Daalen Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) Hi all, I just got my two issues granted! Both 100% depressive disorder and TDIU (which is..odd?). I'm just waiting for the award letter as to the specifics of whether it's P&T (which is mentioned numerous times in my records). April 15 2019 - BVA hearing scheduled May 16 2019 - BVA hearing May 24 2019 - Appeal granted (WOW!!) Holy cow! Less than a week after the hearing they made their decision! I was told that it may have to take 3-6 months to issue it. The VA staff that participated in my claim and the VSOs that represented me were absolutely flabbergasted at how fast the decision was made. Things were getting pretty dire, and I'm thankful that the timing of this was nothing short of a miracle. Edited May 29, 2019 by Daalen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lead Moderator ShrekTheTank Posted May 29, 2019 Lead Moderator Share Posted May 29, 2019 That is awesome news! Now comes the wait for the decision to be applied. Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator broncovet Posted May 29, 2019 Moderator Share Posted May 29, 2019 Congratulations! When did you file the NOD? I, too, have 2 appeals pending at BVA..however, I doubt to see the results until at least 2020, and more likely well after that, given that BVA has had around a 5 year turn around time from the NOD. (With the new AMA, formerly called RAMP, the SOC was eliminated and so was the "certification" to the BVA, where VARO pretty much "sat" on your claim for 2.5 years). I estimated, that, since it was 5 year turnaround on BVA, that now, with the SOC and certification gone, it is going to be 2.5 years, instead. I have no idea if that guess will be accurate or not, but your results are encouraging to me. Was this a RAMP BVA or legacy BVA? I understand the BVA is supposed to put Ramper's "ahead of the pile", and I opted into RAMP, last year. Many thought I was crazy opting into RAMP, even and especially attorneys who advised against it. However, I felt it "was coming" anyway, whether I liked it or not, so I went ahead and opted into RAMP..and advised others to do the same. I understand the attorney's position. They were unfamiliar with RAMP, so is VA. So, they took the safe route, and told Vets to hold off. Then, later, if RAMP results are favorable, the attorneys can say, "ok, its ok to go ramp now" (Of course, we have no choice since Feb. 19, 2019..everyone is in RAMP (now called AMA) EXCEPT for the many who did not opt in. That is, if you got a decision after Feb. 19, you automatically go into AMA..everyone does. But, if you got a decision prior to Feb. 19, you could stay with legacy, or opt in to ramp. I got a decision prior to Feb. 19, and opted into RAMP. I understand only about 6 percent of Vets opted into RAMP prior to Feb. 19, so, if VA did what they promised, we Rampers should get a fast decision. I would like to know if that is what happened to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vetquest Posted May 29, 2019 Share Posted May 29, 2019 Awesome news. May your benefits come as fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daalen Posted May 29, 2019 Author Share Posted May 29, 2019 (edited) broncovet, I originally filed the claim in June 2014, then in July 2016 got a partial denial which i filed a NOD with, so I'm pretty sure I was legacy. I got those letters to opt in to RAMP during the period I was appeal and took it to the VSO to look at and they advised against it since I was already in the appeal phase for awhile for a hearing, and that opting in wouldn't really make a difference or delay my case further. The problem with mine was that the 2 C&P examiners that saw me were trying to argue that my SC depression didn't get worse.....it was the non-SC part of the depression that did (what?), even though they clearly stated I WAS NOT employable and clearly listed how I severely deficient in most areas....but it was non-SC part's fault. My VA doctors, psychiatrists, LCSW, and VSOs were stupified by this, and apparently the judge was too and very sympathetic that I had to go through all this suffering dealing with this. Another factor was that I have never worked a job and had neither friends or family in these last 15 years since I left the service. Should have been a pretty open and shut case. Edited May 29, 2019 by Daalen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joel Lopez Posted June 11, 2019 Share Posted June 11, 2019 Looking hi & lo for a private doctor/s eval & opinion on a nexus form. (Tinnitus & lower back discs) . Waited 7 years since applying, was denied (of course) 5 yrs ago, went to hearing, VSO was swift, judge lady did not flat out deny but gave me the opportunity to present more evidence in 60 days although my service med records "do not exist". They just plain could not find them! Not my fault. Now comes the hike in locating a pvt specialist to examine & agree with me. Luckily, I have old pics, MRI cds and 2 buddy statements. oooof man! where are these doctors? Volusia County Florida, Orlando Florida. Anyone have any ideas? Much obliged' Congrats to Daalen above. ~Joel ( US Army ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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