NOD, OVER 1000 DAYS, PUSHED TO RAMP; UPDATE DISABILITY

[USNJAGLN]

I am currently 70%, have a NOD in for PTSD/MST, it's over 1000 days, I just recently elected RAMP because the VA representative told me that all cases would be going thru RAMP later in 2019, so it makes sense to get ahead of the game (and I wouldn't lose my timeline that I've already waited).  About 1.5 years ago, I went in for a cervical Xray (I have spinal stenosis), and they found nodules (benign) on my thyroid.  About a month ago, I had surgery to remove my thyroid, so now I have hypothyroidism; it sucks. So in one month, I have gained 16 lbs, I am on medication for the rest of my life, they are telling me that it takes awhile to level out the medication, this condition usually leads to diabetes, high blood pressure, fatigue, cold sensitivity, depression (already have that), etc.  Is this something that I should submit an updated claim for (how do I connect the dots for service connection)?

[broncovet]

You can go ahead and apply for additional benefits and/or an increase.  Lots of times it takes VA so long to process the claim, the Veterans condition gets worse in the interim.  There are even some special regulations for that, too, which VA often overlooks.  

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/5110  

 

[FormerMember]

Hoo boy did he get hornswoggled. RAMP is a hyperdrive motivator to denial.