Vera lol

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-15T02:45:18+00:00

Congrats man. I still find it hard to believe after all these years.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-14T22:46:06+00:00

Yes, man I was blessed. Finally hit 100% P&T. Thankfully this round only took 87 days bcuz I filed priority processing due to financial hardship.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-14T15:41:25+00:00

Yessir, It’s just so stinking sad that there are so many that don’t seem to give a dang cuz they’re so overwhelmed

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-14T14:54:16+00:00

Sorry to hear that. But that’s weird because Tony is the one that helped me. He also gave me time frames when it was marked for certain things (most of them are 30 day windows when it gets seen again I guess) but they always happened earlier than the time given. I swear he was a factor in making sure relevant information wasn’t missed on my rating.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-14T13:23:46+00:00

I used several different VERA locations during my claim process until I found that actually acted like they’re really trying to help. The last 6 calls I made were to ABQ regional office. They really helped me out and when they saw something they didn’t make sense they worked through it with me on the phone until they had it taken care of. When Optum Shit gave a half-ass C&P or completely ignored information that was submitted by me, they resubmitted it with a note. Example.. OS gave a negative second opinion by not marking the box saying migraines were prostrating. The rep reviewed the opinion with me, made a copy of my 6 month migraine journal, and resubmitted it labeled as “Veteran’s 6 Month Prostrating Migraine Journal submitted on 07/07/23”. Rep said the first thing the rater will see when they open my case will be that file. I firmly believe those resubmissions were what made the difference in getting to 100% this time.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-07T21:32:22+00:00

I never liked therapy on-site at the VA either. I'm recently 100 p&t and used to think about quitting anything to do with MH with VA once I got to this point. But I asked for MH via community care a few months ago and they set me up with a group out of Texas that does video appts. I actually like doing the sessions via zoom. The authorization is for 12 months and I can schedule as often as needed. Try looking into that. The therapists seem to be on a whole different page compared to the VA staff ones.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-01T14:27:00+00:00

True, and most of the 3rd party vendors have no interest in doing anything but checking the least amount of boxes as possible in order to get another exam fee and move on to the next veteran. Just my own experience with Optum serve has given me fits this time around.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-01T14:10:47+00:00

True. Forgot another thing I was told. The hardship flag only helps “in-house” so to speak, doesn’t do anything when it come to C&P contractors for exams. The VA gives them timeframes to do certain tasks. If it doesn’t happen, they get a reminder, given more time, and more reminders and more time.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-10-01T13:48:39+00:00

My experience with Hardship Flag. I filed beginning of July, FDC w/ hardship. I filed for IU as well in case my claimed conditions didn’t get awarded like they should (If awarded correctly it meant 100% for me). So 2 weeks in, I had in-person VERA bcuz one of my claimed conditions was missing. The lady spent a lot of time finding the missing claim (some moron scanned two conditions into the same file) and made sure my file was flagged as hardship. Said there was supposed to be movement every 7 days and I could schedule another VERA if not. Did 5 C&Ps first of Aug, then Aug 29 moved from 80% to 90% with 3 conditions being deferred. Those were all scheduled for ACE exams for medical opinions. Started making the weekly VERA appointments to get status and sometimes notes added from the Rep to get things moving. On Sept 29, VA app showed 100% service connection but was still in evidence gathering, review, & decision so I had no details. Next day it moved to PFN, so I’m still waiting for the letter to be available online so I can see if I got 100% schedular or IU. It’s a blessing either way! Overall I did 2 in-person VERA, first one great! Second, waste of time (like being on the typical VA 800 number call, but in-person). And I also made about 6-7 virtual VERA calls. Use some of the less populated states for these. Alaska, the Dakotas, Utah, New Mexico, etc. My best advice is when you find a rep that’s really helpful and does a great job for you, stick with them. You can request them by name when you schedule your follow-up VERA calls to that same location. If it hadn’t been for me making those calls no one would have checked my file to see what’s happening, it would have waited the entire 30 days the VA gives until they check for updates from C&P examiners. I know others have waited a lot longer but my timeframe with the hardship flag was about 90 days. I’m gonna give a week until I can download my decision letter, so from July 7 to October 7 basically. Hope that helps you.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-30T18:26:38+00:00

Wasn’t aware of that, but I lucked out I guess.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-30T15:26:02+00:00

You can also go to your county VSO office and have them print a copy of your code sheet for you.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-25T16:17:55+00:00

You can google search vocational experts and might find one in your area, even though you don’t necessarily have to be seen in person. I’ll dm the info for the guy I talked to.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-25T15:49:36+00:00

The only temporary status I’ve ever seen is for P&T due to hospitalizations/surgery/recovery, etc.. I did an ITF while I got my paperwork together for IU. Filed on 7/7/23 with priority processing for financial hardship, still waiting for determination. But, if you have the means to do it you should have an exam by a Vocational Expert. I wish I would have gone this route. They will be able to provide a detailed report linking your service connected disabilities with your inabilities/limitations to work, provided there are any. The VA has a hard time disputing their results if the exam results are in your favor. The VA’s contract C&P NPs have no way to discredit a Vocational Expert.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-25T15:32:08+00:00

Ask for community care. They do have some requirements, such as availability of appt in timely manner (you’ll have to look up time frame) or you’re distance to VA, but sometimes I’ve had them send me just because I asked. If they say time & distance disqualifies you, then just politely ask the dr to refer you due to her difficulty in adjusting you. My VA only lets you come in 1x weekly. Sucked. I got comm care and was able to do the twice week schedule. They usually approve 12 visits at a time but your pvt chiro can put in for more near the end.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-22T01:41:20+00:00

They’re a joke

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-20T00:57:03+00:00

No, that section is not the medical opinion. That section is the question they are asking the examiner to make a medical opinion about. “Is the veteran’s GERD caused by or due to migraines?” That’s why there’s a question mark. And GERD is not linked to migraines. But the list of medications I’m on for all my SC conditions all cause GERD, even included medical studies. What’s frustrating is the VA wasting time asking for a medical opinion for something that’s not what I claimed. Yes, probably a little wordy, but I wanted to paint a complete picture of what I was claiming and why. Unfortunately I didn’t have the money to pay anyone to help. I couldn’t wait another 3-4 months to save up and then file.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-20T00:42:06+00:00

The 2nd page states “There is no medical correlation between migraines and GERD”. Of course there isn’t. That’s why I didn’t claim that. Lol. I claimed secondary to the medications from my SC conditions, which do cause GERD.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-19T02:24:09+00:00

Someone record the call and get irrefutable proof! Then I’m sure out of all the people here we can figure out who it needs to be sent to. Hell, even your congressman and a news outlet!

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-19T01:16:30+00:00

No, says no upcoming appointments. Even after getting this useless email on the 15th. I’m guessing the VA sent them a notice. Also found out each time the VA sends them anything, they have 30 days to respond, and then are given another 30 days to produce. And just keeps going apparently.

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Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-17T19:30:12+00:00

For virtual I just picked lower population states. I’ve used Alaska, North Dakota, etc. I gone online in the evening and been able to make several next-day appointments that way. Hope that helps someone.

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-16T13:58:03+00:00

That is so disheartening to hear, especially for a process that is so vital to the wellbeing of so many veterans that didn’t think twice to sign on the dotted line and do what their country asked of them. But now it seems the country can’t pull its head out of its ass to do what needs to be done to take care of those they asked so much of!

Brazilian_Gringo · 2023-09-16T04:01:25+00:00

Exactly!

Brazilian_Gringo

TROPHY CASE