New claim or Reopen

[alanlee671]

Greetings:

I'm not sure how to file for Schizoaffective Disorder - Bipolar Type. Helllllllp! In 2005 I was denied service connection for bipolar Disorder and have been denied numerous times since everytime i got my claim reopened. 

My diagnosis has changed. Should I submit a 21-526EZ claiming Schizoaffective Disorder - Bipolar Type? My VA psychniatrist since 2017 has penned a Nezus letter saying that my in service symptomatology and signs as stated on my performance reports is more than likely related to my current diagnosis and that depressive symptoms are aggravated by a service connected disability for back condition secondary to chronic pain. a two in one kyna deal. Question do I file for a acquired psychiatric disability to include (my current mh diagnoses) or file to reopen the 2005 or subsequent claims for Bipolar Disorder or what? Thanks.

[GBArmy]

If your claim denied was within one year, then use the Supplemental form 20-0995. If it was denied over a year ago, then use 21-526EZ. You could also double check by calling 800-827-1000 and ask the claims rep which one you should use.

[pacmanx1]

If your last decision is within a years' time, then file one of the new disagreement forms Supplemental/HLR/ or Direct Review BVA appeal forms and if it has been longer than a year than I would say use the 526EZ

[Stayfocus]

3 hours ago, alanlee671 said:

Greetings:

I'm not sure how to file for Schizoaffective Disorder - Bipolar Type. Helllllllp! In 2005 I was denied service connection for bipolar Disorder and have been denied numerous times since everytime i got my claim reopened. 

My diagnosis has changed. Should I submit a 21-526EZ claiming Schizoaffective Disorder - Bipolar Type? My VA psychniatrist since 2017 has penned a Nezus letter saying that my in service symptomatology and signs as stated on my performance reports is more than likely related to my current diagnosis and that depressive symptoms are aggravated by a service connected disability for back condition secondary to chronic pain. a two in one kyna deal. Question do I file for a acquired psychiatric disability to include (my current mh diagnoses) or file to reopen the 2005 or subsequent claims for Bipolar Disorder or what? Thanks.

Do you have an attorney? If It were me, I would seek va accredited, vso experienced advice. 
2005 would be a nice retro pay should you be successful.

[Whodat]

This is a tough one to answer. But all of my family has given you great, I mean great advice. 

All of the same questions will be asked directly towards you so please, a little more detail. 

The way I understand it that you have claimed in the past but never appealed it. In 2017, your VA team has provided you a nexus letter. Did you appeal or refiled after your nexus within the time frame?

If that is the case, then yes I would look for an attorney, if no then you might have to file a supplemental I think.