I wrote a previous article called attackers. This was primarily to show that I was being attacked for my continued blogging about the VA. In the light of this article I received a message that could possibly change my life.
The post came to me asking if I could give her my number. She stated that she worked for the VA and that she wanted to look into my issue. I received that call this morning and we went over my claims and my release from active duty. She was actually able to see all of my claims and all of the decisions to why the “board” determined that my disability was only rated at 10% for my Post Thrombotic Syndrome and for my Right Knee.
After we dug through my records she recognized that the original examiner had noted that I should be diagnosed with Severe Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Disc Disease. It also stated that because of my Back condition (Which I receive no disability and was told it wasn’t service connected) and because of my Post Thrombotic Syndrome that I should be diagnosed with Radiculopathy of the lower extremity. This is what was found in 2009 and was presented to the Medical Separation Board. I never heard of these three conditions and never knew that I had these issues, but my files show it, files that I don’t have access too which I will be collecting tomorrow.
This lady has been working for the VA for a very long time and said that I should be receiving at least 40% for my Post Thrombotic Syndrome and my other disabilities should be increased because of the adverse actions of my Post Thrombotic Syndrome.
I first want to say that I did not reach out to her, but she reached out to me. She let me know that she was a fellow Veteran and will help out those that think they really need help with the system and does this on her own time.
These are the type of people that more Veterans need. A simple look at my files that I readily don’t have access too just took my fight to another level. I know that naming this person could have this person reprimanded and I would never do that, but I want to say thank you for giving me a fighting chance. The information you don’t know and you don’t know how to access can make a difference.
If you are Vet or know a Vet that is having issues follow these steps.
1. First Appeal all of your Claims and continue to Appeal them
2. Go to your local VA and ask to receive your entire C-FILE. This is the Claims file that the Board looks at when deciding your case. You want to look at this and determine if everything is correct and that the information you submitted is actually there and wasn’t left out. You can write and ask and it will take 90 days or you can stop by a VA and wait a few hours to receive it. If you find that something is missing, access your claim online and submit all the documents that are missing.
3. Get an VA organization involved….DAV, VFW….both are good, but don’t just give them the info and hope for the best. You have to be proactive in your claim. You have to stay on top of things while your case is moving along, if you don’t you won’t stay motivated.
4. If your claim is denied, file a Status Notice of Disagreement with your local VA. This form will help you tell your side that the paperwork doesn’t show. Things that you experience and things that your disability impedes will go on this form. This is your chance to tell your side to the board. If that doesn’t work then you need to file a claim to be seen by the board.
Hope this helps. Comment me if you need anything else or if you need advice.
Stay strong and stay hopeful.
Welcome 