100% T&P: I have more med issues, should I do another claim to get them added?

[mav2u]

I"m rated 100% for Bipolar disorder and several other ailments of less percentages.  My question is, should I file more claims to get them rated for other things that I now have proof were active duty related injuries and request increases for the injuries that have gotten worse?
 

Example:

   I applied for right arm carpal tunnel and ulnar never rating but was denied saying it wasn't service connected.  But shortly after got my 100% rating and didn't pursue  the arm rating.  But I found the document that shows I went to outside specialist on active duty for pain in right arm/wrist just before I was medically discharged showing I saw a specialist for that particular problem.  I battled with the VA for 8 years after getting out on diagnosing my arm/wrist pain and finally got a specialist at the VA that diagnosed that I had ulnar nerve entrapment all these years and mild carpal tunnel in both hands.  Which obviously started in active duty.  

So my question is:  Would it hurt to file these new items on my disability to get a rating and to request a percentage increase on the other disabilities that have gotten worse since my initial evaluation?  Or is it gambling and I could get my 100% taken away by some angry rater than now deems other items less and I loose my 100% rating? 

[porgee]

So my question is:  Would it hurt to file these new items on my disability to get a rating and to request a percentage increase on the other disabilities that have gotten worse since my initial evaluation?  Or is it gambling and I could get my 100% taken away by some angry rater than now deems other items less and I loose my 100% rating? 

First is 10-20% rating going to help you in any way? Anytime you file for new conditions

it a good chance they will look at your rating again. 100% P&T you can get treatment

for it for free. SMC pay 100+60 % is about the only thing to gain. But no it want hurt 

to file but you may get your rating reevaluated. Its your call. jmho 

 

[Buck52]

At any point after you have completed military service, you may file an application for disability compensation.  Here are the basic tests: 

you believe that military service has caused an injury or illness (called a "condition" by the VA) or

you believe that a preexisting condition was aggravated by military service.

There are no time limits or restrictions except in a few very limited circumstances. As a general rule, you may seek disability compensation at any time for any condition that you reasonably believe was caused or aggravated by your service

[mav2u]

I just want to get things added that should have been added or increased but they denied me saying no evidence of some an others they gave minimum.

I guess I’m asking if I ask for certain items to be added/reviewed am I opening a full review of everything again am risking some new rater possibly screwing me?  Or can they not touch the other ratings I’m not asking about?

[Buck52]

 Anytime  we file for increase  were subject to be reviewed   however if your condition has worsen and you have evidence that it has ?  actually its a good thing and you will probably get an increase, now they can still dig into other claims  but the likelyhood of that is  no they probably won't...but we can't give you a 100% answer to your question.

We can't predict what the VA Will do but the thing is don't be afraid to ask for an increase if your S.C. Condition has got worse.

If you have the evidence to file your claim and that evidence is favorable

FILE IT AS A FDC (Fully Developed Claim)

This means you have all your evidence and nothing else to present in your claim.

 So Sure file that claim no matter what condition that may be.

sooner you file the sooner you will have decision. IF YOUR DENIED your (ITF) (Intent to File) date filed will be your EED When you WIN.

Some Veterans file the ITF (intent to file) this gives you an extra year to gather your evidence and things you need to file to prove your claim  so the ITF actually gives you extra time to prepare for your claim and reserves your EED.

Edited January 27, 2018 by Buck52

[broncovet]

Its your call.  If you do not already have SMC S, and you think you have a potential of 100 plus an additional combined 60percent, then that extra 350 or so per month for SMC S is probably worth it.  

I do not buy into the theory that applying for an increase can result in a decrease, as there isnt any real evidence to support that theory except "uncle charlie" evidence.  That is, my "uncle charlie" died wearing blue clothes, so dont wear blue clothes or you will die, too.  

The color of jeans you wear, or whether or not you watch "MASH" reruns, or whether or not you apply for an increase are independent of whether or not you will be reduced in disability rating.  The relevant criteria is, "did your condition improve, and is this improvement "sustained" (long lasting vs just a short term improvement).  

If your disabilities did not improve, then you have little to worry about a reduction.  

There is a more important reason for an increase other than just SMC S, however.  

Think about someone other than yourself..your wife.  

She can get DIC if you die:

1.  Of a service connected condition OR

2.  Die of any reason after you have been service connected 100 percent for 10 years.  

   So, lets say you have not been SC for 10 years, but have HEP C, and its killing your liver, but you are only sc for PTSD at 100 percent.  This might be a good time to apply for hep c, so that your wife can get DIC, as you are unlikely to die from PTSD, but Hep C is a killer, unless you respond well to the new hep c drug.  

    If the DIC is irrelevant, I think its best to leave it alone, not because you will be reduced for applying for more benefits, but because you are giving your military brothers who are injured a chance, because a rating specialist wont be working on your claim, that wont benefit your or your family, and, instead, will be working on a claim where the difference could mean that Vet is not homeless.  

     100 percent Vets are rarely homeless as these benefits should be enough to provide a roof over your head.  (That is, of course, assuming you are not spending your entire check on cocaine, heroine, and alcohol)