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JeanBean217
Hi Berta. Thanks for answering on my other post. I'm posting this here to answer the questions you asked, since my other post got burried somewhere. I guess my initial post was a little confusing. Let me see if I can state it more clearly. (This was about the bladder dysfunction problems that returned after a surgical proceedure was reversed.)
The surgery for the bladder dysfunction was performed while I was active duty, by a military doctor at BAMC, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. It is fully documented in my SMRs. I dug it out last night and read it. The VA knew about it, they obtained the complete copy of my SMR, and all aspects of the surgery were on my list of things that I wanted to be evaluated for when I retired and went through the VA's initial rating process. I forget the form number, but it basically gave them a list of all my conditions/diagnoses. I did find my initial award letter, and it was SC at 0%, since the surgery corrected the problem and I wasn't having symptoms at that time.
After I retired from active duty, I began to have complications from the sling. That is why a civilian doctor did the removal surgery, because I was retired and using Tricare.
Yes, I am currently 70% PTSD. As far as I know, they did not "infer" or offer TDIU. The only income I had was from some lesson plans I posted for sale, online. Certainly not gainful employment and not coming close to the income threshold. I don't remember if the VA even asked about employment, but I have not held a job since retirement.
I receive CRDP, if I understand it correctly. Concurrent pay - retirement monthly payment, plus a VA payment.
After my initial claim, I did all my NODs, appeals, etc... on my own. My vet rep guy was not a lot of help, so I did it on my own. I ended up winning the three things that I was after. (These conditions are different from the ones I'm inquiring about now.) The VA sided with me in the end and awarded me the ratings. I did a lot of reading online to help myself through the process. I bet this site would have been a big help.
No, I haven't applied for SSDI. I didn't know if I should, since I'm not at 100%, and really don't know where to begin with that. I was wore out by the time I got finished fighting with the VA last time, and just didn't have it in me to start another big process. I guess that is why I've let this bladder thing go on for so long without filing anything. The claims process is just hard, and draining.
Now for my questions:
1. As far as my PTSD being at 70%, is it a CUE, that the VA did not offer or "infer" TDIU? My other ratings are 30%, 30%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10%. Plus a bunch of SC at 0%. I listed them by condition on that initial post that got burried.
2. I do not have the copy of the award letter to increase the PTSD to 70%, so I guess I will have to request that from my C-file. I think they may have sent it to an old address. I saw the increase on e-benefits. Other than obtaining a copy of the increase, what else should I do? I suppose a copy of the C&P mental exam would be helpful too.
3. If it is a CUE / oversight on their part for the TDIU, would it backdate to the time of the 70% award? It was 4 years ago.
4. As far as the bladder issue, (I know this is a seperate thing from a CUE), I'm assuming I would have to request an increase, since the symptoms are back. Is that different than opening a new claim, or do I do it the same way? Would that be backdated from the time the sugery was reversed? I'm assuming not, since I haven't requested the increase yet.
5. Is the best route to address the bladder issue with an increase request first to see if I make it to 100%, or also apply for TDIU / file a CUE for it at the same time?
5. If/when would it be appropriate to apply for SSDI? Do you know of a site/link that would help me with that process? I could really use the extra income to help me get by, as my ex is a dead beat dad and hasn't paid child support in years. Raising teens alone is a big expense.
Just thinking of all this wears me out and gives me a headache. Agghhh.
Edited by JeanBean217Link to comment
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