Finally Won...NOW WHAT?

[Ztmiller8]

Finally heard back that I received my 100% Overall rating and a 100% PTSD rating Following my long appeal process!

My question is this, given the fact that my appeal was on the advanced docket and is an “Expedited” appeal, what happens now and how long(ish) is the process from here on out with retro and so forth? I’ve read a million things but nothing with an expedited appeal status.

Anyone deal with this situation before? My jump is from 50 to 100 over the course of 2 years if that helps some. I only am asking because as happy as I am, I would be much happier to pay some of these bills off!

[Ztmiller8]

8 minutes ago, broncovet said:

Congratulations!   

After you get the letter from the board, you will (eventually) get an "implementation" letter from the VARO.  

I have seen that take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months, with an "average" of about 3 months.  

Here is what you should be doing in the interim:

1.  Check out your "state" benefits, you may get a reduced or eliminated property taxes, for example, with 100 percent p and t. 

2.  Get your free 10,000 VA life insurance policy, if you havent gotten that already.  This is no cost.  Even tho its no cost to you, my policy is worth around 5000 cash if I cashed it in today.  (I got mine in 2007). 

3.  If you were charged "copays" at your VAMC, those should be refunded to you.  Take a copy of your rating letter to your VAMC "means" department.  

4.  Consider your "other" VA benefits, such as DEA ch. 35 benefits for your dependents. 

5.  Your wife should get free champva, its great health insurance. 

6. Some states have free hunting licenses/fishing license for disabled Vets.   

Great, thank you for all this, huge help!!

[broncovet]

Oh, and yes.  If you have been helped by hadit, remember to donate when you get your retro and "give back".  I have.  

[Ztmiller8]

17 hours ago, shrekthetank1 said:

we need to know which part of the appeal process?  DRO?  HLR?  BVA?  The first two would be much faster of an implementation.  The BVA took 7 months to apply my grant and I had to fight them to get that done early.  So it really depends.

 

So I just checked on Va.gov site today and I had a new alert or update, it said “Your comp and pen claim” And then it said lawyer fee something something, I’m assuming them just paying my lawyer. Either way, does this give you a better idea of movement or timing???

[ShrekTheTank]

1 hour ago, Ztmiller8 said:

So I just checked on Va.gov site today and I had a new alert or update, it said “Your comp and pen claim” And then it said lawyer fee something something, I’m assuming them just paying my lawyer. Either way, does this give you a better idea of movement or timing???

That is good news!  Since you have a lawyer I would contact them and ask.  They can give a much closer time than I can as they would know with similar cases.  

[MikeR]

I get free license plates. LOL

[jc30655]

On 7/28/2020 at 5:19 PM, broncovet said:

Congratulations!   

After you get the letter from the board, you will (eventually) get an "implementation" letter from the VARO.  

I have seen that take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months, with an "average" of about 3 months.  

Here is what you should be doing in the interim:

1.  Check out your "state" benefits, you may get a reduced or eliminated property taxes, for example, with 100 percent p and t. 

2.  Get your free 10,000 VA life insurance policy, if you havent gotten that already.  This is no cost.  Even tho its no cost to you, my policy is worth around 5000 cash if I cashed it in today.  (I got mine in 2007). 

3.  If you were charged "copays" at your VAMC, those should be refunded to you.  Take a copy of your rating letter to your VAMC "means" department.  

4.  Consider your "other" VA benefits, such as DEA ch. 35 benefits for your dependents. 

5.  Your wife should get free champva, its great health insurance. 

6. Some states have free hunting licenses/fishing license for disabled Vets.   

You are also entitled to a MWR type brown (dependents) ID card where you can get on base, use the gym, the commissary and other services that are provided..... and your dependents also eligible.   This will come in your letter from the VA.   With that, also, you can apply for discounts online and in Lowe's Home improvement stores.  MOST Other places that offer military discounts will also accept it as proof.   There will be NO expiration on your ID.  It will be "Indefinite".   YOU will also get free 100% dental care as well.

Congrats for getting your 100%!  However, the fight is not over.  You will still have to fight the VA for the medical care that you have earned and deserve!  I have had to school my VA Primary Doctor that I do not want to go to the VA for ANYTHING.  I want to use Community Care as my standing specialist care.  It's been a bit easier since the COVID-19 thing because the VA is just about locked down.  I suggest once you have all of your letters, ID, etc. schedule a good sit down with your primary care doctor.  Take someone with you that can speak up on your behalf.   Take your time and compose a letter of what you expect going forward, such as Community Care. They may want to steer you towards seeing a "Whole Health" nurse and get you involved in Tai Chi, yoga, playing a musical instrument (because of PTSD).  Just tell them you are open to talk about it, but for right now, you want to pause, get your bills caught up, catch your breath for a few months.  Best of luck to you all.