Hello Jim,
I want to thank you first for the tips and help you described at your site. It gave me the words and answers I need for my initial c and p exam. I was at first awarded 76% due to asthma depression and eczema. Those came with a no future exam needed. But a few months later on they gave me a 100% total for asthma because they found I was a gulf veteran and though this time, I have future exam needed and that is coming this next three weeks.
My question is... as I have 100% total only, I would really like to have permanent for my asthma disablity. What should I say or imply when I do the reexam so they could justify my case as permanent? Because as all medical professional also know that asthma and eczema are chronic which could be controlled but would stay forever.
Currently I control my asthma and eczema via medications but havent gone to any life emergencies yet due to the fact that I do not do my past military work as a civilian anymore. I currently go to school now and use the money they gave me to pay some of my expenses at school and home. And so far I am currently employed too but as easy job as a store clerk.
I dont know if my work or school would be helpful on my case but my main concern is how should I have them give me the permanent 100 without losing my benefits? Please i hope you could help me out. Thank you very much
Reply:
VA typically doesn't like to assign a "permanent" status to a rating that has any slight chance of improvement. This is particularly true if the veteran is under the age of 55.
I believe that you should voice your concern to the C & P examiner during the exam. You might say something like, "VA has rated this as a temporary condition. From all I've learned since my diagnosis, this is a permanent condition that I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life. Do you believe that this condition is permanent or is there a good chance that I'll get better?"
The answer you get will be telling.
Beyond that, you should consider getting an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO). The doctors who specialize in the IMO are much more objective than the VA examiner. While obtaining an IMO may be expensive, you may think of it as an investment in your future.
Please read http://www.vawatchdog.org/permanent-and-total---p---t-.html and then http://www.vawatchdog.org/imo-ime-medical-opinions-exams.html