Hi Jim,
It’s been awhile, and I hope this finds you well. I wanted to share my recent good news with you. I received my initial letter from the DVA regarding my DRO review, and coincidentally had a VA medical appointment today which confirmed my new 90% disability rating (increased from 10%). According to the DVA letter I was approved for 100% w/ SMC housebound for the last 4 plus years and 90% going forward. The lowered rating was based on me returning to work again since I’ve made some significant improvements in my conditions, and was able to find an understanding boss regarding my conditions. I’ll wait until I see the actual check before I start dancing, but it sounds like I may be able to get off the hamster wheel for awhile. I’ll eventually have a CUE claim for my previous denial in my future, but I’ll take a break for a few. I just wanted to thank you for the advice you offer, and your efforts to try and keep the VA honest.
Reply:
Wow. What terrific news. That's just great...the best thing I've heard this week.
I tell vets that to succeed in a VA claim takes the patience of a saint and the tenacity of a junkyard dog. Once you leave the anger and frustration of dealing with VA behind and you apply the rules and regulations appropriately, given time...you'll prevail.
Winning your well grounded claim is always about more than the money. It's as much the sense of justice and fairness that comes when VA has to recognize that they are wrong and you are right. These benefits aren't gifts or handouts, we earned every one through our blood, sweat and tears.
Thanks for sharing.