PTSD increase A&A added

[taylor88be8]

I have been TDIU P&T for over 6 years well since I medically retired from the Army for PTSD on June,26,2012 (PDRL).  

My current ratings are 70% PTSD. ,30%Migraines  30% Gerd 10% Tinnitus 0% ED  combines total of 90%

 

I was awarded VA Caregiver from 2012-2014 until my wife left me them I lost Caregiver 

 

question is if apply for a increase in my 70%PTSD and I have a DBQ signed rom a medical doctor stating “Total Occupational and Social Impairment”  and the same MD filled out the VA Form 21-2680 A&A Form stating I need it.

 I’m also on SSDI since 2012 for PTSD as well   

I already have SMC-S and SMC-K

 

What are my chances for any of this?  

 

Thanks 

 

Edited March 26, 2018 by taylor88be8

[SupermanCannedy]

Usually, a vet needs to have 100% rating to receive special monthly compensation. So, your situation confused me a bit. 

However, I think I understand how you are getting an SMC without having 100% SC for any one disability….I just remembered that my stepfather is rated at 70% for PTSD with IU. He has no other rating, except for migraines, yet he receives compensation at the 100% rate. So, apparently 70% PTSD + IU = 100% comp.  Has anyone else heard of that happening? 

 

[SupermanCannedy]

On 3/25/2018 at 9:56 PM, taylor88be8 said:

I have been TDIU P&T for over 6 years well since I medically retired from the Army for PTSD on June,26,2012 (PDRL).  

My current ratings are 70% PTSD. ,30%Migraines  30% Gerd 10% Tinnitus 0% ED  combines total of 90%

I was awarded VA Caregiver from 2012-2014 until my wife left me them I lost Caregiver 

question is if apply for a increase in my 70%PTSD and I have a DBQ signed rom a medical doctor stating “Total Occupational and Social Impairment”  and the same MD filled out the VA Form 21-2680 A&A Form stating I need it.

 I’m also on SSDI since 2012 for PTSD as well   

I already have SMC-S and SMC-K

What are my chances for any of this?  

Thanks 

 

I am confused about how you csn get both SMC s and SMC k. It is my understanding that only one SMC is awarded, but I suppose the k could be stacked on top of another SMC?  Regardless, increasing the % your existing ratings, will not necessarily increase your compensation because you're already receiving over and above compensation that is awarded by % ….you’re in the SMC charts. 

If you are at an S and want to go to an L, you’ll need more than a new 21-2680. You’ll need to provide medical evidence that shows the specific ways your condition has declined and can provide a more detailed explanation as to why your need for assistance has increased. Brain scans that can show damage, such as MRI & SPECT, are good. Having the dr assign cognitive, speech and other therapies that assist with decline are helpful.  Tests for memory and cognitive dysfunction can also be helpful. 

Since you’ll need to get all up to date on tests and imaging, you may as well as have your neurologist to look into the possibility that you have a TBI that has gone untreated since your blast. PTSD and TBIs have some symptoms that are similar and some that overlap. It is possible to have both. However, when TBI is left untreated it can become degenerative.  Enough time has passed for it to show on imaging and neuropsych testing. So, have the dr look into it and get treatment, if needed....regardless of the outcome of your futurre claims. There are some AMAZING programs that are helpful in the early stages of TBI. 

If your tests come back showing evidence of TBI residuals, then put in a claim for it because if comes back high enough, it could be combined with your high PTSD rating to get you to the L (100% TBI + the 70% PTSD meets the criteria. I'm not sure how it works if both are less than 100%) OR skip putting in for the TBI claim and take the chance that your results are strong enough to put in a claim for SMC L or  L or L ½ . 

[Gastone]

Check out the different SMC K Award criteria. You could have multiple SMC K Awards.  Any SMC K , ED, Breast, buttock, foot, etc Award/s $104.? per month, would be listed separately from whatever SMC: S and above that a Vet is Rated for.

[eli]

The last time I saw the subject come up re SMC T and TBI caregiver it turned into a similar mess.  Instead of adding my 2 cents re taylor88's situation, I am simply going to provide links so that members can at least get familiar with the caregiver program.

Re SMC T I know a gentlemen receiving it so much of the info re it posted earlier is correct.  I also know a few others receiving/applying for it, it is very specific to TBI vets and should be understood (imho) before discussing it loosely.

I am also a member of a tbi/caregiver program related group and the entire situation with the VA is a nightmare.  Probably the same group mentioned above. 

Like I said, the last time this came up people got persnickety so I deleted the information and links I'd provided.  Please try to be nice and careful with info.  I have no affiliation with any of these sites, they are simply for information/research purposes:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ163/pdf/PLAW-111publ163.pdf

https://armyreservistwife.blogspot.com/2011/10/va-caregiver-program.html

http://familyofavet.com/va_caregiver_program.html

https://www.military.com/benefits/veterans-health-care/new-va-family-caregiver-program.html

https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2048

https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp

 

[Buck52]

a 70% PTSD Rating  w/P&T Would equal a 100% comp rating b/c the veteran is being paid at the 100%  rate!

  However his over all rating would still be 70%,  unless he has another rating of 90% then that would change his over all rating to 100%...then he will need an additional 60% separate rating to meet the SMC Criteria..usually SMC.S H.B.

[SupermanCannedy]

16 hours ago, Gastone said:

Check out the different SMC K Award criteria. You could have multiple SMC K Awards.  Any SMC K , ED, Breast, buttock, foot, etc Award/s $104.? per month, would be listed separately from whatever SMC: S and above that a Vet is Rated for.

Aaaaah, I understand: All Special Monthly Compensation rates are given instead of the standard VA Disability Compensation rates, except for Level K. Level K is given in addition to your standard disability pay. Therefor, you can receive multiples.