My journey through the claims process.

[wiredawg]

oorah! 

I hope this message finds you in good spirit. And, if you're on this forum, I'm sure you have questions for which you simply won't find the exact answer to until your claim is complete. Every claim is different and you have your own unique circumstances. You may have the same condition as another veteran who was denied and your claim may be granted. Or, you may be denied while another veteran's claim is granted. Situation dictates. So, don't believe the hype. Stay motivated! Drink water and exercise your mind and body. And, even if you're denied the VA will give you instructions on what you need to do in order to get your claim granted.

Here's my story:

For years (about 10) I totally disregarded submitting a claim to VA for a number a different reasons. Eventually, I did. I claimed everything that's sore and I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I figured the worse thing these guys could say is "No." I didn't write any statements- because I did't know anything about them- no C&P exams, no follow-up phone calls, no VSO, just got the VA form and filled in the blanks.....and, almost a year later, I found it in an old backpack... crumbled and dirty. 1 month before a full year expired, unbeknownst to me, I called VA again to request another sheet. Eventually (8-10 months later) I reluctantly mailed in a claim with written statements and medical records to support. I did my best to paint a clear picture and give the full story of my circumstances. It paid off because, this time I was afforded C&P exams and was awarded 40% for one condition. 

As for the other condition(s), let's just say we had a "faulty operator." So, I requested another C&P exam because, in short, the first one was penfkd. To my surprise, the VA agreed and offered me another C&P exam with a "more credible" doctor. And, let's just say this particular doctor takes pride in serving veterans. The doc has opined that my condition was "more likely than not aggravated by in-service events" and is "not expected to improve." If I were a gambling man, I'd bet my claim is granted. But, I don't like to gamble.

Yet, I've been frantically calling the 800#, anticipating someone will just say "Yeah, xxxxxxx, you're good to go. You should see a deposit any minute now." But, it doesn't work like that, does it? I get a different freaking story every time I call. But, one thing they can agree on is this:

A decision has been made on my claim but, it needs secondary signature approval. Whatever that means..

Remember, when you submit a claim:

• Paint a clear picture
• Give as much evidence as possible
• Follow-up
• Request a C&P exam if you are not offered one (Keep notes)
• Follow-up
• Win 

Sep 2015- Intent to file (phone call)

Aug 2016- Intent to file (phone call)

June 2017- Mailed in claim

Aug 2017- C&P exam

Sep 2017- Claim granted/ others pending

Oct 2017- 1st check and retro pay (back dated to Sep 2015/effective date)

Nov 2017- C&P exam

Dec 2017- Claim denied

Dec 2017- NOD

Jan 2018- Opt-in RAMP

Feb 2018- Claim moved to RAMP

Feb 2018- Requested Higher Level Review

Mar 2018- Claim denied

Apr 2018- NOD/ Requested Supplemental Review and second C&P exam

Apr 2019- Second C&P exam

May 2019- Claim is awaiting secondary signature approval

~I'm sure you're wondering "WHAT ARE YOUR CONDITIONS?"

Lumbosacral Strain- 40%

Bilateral Pes Planus- Pending

Bilateral Foot Condition- Pending

TDIU- Pending

~

I'll keep you posted. And, best of luck to all of you on the paper trail. Stay motivated!

oorah!

 

 

 

[PostMan1988]

congrats wire, I just had a remanded appeal c&p a couple weeks ago hoping for a % increase, hope you get some definitive answers soon - I'll be here to read it!

[wiredawg]

Thanks, Seaman. 

Well, today,  my claimed moved to Prep for Notification. Still praying for the best and waiting on the results. I'll keep the board posted.

Oh yeah, Seaman, I'd love to hear your updates moving forward. Hang in there!

Edited June 20, 2019 by wiredawg

[wiredawg]

I should also point out that, once my claim moved into Prep for Notification, there was an item request for VA Form 21-8940. I'm not sure why because I already submitted one but, whatever. More on that later, I guess.