Question:

For of all, I want to thank you for all you do for veterans and their families. It has really changed peoples lives for the better.
70% PSTD: 10% Tinnitus: IU 100% I’ve been 100% IU for 10 years and after their examination on PTSD and IU on my 10th year, the VA has determined me P&T with DEA and CHAMPVA eligibility. 2 months later (Feb 12,2019) after this decision the VA sends me a letter saying that my file is being reviewed again because I’ve worked. I just went through this 2 months ago where they asked me for medical evidence (PTSD) and employment (Form 4140) and the determined me 100% P&T, then 2 months later they are doing this to me again. The letter appears to read the same that I got a few months ago when they said they were re-examining me. When I asked a VA rep about this today he said that these letters are automatically computer generated every time the cross-check system picks up a IU veteran working. I make above the poverty threshold and submit my paper work (form 4140) ever year stating that it is a protected environment and they always come back with “benefits are continued due to a protected environment”. He also told me that starting Jan 1,2019 veterans won’t be required to submit form 4140 because they implemented a system that automatically cross-check veterans that are working and have IU (SSN admin).   What did the VA make me 100% P&T? Was it my PTSD? Is it a combination of both PTSD and IU? And Why are they reviewing my file again after they just reviewed it 2 months ago and made a determination? I’m thoroughly confused.

Jim's Reply:

Without having your file in front of me I can't say how VA reached any determinations about your ratings. I can tell you that what you're experiencing is pretty routine and we have little choice but to deal with it. VA makes a ton of errors when reviewing files for one reason or another. I've been forced to travel to C & P exams for issues closed 30 years ago. Nobody can say why, it just happens. When it happens to me, I try to do what I'm told without a lot of fuss. For example, I traveled to a totally unnecessary C & P exam that came out of nowhere a couple of years ago and I made a day of it. My wife came with me and we used the travel pay reimbursement to buy a nice lunch.  Four months later I got a letter telling me nothing changed because of my exam. The end. Why? If I could answer that we'd all be rich. Deal with the aggravation without letting anything slip by and your ratings will be solid for the future.