In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and it includes the actual data collection instrument. View the full article
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Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. View the full article
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Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before December 7, 2020. View the full article
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Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. View the full article
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I have a question that perplexes me. I am 100% Permanent and Total for a total of 13 disabilities. I had a total knee replacement after many years of dealing with my arthritic 10% rated knee. i had the TKR in January 2020. I didn't tell regional office anything because I believe in let sleeping dogs lie quietly. However I do know that the VA hospital where I had surgery let the regional office know I had surgery for a service connected knee. I understand that the minimum rating after being reevaluated is 30%. Will they automatically contact me at the 13 month mark for a C&P exam? If so, are they limited to look at the knee only? Will they service connect for the TKR related scar? Just curious! I was already 100% so nothing changed after the surgery although if rated different I could have 100% total temporary perhaps given. I do not want to screw what I already have so any advice what or how this works will help me.
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So my Voc Rehab counselor called and said they were ready to start purchasing
Step stool to get in and out of car
Kitchen height adjustable so I can sit at my countertops to prep food.
Prescription dispenser with alarm. (I asked for a different one than they suggested so I am waiting to hear.)
Lumbar cushion for Van.
Lift Chair they picked out PerfectSleepChair.com I don't know if that means I'm getting that one or something similar.
Zero Gravity Workstation they are offering this one http://www.ergoquest.com/zero-gravity-workstation-0.html which doesn't accomodate my monitors so I asked for this one http://www.ergoquest.com/zero-gravity-workstation-0a.html (I am waiting to hear.)
Mobility Scooter
Anything over $1200 will need a second approval and anything over $3000 will have to go to a contracting officer. Which is where my Zero Gravity station will need to go.
I'll let you know when stuff starts showing up
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Hello everyone,
I had it! I was combing through my record book. I filed a claim for hearing loss in 1997. The remarks of the auditory physician stated that I had normal hearing in both ears but I had Tinnitus in both ears due to the shoulder fired weapon I had used in military's service. This was specifically stated on the auditory physicians comments. I was denied claim for hearing loss but why was I not awarded for Tinnitus. Isn't this an error on the VA's behalf? What course of action should I take. Thank you everyone in advance who responds.
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I just got this from a contact at a regional office RE: VRE. Take it as scuttlebutt, as the meeting is ongoing.
Im putting it here so people see it. Berta, you can move it if you need to later. I wanted people to catch it now. No idea yet what/if/how it will be implemented so don't go citing this to your VRE person.
Thx,
CAS
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I just had a very interesting conversation with my VSO and wanted to check out the truth of the matter. I have never heard this argument nor does it make sense to me.
I am trying to get an increase for my migraine headaches. I was having headaches 3-4x a week! with at least 1 prostrating(i would not be able to do anything, would have to go lay down and be away from noise or light or distraction due to the pain etc). I filed for migraine claim and they denied at first then gave me 0%. Now i am trying for increase. Now my VSO says i will never get the increase because i am on medication.
I have been seeing a neuro doc at the va that gave me meds that have been a miracle. I have not had a migraine in a few months now. It has been amazing.
so my question: i don't see how getting treatment for something changes how my va rating should be. if i lost a limb and they gave me a prosthetic, they wouldn't take away Service Rating or decrease that? How about sleep apnea; I dont get less service connection because i use a CPAP, i get more?!?!? shouldn't the fact that i require medication for the rest of my life to manage migraines show a worse condition? My VSO said its the same with blood pressure, that if you take meds and its managed then you lose your SC. is any of this true?
I gave a hypothetical: what if they discover a magic pill that cures all us vets from PTSD but we have to take these pills for the rest of our lives. that means we would all loose our service connection for PTSD if we start taking them? what if we missed a dose? what if they get lost in the mail? (which has happened with my meds plenty)
i just can't wrap my head around this flawed logic of a treated disability is no longer a disability.
Thanks guys
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I know I'm beating a dead horse to extra death.
LOL............
However veteran group member Mark has a helluva claim and its quite fascinating.
Two incidents for headaches/head pain while on active duty.
Attempted to secondary service connect headaches to service connected Vertigo.
Claim denied due to no residuals of headaches and medical causation to Vertigo isn't feasible.
In addition, it was stated all medical records were reviewed and no service complaints or records of claimed disability.
The issue gets interesting because he has two records of doctor visits where the doctor noted headaches and head pain.
In addition, the doctor noted vascular migranes during the C&P exam.
If the regional office had located the information, they would have noted the inservice incidents and based on the C&P diagnosis they should have service connected at the 0% level (no residuals).
However failing to locate the two separate incidents and saying no service complaints or records of claimed disability killed the claim.
He is going to submit the two records/ C&P exam diagnosis with the supplemental claim paperwork.
Can he CUE a previous decision based on untrue statement of no inservice complaints or records of claimed disability?
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Anyone know just how to read c-pap numbers
I had to increase my air flow on my c-pap
But here is what the VA set them to in the beginning. (Jan 2016)
C-pap pressure 9.0 CM EPR FULL TIME
Apnea Index 0.9 Hypopnea Index 0.0 AHI 0.9
OBSTRUCTIVE :O.8 Central Unknown 0.0
this was set about 5 years ago..I had to re-set these # since then because I kept waking up at night..and I seem to think that the c-pap was not giving out enough air flow for me to sleep , so I adjusted the C-pap as to where the air flow was more stronger and that seem to help with my sleeping. so these #'s have changed (Right)
The VA SLEEP CLINIC is still is using these first #s they had set when I first got the C-pap.
in my medical records.
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I tried looking through forums, but cannot find this answer.
I had a GERD claim increase on Jan. 2019. I am *fairly* certain it was previously rated at 0% upon discharge and then finally received an increase in Jan. 2019. I cannot find anywhere online when the GERD was previously rated for 0%-I looked through "historical claims/appeals" and it does not show anywhere on there (there is one claim that I submitted a long time ago that says "administrative review-closed, but, it was so long ago, I honestly do not remember what the administrative review was for or what it was related to). Is there anywhere else I can look to find when the original GERD assigned rating of 0% was given? (I am asking as I am thinking of doing a CUE for the 10% rated in Jan. 2019, and I am thinking I need to have the date originally assigned at 0%? ) Or is this something I would need to ask for copies for from the VA?
*I know it was previously rated at 0% because I can see where I submitted claims for increase for GERD.....
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing that, in accordance with the requirements of the John S. McCain III, Daniel K. Akaka, and Samuel R. Johnson VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018, or the VA MISSION Act of 2018 (MISSION Act), the Caregiver Records Management Application, or CARMA, and its integration with other related Veterans Health Administration Information Technology (IT) systems can now effectively manage and monitor the expansion of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). On October 1, 2020, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs submitted to Congress a certification that VA has fully implemented the IT system required by the MISSION Act. This certification marks a major milestone in VA's implementation of the MISSION Act, enabling the Department to begin the first phase of PCAFC expansion to eligible Veterans who served prior to September 11, 2001. View the full article
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This document adopts without change a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) interim final rule that extends by 90 days the deadlines for former members insured under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to apply for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage following separation from service in order to address the inability of former members directly or indirectly affected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency to purchase VGLI. The final rule is in effect for one year from the date that the interim final rule was published in the Federal Register. View the full article
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I was just diagnosed with Meniere's after years of having periodic dizziness and vertigo that has gotten progressively worse and more frequent. I am already service connected for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. (Ironically I had never even heard of Meniere's until about a year ago when I was doing the exams to get the service connection for the tinnitus and when I mentioned the dizziness to the audiologist she said I should have more testing to see if it was Meniere's). My question is when I file the claim, should I file it as primary, secondary to the hearing loss and tinnitus, or both?
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Hello!! I wish I would have found this site before, because WHAT.A.NIGHTMARE the VA disability process is.
Bear with me as I try to explain my thinking:
Okay, so I have had GERD listed as a condition at 0% rating, but, after fighting for an increase, it was given on 1-28-2019 (and as such, I cannot see when the 0% was given). However, even in the notes from endoscopy AND the dr noted epigastric distress, dysphagia, constant pyrosis (heartburn), shoulder pain-ALL things that should get a better increase to 30%. I submitted a claim for increase May 8th, 2019. It was quickly denied, stating not proper forms. Resubmitted with proper forms but still denied July 2019. Took a break from trying, went through my VA files, gathered evidence of all previous endoscopies, VA doctor's notes, medication lists, and resubmitted. Denied on 4-2020. So, now I have for a higher level review. They received that in September, and now I wait.
My question is-I did not know that I could do a CUE form to have the date for GERD go back farther than the date given for 2019. While I do not think I could get earlier than 2019 for the 30%, I believe I could get the 10% rating. I have a endoscopy dated all the way back from Oct. 2006 stating that there is "esophagitisis" and "intermitten small sliding type hiatal hernia" with notes stating that I was complaining of heartburn and shoulder pain as well. Additionally, from an endoscopy from April 22, 2010, it states the reason for the edoscopy was "epigastric pain" and showed "moderate amount of gastroesophageal reflux and intermittent small sliding type hiatial hernia".
So, my question: how long does a Higher Level Review decision take? Also, once a higher level review takes place, and they do grant the increase from 2019 from 10%-30%, is it too late to do a CUE for 10% from at least 2010? Can I do a CUE as the same time as a higher level review, if I am not looking for the 30% in 2010, just the 10%? Does any of this make sense? ANY help/guidance with this would be appreciated. Had I realized there was this website, I would have come here first!!!....
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Hi Everyone
I want to file a supplemental claim but I was told that I have to fill out form 20-0995 and fax it to the office that sent me my denial letter. But I also wanted to know when I fax in the form do I also fax in the IMO the lay statement and the case law that I have as new evidence in support of my claim.
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Anyone know how to get your current disability list on either website? I’m on an iPhone i Have figured out you can get to it you going to payments information and the then click on additional benefits, but other then filing for an Increase to see the list and The decision letter isn’t there one you can download?found it so I’ll post it for iPhone users in VA.gov under benefits menu....
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Good morning received letter from VA I was denied my claim for cervical fusion. First I am at 20 percent Lumbar degenerative disc disease, and 10 percent for each leg Radiculopathy. I was a crew chief on CH46 helicopter with about 2000 hrs of flying and at least 500 hrs on Nvg's I has denied no service connection, even when I supplied case studies from the Army and Navy on neck pain and shoulder pain from wearing NVGs for period of time. Second I prouder two letters from two different doctors that my current problem is due to military life. C@P exam lasted only 15 mins and that person said I could not fine any complains in military medical records, of course not If I went to sick call for pain I would get pills, a down chit would not be allow to fly, I would have lost pay, and be assign to other duties. My first case with Lumbar went all the way to BVA. So any ideas what I should do? Any thoughts on Lawyers? I appreciate all inputs. Thanks Ken
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Forgive me if this has been asked previously. I am trying to navigate the site and did not find anything searching for it. I am currently service connected at 50 percent for depression, listed as MDD and Anxiety. Had a heart attack last year. STEMI. CAD diagnosis. In discussing lifestyle changes, I was asked what my stress level was as far as job, home life, leisure, prior health, etc. Stress is high and depression is thick and real. Was told that the depression and anxiety COULD be a contributing factor and Id want to be as stress free as possible. Applied for secondary heart attack, due to depression and anxiety with VA. had C&P exam. Saw doctor (contractor, QCV or something) for five minutes in which he said nothing to me. looked at computer screen, typed some things up, and excused me. Was later denied..."It is less likely than not that the veteran has a diagnosis of CAD with MI requiring stent placement that was proximately due to to MDD, anxiety, or OCD. There is no medical evidence that MDD, anxiety, or OCD cause CAD".
There are numerous studies performed by the VA, Mayo, and universities and agencies worldwide that connect CAD with depression as a cause and a symptom. Several rulings have already stated as much. I have requested the records from the C&P ( a month or more ago) and have yet to receive them. Deadline for appeal is coming up quickly. This new system sucks. I used to just go to the regional office in Lincoln and theyd let me walk out with any copies I needed. Question, Is it worth appealing on the grounds I have listed in this paragraph? And is there a way to get a doctor to look at my records on my own and see if they agree that its AT LEAST AS LIKELY that the two area linked?
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I am retired military(70% sc) and also retired from VA hospital. Last year sought treatment for bowel issue in SC after months of hospital stays, loss of 40 lbs and not able to eat for nothing passed through digestive system flew to Boston VA. The found bowel obstruction and removed 2ft 9inches of intestines' which was in a ball covered in adhesions(Oct 2019. They also found cyst that still needed to be addressed and notified Charleston VA. Go Boston I have been able to eat ever since.Gut full of staples and I flew back to SC. Took out my staples for CBOC couldn't do it. Avoided 4 hour round trip 2 Charleston VA. Cant believe what I found in VA notes, forgery and lies. I documented actual facts through journey. Saw VA several times about cyst waste of 4 hr drive.
March of this year had back and leg issues with severe pain, on same area of cyst. Surgery wanted new MRI. MRI not happening due to virus, but managed to get one done with my private insurance. After ER visits, having to resort to private sector and much ado, secure messaging to PC the cyst was removed in Sept. When surgical gave me the date they arranged everything and did a great job but issue was not resolved. Day after surgery drove 2 hrs home w/ 10inch incision in my gut. I can suck up a lot. During all of this I told all my back and leg was issue(sc). Well I have been in severe pain for months now and not able to walk on left leg finally had MRI severe central canal stenosis. Cant seem to get appt w/pain management, but got one same day through private sector PC after sending MRI results through healthy vet. My VA PC continually notified about severe pain and still no pain appt or assistance. Been dealing with back/leg(sc) issues since for years, stopped drugs and found workouts take pressure of and keeps manageable. Private sector has done epidural injections and may need surgery, I can limp a few ft now, still trying to get sleep. The VA no treatment as of yet. The last 2 tours beat me up being close to 50, should have stopped at 20 not 25. This is service connected and I have not received any type of abdicate care. Much unnecessary pain and suffering.
There are great people working at VA hospitals, but much that is beyond acceptable. I worked there so have seen it. I am pist and when I get through this I want this addressed so some other poor bastard doesn't get sub standard care. While working there I put on blinders to the shit around me and just went to my veterans homes and gave the best care I could to help the older veterans and setup medical equipment. Gave info on benefits they were entitled to and where to get help for many issues. Many don't do internet and have no clue to help they can get .Have vet rep friends and stayed up on benefits and info, not part of my job but so many needed additional help with medical bills, home help etc. Nothing like the WWII guys love the morals and values.
I don't trust IG, patient advocate, politicians etc. I don't care about money this shit is wrong and needs to be addressed. I need to go somewhere that will really address the issues, take action and make a changes for the better of all veterans. I have documented and keep all records to verify the bullshit I went through. Pretty sick and so wrong. Is media an option..which one will really cover it..
Cheers,
Marilyn
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