Good News....i Think....need Help...

[Cherie33]

Hi All,

I received a letter from the DAV saying that they have reviewed the most recent VA decision concerning my claim for benefits. According to them the VA states the following:

QUOTE"1) Evaluation of irritable bowel syndrome, which is currently 10 percent disabling, is increased to 30 percent effective February 2, 2006. "UNQUOTE

Now, presently I am 50% for Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features and 10% IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). My total disability rating as of now is 60%.

At this point do you think the VA will increase my overall rating to 80%, which would include the 30% increase, or will they figure this another way? How long do you think it will take to receive my "Official Letter" from the VA? And then after that, how long would it take to receive my back pay benefits?

Thanks Everyone for all of your help and support.

Cherie33 :D

[Philip Rogers]

Hi All,

I received a letter from the DAV saying that they have reviewed the most recent VA decision concerning my claim for benefits. According to them the VA states the following:

QUOTE"1) Evaluation of irritable bowel syndrome, which is currently 10 percent disabling, is increased to 30 percent effective February 2, 2006. "UNQUOTE

Now, presently I am 50% for Major Depressive Disorder with Psychotic Features and 10% IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). My total disability rating as of now is 60%.

At this point do you think the VA will increase my overall rating to 80%, which would include the 30% increase, or will they figure this another way? How long do you think it will take to receive my "Official Letter" from the VA? And then after that, how long would it take to receive my back pay benefits?

Thanks Everyone for all of your help and support.

Cherie33 :D

I believe it should bring you up to 70%. 50%+30%=65%, which is rounded up to 70%.

pr

[Cherie33]

So, eventhough I am already 10% irritable bowel syndrome, and 50% MDD, which is a total of 60%.... It won't be 80%? Since IBS has increased from 10% to 30%?

Cherie33

[Ricky]

Philip is correct. using the combined rating math. Since the ibs went from 10 to 30 you must refigure as you can not start with the 60 percent (55 using VA math) level. The 10 percent will go away leaving you with a 50 percent rating. This leaves you 50 percent healthy. Now you have to take the new 30 percent rating and multiply that times the 50 percent healthy figure which gives you 15 percent of disability. Now combine the two disability ratings 50+15 and that gives you a 65 percent disability rating which is rounded up to 70. This leaves you 35 percent healthy so remember if you get any other ratings in the future you must start you math with the 65 percent disability and the 35 percent healthy level. An example would be if you get a 10 percent rating for something then you would take the 35 percent number and multiply that times the 10 percent rating. That would give you 3.5 percent which would be added to the 65 percent making you now 68.5 percent disabled with would be rounded up to 70 percent and would not change your overall rating percentage. It is must better to use the combined rating chart contained in 38 CFR part 4.

Edited April 5, 2007 by Ricky (see edit history)

[john999]

Cherie

70% will get you TDIU if you are not working? The VA should consider TDIU if they award you 70% as an inferred claim. 70% is the rating that is the key to many other benefits. If you are not working you should probably file for TDIU right away.

[Ricky]

good point john - I forgot to mention that. I am glad someone is always looking out for the benefit of all veterans. :D