Hey Jim,
I was in the Beirut bombing in 1983 while serving in a USMC rifle company. I lost an ear drum and took some shrapnel in the back but otherwise I was OK. I went on to serve during Desert Storm and did 10 more years of active duty.
Upon getting out in the early 90's I was angry and a heavy binge drinker. I never considered getting any help because I was still alive and so many were dead. Went on to earn 2 degrees, taught high school, and work as a medical laser tech., and as a respiratory therapist. At urging of girlfriend, family and combat veteran friends, I went for mental healthcare at a VAMC in 2008. I put in a claim in 2009 for ptsd and was rated 50%. Continued to have increased problems and applied for increased rating in 2011 got 70% in 2012.
Along the way I read VAWatchdog and your advice about how to DIY my own claims.
I applied for TDIU in 2012, was denied 30 days later because the VARO claimed I had not sent my 21-8940. I put in a NOD and DRO appeal request in June of 2012, enlisted the assistance of my Congressional representative and I received my award letter March 1st, 2013 granting TDIU, P & T.
The time elapsed between nod and award was 8 months. I am planning on writing a thank you letter to VARO Cleveland today as well.
Keep on telling them it can be done Jim. DIY the VAWatchdog way is the way to go. Thanks a million for your site.
Reply:
Wow.
You have an impressive record of honorable, meritorious service to your country. You also demonstrate a drive to overcome obstacles and control your destiny that is equally impressive. Rather than allowing your personal demons to take control, you made a conscious decision to be in charge and you've succeeded.
Rather than handing your claim over to a stranger, you took control and you prevailed.
Your message is why we here at VAWatchdog keep doing what we do. We sincerely believe that when the veteran decides to DIY and then plays strictly by the rule book, this is the sort of success that can be achieved. We know the VA would rather work directly with the veteran than to have to try to decode messages through a middleman who may not be very skilled or well trained.
We believe that if a veteran has a well grounded claim and submits appropriate evidence to support the claim, he or she will always prevail. This is usually best accomplished without the services of any sort of representative. As you've demonstrated, it really isn't all that difficult.
Although the VBA can be frustrating and challenging, it just isn't that hard to win your well grounded claim. Using certified mail for all communications, keeping good records and understanding exactly what VA will require from you will set the path to winning the benefits that you earned.
Thanks for sharing your success.
Hello Jim,
I wished I had read your information about what not to do when filing a VA claim before I ever started this process 10 years ago.
I am currently at 60 percent. I truly believe that my record has a great big RED X on it. I even went so far one time to hand right a letter to them telling them that they had enough information to make a decision with so they needed to get of off their lazy F__king A__es and make a decision, they did and it was no change.
I went as far as to try and get the congressional office investigated for there lack of time management, but they did need to be investigated, that's another story though. Is there any way to get the red X off my chart or do I just have to suck it up. I just had my 6th knee surgery and it was a total knee replacement this time. It is sad that we have to take this kind of BS though. To bad we cannot volunteer a weekend a month to help other veterans out with the VA, I know I would volunteer if it would speed up the process for someone else. Can I get the red X removed ? Thanks
Reply,
There is no red X on your folder. Although you shouldn't ever be abusive and rude in your communication with VA, they're so used to that it doesn't phase them. The VA is easy to dislike and they know it.
When you communicate with VA, you have to always remember that there is a real, live person who will read your message. Often enough that person wants to help you. If you do your part and provide the rater with exactly what he or she needs to properly adjudicate your well grounded claim, you'll win.
Rather than worrying about a mythical red X, I'd suggest that you try to focus on why your claim was denied. I'm assuming that's why you're upset although you never really tell me exactly what has happened.
Any time you have a problem with a VA claim, the first step is to analyze and identify exactly why you're experiencing the problem. Rather than getting pissed off, you have to get smart. Being angry is easy, anyone can do that. Thinking your claim through from start to finish is more of a challenge.
If you'll get back to me and tell me what the problem is, I may be able to advise you on how to fix it.