DRO Hearing

[Kalee]

Hi guys, new here. So sorry if this is kind of long. I was granted a secondary mh rating, it brought my rating to 80% which prompted the VA to apply for TDIU. This new claim went to another RO, not my local who just gave me the mh rating. So this other office looking at TDIU said there was a CUE, and my mh was severed even though I disagreed, asked for a hearing and did everything I was supposed to, I was never given an exam before severance either. So fast forward 2 years of waiting on the appeal, I became homeless, lost my car and credit everything. So my lawyer and I walked into the DRO hearing (at my local RO) and at first decided a formal hearing but the first words out of the DRO's mouth was I'm sorry, this was illegal so we went with informal. I was never given due process nor an exam prior to severance so the dro said it was illegal. He also stated there was no justification for the severance as I had more then enough evidence to connect the dots to my service connection. He said all it will take is a signature, asked if I had worked since last reported and moved on as I had 2 appeals going. Since he did not agree with the raters but it had been awhile he ordered new c&p exams for the 2nd appeal which dealt with the physical issues. 

I was told not to expect a bench decision, but it sounded like it was one to my on the mh severance, any one have any input?

Secondly the dro told me usually money moves faster then paper so I would probably find out my decision if I get a deposit(from date they severed). I check ebenefits and a new claim was opened for comp and pen, I originally thought my lawyer opened a new claim but upon opening it, where it list what you are claiming it states: Attorney Fee Determination?

Does this mean I won? I assumed at the DRO I won but this seems more concrete

Anyone ever see or go through this?

Thanks

[Gastone]

What does your Attorney say, what's his cut of the Retro?

Is your Direct Deposit Bank Account set-up to real-time Txt and Email you regarding ALL Financial Transactions?  I've had 1:30 am Retro Deposit notifications, goes well with the 6 am cup of coffee.

Each VMC has a Social Worker on staff to address Homeless Vets, have you made contact.

[Kalee]

I was homeless for about 2 months, I am no longer. The VA did help out with all that and I have a case manger helping me along. I almost lost my children, It was a very rough time for me, thank goodness they though we were just visiting friends and camping. My family was no where to be found even though I was there for them when they were tossed out by their bfs. Anywho... I am currently rated and paid at 30%, but in the VA system it says I am 80%, and at least I am still able to get mental health through them as Im not sure I would have made it with out the help. Sorry I was unclear, I was homeless and am no longer, I have housing. 

I appealed the severance of service connection of major depressive disorder. Their reasoning was CUE. Which was bs. I hired my lawyer. The DRO agreed. The DRO who made this decision in another state, when I appealed it came back to my local office in Buffalo NY.

I have asked my lawyer, she checked their system and all I was told was the DRO did what he said, but I have heard nothing