Any idea what a new rating date on Ebenefits - under SMC S-1 means?

[Matti]

This is my same claim, bva remand appeal dating back to Jan 2011. ( I have been rated 60% IU for 21 years prior to smc s1 awarded in Sept 2020)  After years of denials, dro reviews, soc, ssoc and etc. I was finally afforded a 2-C/P exams at the end of 2019 and 1 in Jan 2022 as well as a review of all medical records (requested by RO also in Jan 2022) Exams were for aid and attendance, cervical degenerative arthritis, upper extremity radiculopathy, lower extremity radiculopathy/sciatic nerve paralysis, knee flexion etc. ALL exams were favorable-doctor stated severe for sciatic nerve paralysis, severe radiculopathy LR extremity and moderate for LL extremity, however I was denied everything in Aug 2020….I then wrote a letter disagreeing with all decisions…In Sept 2020 they granted SMC S1 and gave me 20/20/20 radiculopathy  ratings for upper extremities and cervical arthritis- and remanded again….Last month April 2022-after the Jan 2022 exam—they gave 10% flexion each knee, 20 % radiculopathy lower right extremity, 10% radiculopathy left lower extremity, 20% limitation of extension each lower extremity—- they added external popliteal nerve paralysis- in 2015 as a contention for service connection (I have right foot drop) but nothing was said either way about service connection for external popliteal nerve paralysis or for aid and attendence (radiculopathy is horrible in hands and I can’t grasp, hold things, cook and ‘other things”)….and I’m only mobile and ambulatory with my walker, or wheelchair -(doctor stated this each time in all c/p exams) but a new rating date of 4/8/2022 appeared under SMC S1….any ideas on what it might mean….Peggy and White House Hot line says it will go back to BVA Judge who issued remand instructions- VA.gov just says review SSOC. Any insight will help….Please my nerves are frayed.

 

Still Hanging on….

Matti

[63Charlie]

It means more money.

The new rating date of 4/8/2022 indicates this new decision for SMC-S1 has been granted an earlier effective date of 3/1/2011, hence replacing the Sept 2020 SMC-S1 effective date.

Edited May 6, 2022 by 63Charlie

[Tbird]

I agree with @63Charlie It looks like you won back to 2011.

[broncovet]

I urge caution in guessing what Ebenefits/VA.gov means.  Its well known that they are not reliable, especially on effective dates.  As always, anyone can "guestimate" what ebenefits means, but you wont know until you get the official decision.  

All the above said, I agree that it would appear you have retro coming back to 2011 on SMC S, but, time after time, I have found ebenefits to be unreliable.  Therefore, my suggestion is to wait for the envelope to do your retro celebration. 

Its fine to be "cautiously optimistic", so, you can go with that one, if it makes you feel better.  

[Tbird]

1 hour ago, broncovet said:

I urge caution in guessing what Ebenefits/VA.gov means.  Its well known that they are not reliable, especially on effective dates.  As always, anyone can "guestimate" what ebenefits means, but you wont know until you get the official decision.  

All the above said, I agree that it would appear you have retro coming back to 2011 on SMC S, but, time after time, I have found ebenefits to be unreliable.  Therefore, my suggestion is to wait for the envelope to do your retro celebration. 

Its fine to be "cautiously optimistic", so, you can go with that one, if it makes you feel better.  

Yes, I was remiss in not saying that nothing is fact until you get the BBE and the retro is in the bank. Thanks for the reminder @broncovet

[Matti]

I already received the backpay in Sept 2020 when the SMC S1 was granted….but there has been no mention of aid and attendence or anything about service connection for external popliteal nerve paralysis (which they added this contention in 2015-external Popliteal nerve paralysis). I couldn’t understand with 3 C/P exams from VA facilities and their doctors all stating severe LE radiculopathy that they continue to lowball it…and I’m only able to be mobile with my walker or wheelchair (as observed through many test and stated by their doctors) ….the new rating date that appeared  was originally 3/11/22 then changed to 4/08/22 and has remained like that. I was praying by chance it may finally be my A/A being awarded. There is still like 6204 claims before me until the judge gets back to my remand. 
 

Thank you all for your responses…

I will update y’all when I find out for sure

Matti

Edited May 8, 2022 by Matti
I had some miss spelling -keyboard skips some letters