TDIU......How does the 5,10,20 year or over 55 work?

[qwiksting]

Good afternoon, I have a question, and I have searched, but maybe I am missing something.  I was granted 10%, 04/01 for my hand.  I was granted 70%, ptsd/anxiety and 10%, tinnitus on 03/05. I was granted 0% for my digestive system 08/13, EED 08/08. I was granted TDIU P&T 09/13.  Can someone who understands this rule, tell me how TDIU works in relation to this rule. I am past the 5 year threshold and coming up on 10 years in September. I am over 55 as well.  I really have been thinking of looking at increasing my Gastro claim as I feel cheated! I had/have binders of evidence and symptoms. I have to pay for co pays for my meds for this, (granted, it is not a whole lot, just the principal) because it is not on the VA formulary, and Tricare requires a co pay because it is not a generic. I also have been thinking of the pact act (Iraq 04). I have breathing and lung issues that my Pulmonologist has attributed to Asbestos and military service.

I guess, what I am asking, at what point can I file for an increase and or new claim....without worry ?   Or, is it just not worth the hassle?

[qwiksting]

Unusual circumstances....Well, I don't have a job, so no work. Thank you all for the replies. I was thinking TDIU, albeit, P&T, might have some protection at some point prior to 20 years. 

[john999]

If you have TDIU and you are not working then you very most likely will not have the VA challenge that award.  They have no basis to challenge such a claim.  I was TDIU P&T for 20 years before I actually got to 100% schedular.  I was never challenged by the VA.  Have you gotten SSDI?  If you do something like going back to work and getting a W-2 then VA may drag you back in for an exam.  

[qwiksting]

I applied for SSDI at the same time I applied for TDIU. I was granted SSDI, with the help of my (at the time VA MH provider). In fact, I was also granted State retirement based off of VA MH provider. Every 3 years or so since 2013, the VA MH health provider has filled out the state paperwork forms that provide continuing State disability. SSDI sends me a form that I fill out, doesnt need a Dr to fill out. The last time I recieved one from the State (Nov 22) I had a new VA mh provider fill it out. He wasn't as thorough as my past provider, but it was ok. I went to my private PCP and he did a much thorough job than this last VA one. The VA did not upload it in my notes. I thought that kind of stuff would get uploaded to my notes at the Va as it is a type of "record" as it had previously??? I will go to FOI to see about uploading it when I have an appointment this week. Thank you for the input!

[john999]

I don't think you will need to worry about VA taking away your TDIU.  So with all that money you can afford to come to Florida to get out of the cold.

[qwiksting]

"all that money" isnt all that much really. But I do live in the free State of Florida. I just want to keep what I have.   Cola's get sucked away quick. I hate the cold!