bolt_vet23

I separated from the military in 2005 and had a vasectomy done in 2008. I'm currently 100% PTD. I've been trying to find info on how to use the VA's infertility services, but the only thing I can come up with is that I need to contact the urologist and schedule an appointment to see if I'm eligible. Does anyone know how this process works?

Good morning, I'm currently 100% PTD. I started experiencing chest pains recently and after a lot of appointments had a biopsy done. It sounds like it's sarcoidosis, but will not be sure until the tests come back. I'm wondering if I should submit a disability claim to the VA if it's sarcoidosis? Is there any benefit to getting it added as a disability since I'm already 100 PTD? Thanks

My father was diagnosed today with prostate cancer and the doctor found cancer on his kidney. The doctor (private) said that the prostate cancer is connected to his service in Vietnam and exposure to Agent Orange. Since the cancer was found in two locations, it makes things from a medical perspective a bit more complicated. I believe my father has 10% disability for hearing loss…should be more for several other issues, but he was too proud to complain or be completely open with the VA doctor during the exam. I’ve tried to call the VA today to figure out what they can do from a medical and compensation perspective, but the main 800 number just goes in circles. Based on my understanding of the Agent Orange process, the cancer is clearly related to Agent Orange based on the VA’s list of presumptive illnesses and no proof is required other than service records. My question is should we just submit a fully developed claim online or schedule an appointment with his VA doctor? Hopefully this makes sense. Appreciate the help.

After 2.5 years, the VA finally processed my NOD which resulted in a 100% rating. I’m very grateful for the help and feedback from Hadit over the past few years. However, I have one more favor to ask. I received retroactive pay based on the effective award date, but it was half of what I expected. I calculated approximately $30k in reto pay vs. the $16k that the VA calculated. Since the NOD took 2.5 years, I had other claims that were processed and awarded during this time, which is outlined below with the effective dates. The sleep apnea claim is the one for the NOD. The calculator that I used to determine retro pay is https://www.hillandponton.com/va-retro-disability-calculator/ Disability Rating % Effective Date Old (without sleep apnea) New (with sleep apnea) disability #1 30% 9/16/2005 30% 30% disability #2 10% 7/23/2008 40% 40% sleep apnea 50% 2/9/2015 70% disability #3 10% 7/7/2015 40% 70% disability #4 10% 7/20/2015 50% 80% disability #5 10% 7/20/2015 50% 80% disability #6 70% 4/4/2017 90% 90% disability #7 50% 4/4/2017 90% 100% Would someone more familiar with retro pay be able to tell me if my math is correct? Thanks, Bolt

After 2.5 years, the VA finally completed my NOD for sleep apnea. The appeal shows completed in eBenefits, however, the disability still shows as "Not Service Connected" in Rated Disabilities. I then tried to generate a VA Benefit Verification letter and noticed that my disability % was lowered from 90% to 70%, but my monthly payment amount still reflects the 90% amount. I know that I need to wait for the official letter in the mail, but I wanted to ask a question regarding the NOD process. Can a NOD result in a disability being reduced? Thanks

@jfrei - yes, that was from the number you provided. This seems to be the standard response from the VA.

@jfrei- spoke with VA this morning and they said that my claim should be processed in 60-90 days. I had to laugh since that's what they told me last summer.

@broncovet - thanks for the info.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks

@ Gastone - When you request an informal hearing and it shows up as a new claim, what is the effective award date? I don't want to lose over two years of back pay just to expedite the NOD. Thanks

@jfrei - The NOD is for sleep apnea. The VA diagnosed me with sleep apnea and issued me a CPAP, but said it was not service-connected. After meeting with the chief Neurologist at the VA, he said that it was definitely service-connected based on my records and offered to write an IMO. I also had an independent doctor write an IMO. @broncovet - Yes, the appeal shows up in eBenefits. Here's what it says: Appeal Pending - Notice of Disagreement VA has received your Notice of Disagreement. You will be receiving a communication from VA in the near future describing the next steps of your appeal. Date not available All paperwork was filed within the required VA window. The RO has responded to my request and my congressman's stating that they are processing more important claims right now and that no further information is available.

I've had an outstanding NOD for almost two years. I've personally contacted the VA as well as my congressman and have been told that there are other more pressing claims that are being worked. My personal opinion, for what it's worth, is that my NOD is pretty solid since I have an IMO from the VA doctor and my personal doctor supporting the claim to include the required VA language (i.e., more likely than not...). Any ideas on how to get this NOD processed? Thanks

Hello, I’m hoping that someone can shed some light on a potential claim for me. I have 10% service-connected disability for my torn ACL ligament, left knee to include pain and 0% for post-surgical scars. During a recent VA appointment, the radiologist noted “X-ray of the Knee : 1. ACL repair in the left knee with medial compartment osteoarthropathy. 2. Normal right knee. Your x-ray results are as above, Knee joint x-ray was normal.” Based on this information, I believe that the codes below would apply at the 10% level for each one. 5003 Arthritis, degenerative (hypertrophic or osteoarthritis): Degenerative arthritis established by X-ray findings will be rated on the basis of limitation of motion under the appropriate diagnostic codes for the specific joint or joints involved (DC 5200 etc.). When however, the limitation of motion of the specific joint or joints involved is noncompensable under the appropriate diagnostic codes, a rating of 10 pct is for application for each such major joint or group of minor joints affected by limitation of motion, to be combined, not added under diagnostic code 5003. Limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. In the absence of limitation of motion, rate as below: With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups, with occasional incapacitating exacerbations.............................................................................................. 20 With X-ray evidence of involvement of 2 or more major joints or 2 or more minor joint groups................................................................... 10 Note (1): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be combined with ratings based on limitation of motion. Note(2): The 20 pct and 10 pct ratings based on X-ray findings, above, will not be utilized in rating conditions listed under diagnostic code 5013 to 5024, inclusive. 5257 Knee, other impairment of: Recurrent subluxation or lateral instability: Severe................................................................................................................ 30 Moderate........................................................................................................... 20 Slight ............................................................................................................... 10 Does this sound correct and is there anything else that I should add? Thanks, Bolt_Vet23

Something strange is going on because the date on the 526 form is July 2016, however, in eBenefits it shows that it was initiate in July 2015. See file labeled “VA Benefits 2015” and “VA_2015_Claim” and both show the initiation or received date at July 2015. I've also included below auto generated emails from the VA regarding the initiation of my claim, expiration, and final submission. Claim Initiation Notice received Jul 20, 2015 01:39 PM This is a message from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to let you know that we received notification that you started an online claim for disability compensation benefits on 07/20/2015 01:39 PM. Please remember that you need to complete and submit your online claim application within one year of your Intent to File date. If you have questions about the date we received your Intent to File, please refer to the eBenefits Claim Status page or VDC Dashboard. If you do not complete and submit your online claim within one year of your Intent to File date, it will be deleted and removed from the system. If you are a Service member, you are allowed one year from your date of discharge from active duty to submit your claim. _______________________ Disability Compensation Application Is Expiring in 210 Days Notice received Dec 23, 2015 03:07 AM This message is a reminder from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that you have an open application for Disability Compensation in eBenefits that was started on 07/20/2015, but still needs to be submitted to VA. Please make sure you submit your application to VA by 07/20/2016 or else it will expire and be removed from the system. We encourage you to log in to your eBenefitsaccount to complete and submit your open application for Disability Compensation. If you do not want to complete your application, you can delete it or allow it to expire on 07/20/2016. If you have questions about this claim or your VA benefits, please contact your designated Veterans Service Organization, attorney, or agent. You can also submit your questions to VA's Inquiry Routing & Information Systems (IRIS) (https://iris.custhelp.com/app/ask/), and you will receive a response within five business days. For immediate assistance, please call VA at 1-800-827-1000 Monday-Friday, 8am to 9pm EST. ______________________ Your Application for Disability Compensation Notice received Jul 12, 2016 08:50 AM We are sending this message to let you know that you have successfully submitted your Application for Disability Compensation. Your confirmation number is 54653035. Your submission includes the following documents: * VA Form 21-526: Application for Disability Compensation * VA Form 21-0781: Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) If you have questions or need further assistance, call us at 1-800-827-1000 (711 if you use a TDD). A benefit counselor can answer your questions and provide any additional information that you may need regarding VA benefits or the claims process. You can now track the status of your claim online. To see the current status, go to your eBenefits Dashboard at ( http://www.ebenefits.va.gov ). his decision document is the weakest one that I’ve ever seen from the VA. There’s no information regarding any of my claims, but only what was and was not awarded. I do not have a copy of the C&P exam. Everything that I have is what’s been posted. Thanks

Hi Roberta, Attached is the response from the VA for my claim, which lacks the amount of detail that I've come to expect from the VA. I've also included the initial claim which has the July 2015 date. Really appreciate your assistance. Bolt 1290_001_Redacted.pdf 526 - Copy_Redacted.pdf