly, you are 100% SC for the MS, no other SCs? Which SMC are you referring to, SMC S (1) Housebound? There is no IU Rating involved here, correct?

A Statutory Housebound (SMC S (1) rating requires (1) SC Rated at 100% and (1) or more additional SCs that have a CSC of 60%.

[Buck52]

Switching VSO POA is not eazy  (legally)  you need to submit it in writing you revoke their POA...usually the VSO just ignores your request to have them revoke.

but if you use a new VSO  and you like the results  then just Ignore your other VSO and just stay with the new one.

eventually he will get it.

Just make sure your NOD is filed in a timely matter...you should do that yourself   so you know its been filed.

if you stay with a VSO just keep in contact with him/her and ask them to notify you on any filing or any change in your claim.

ask them to let you know before they do anything with your claim.

Just let them know your staying on top of your claim and want any and all information about it  before they send in anything...this way you know whats going on.

Remember favorable medical evidence from a specialist  is the best evidence ever.

I wish you the best with your claims.

[Holllie Greene]

Hi, there is no TDIU in my situation.  I am scheduler.  SMC L.  My husband resigned from his job to watch over me for which I will always be grateful.

There was some kind of disconnect between the C&P neurologist and the rater because the rater dropped my 60% neurogenic bladder to 40% and upped the anxiety/adjustment disorder to 50% from 30%.  Obvious playing with the numbers because I am rated T & P, the disease is Static, I am 56 years old.

Sorry to be blunt but the bladder issue really disturbs me because my bladder has gotten worse not better (that would be a medical miracle).

Anyway,

Thank you all for your time and effort in responding.

H

[Gastone]

HG, work with me here. Your last post discusses a Bladder SC reduction to 40% and a MH SC increase to 50%, what about the Single 100% SC rating for MS? I  thought you only had the (1) MS SC.

Any chance you could post a redacted copy of your E-Ben Award Verification Letter. Pull it up under the Letters Link on the 1st page.

If you have the (1) MS SC rated at 100% T & P, the (2) additional SC's would qualify you for the SMC S (1) Scheduler Housebound Award.