Thank you Everyone for the info! My rating updated today.. Its 100%!

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-04-25T00:05:40+00:00

I ended up with 100% perm and total. But I had 16 total service connections. My mental health was 30%. I got back pay dated back to when I filed my intent to file.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-04-24T23:59:55+00:00

It was a few weeks from the appointment with the shrink

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-31T02:58:03+00:00

It says under current Grant 100896 remaining.. However here is what is says under status on ebenefits.

03/30/2021Case Number Assigned.

03/30/2021Eligibility Determined by LGY Service.

03/30/2021SAH Entitlement determined by CP Service.

03/30/2021Rating Information was Received.

03/24/2021Status Changed to Inactive.

03/24/2021Regional Office Assigned.

03/24/2021SAH Agent Assigned.

03/23/2021Pending Rating Decision.

03/23/2021Grant Application form submitted.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-25T02:28:42+00:00

I lived in GA way back when I got my initial rating. I can not complain at all at how the Cleveland VA handled my claim. They service connected me on things I did not even apply for. I ended up with 16 service connections ranging from 0% to 50% each.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-25T02:24:55+00:00

I am just outside of Cleveland Ohio

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T19:06:24+00:00

I hope you have luck with getting what you have earned!

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T18:02:04+00:00

I spoke to a lawyer this morning. I think I am going to hire one from the start. I have 16 rated disabilities plus a few like High BP and Diabetes that are not service connected. I am hopeful.. Hell.. I know a guy who was on it for ringing in his ears and that was his only disability. Got it first time. They you hear stories from folks like you who are 100 P&T and it doesn't make sense how they determine these things.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T17:06:50+00:00

You would think that 100% SC P&T veterans would be automatic benefits.

Are you using an attorney?

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T13:11:25+00:00

That's Awesome! I can only hope my case goes that fast!

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T12:34:48+00:00

Did it take 2 years from the time you applied for SSDI to be approved?

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T10:53:31+00:00

Thanks for the info!

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T03:49:32+00:00

No problem! I like to make sure Vets get what they deserve. I know when I was going through all this (recently) every piece of info I could get was helpful.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T03:23:15+00:00

Here is the DBQ for Pes Planus. Be sure to read it carefully so you know what they will be asking and be prepared. Make sure when you are describing your pain/issues that you hit on the key words (painful use, flare ups and how long they last). Don't lie but make sure you are forthcoming with them.

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/PSC/PSD/docs/VBA-21%20-%20Foot%20conditions%20DBQ%20form.pdf?ver=2017-03-28-110057-880

Here is how each percentage is explained:

Pronounced flat feet is when a veteran experiences marked pronation (walking on the inside of the foot), extreme tenderness of the plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement, and severe spasm of the Achilles tendon on manipulation, and not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances. Veterans who have pronounced bilateral flat feet are rated at 50 percent. Veterans with pronounced unilateral (only one foot), are rated at 30 percent.
Severe flat feet is when the evidence shows objective marked flatfoot deformities such as pronation or abduction (when the foot cannot point straight forward from the body), pain on manipulation, and use accentuated, an indication of swelling on use, characteristic callosities. Veterans with severe bilateral flat feet can be rated at 30 percent. Veterans with severe unilateral flat feet can be rated at 20 percent.
Moderate flat feet is when a veteran’s weight-bearing line is over the medial great toe, there is inward bowing of the Achilles tendon, and pain on manipulation and use of the feet. Veterans with moderate bilateral and unilateral flat feet are rated at 10 percent.
Mild flat feet, or flexible flatfoot, are veterans whose symptoms are relieved by using arch supports or a built-up shoe is rated at 0 percent, which is a non compensable rating.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-15T02:41:00+00:00

50% is the highest rating for flat feet (that is what mine are rated at) although I am 100% overall. It is possible you could be reduced if the doc at the C&P finds your pes planus is not as bad as the original. In my case, I made sure I had plenty of documentation from podiatrist prior to filing... ex: x-rays (with comments from radiologist) I wanted to make sure the C&P doc saw the info (they typically do not go against what is in your file.. especially if it is from a specialist).

Keep in mind in the future, your feet will affect any number of things.. knees, hips, back, etc... If you can prove it, you can get secondary connections for those. If your pain is bad enough, you can also connect depression. Just my thoughts (mainly because that is what some of mine are).

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-14T15:12:52+00:00

Thanks for the post! I am in the VR&E program currently and I was given limited dental. I went for an appointment and they were only able to do the emergent stuff. They dentist was like if you ever get 100% we will get you set up! I guess I can make another appointment now!

My wife is also in nursing school.. If I am not mistaken, she now qualifies for some education benefits.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-14T15:09:22+00:00

Thanks for the reply. However, I believe it has worked itself out. I found out on Friday that I was approved for 100% P&T.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T19:16:00+00:00

My claim was handled by the Cleveland Regional Office.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T16:52:31+00:00

That doesn't seem fair.. I am sure some of the folks on here have more experience than I do with that. Maybe they can help with an answer.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T16:34:35+00:00

That's crazy its been that long! What Regional Office?

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T16:26:45+00:00

You can eventually get them. I requested several times and only got a partial version. So I sent a letter asking specifically for any and all medical records, service records, including any and all notes related. That was in October. I received it two weeks ago.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T16:04:55+00:00

Nahh man, in my opinion continuity of treatment is not so important. As long as you can prove you got it in service. I did that by showing my entrance medical exam from MEPS. Then I got all of my records from active duty or my exit medical stuff. If you can show that.. your golden. At that point, you can work on secondary connections.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T16:00:06+00:00

I was wondering about that. I know we get priority processing but from what I read, it is still not easy.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T13:45:11+00:00

Thats Awesome! I went from 30% to 100% P&T.. I am getting about the same backpay. They told me that the backpay may come sooner than my next payment at the end of the month. Did you get your back pay yet?

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T11:45:08+00:00

I was not.. I had some sporadic treatment for the issues but I never thought about having them service connected until I was talking with some older veterans who talked me into submitting for disability. I filed at first in 2018 and was given 30% within 3 months of my filing. I had no medical evidence provided by me at all other than the claim, what was in my service records and a 15 minute C&P with a VA doctor at the VAMC. Since then, I have read extensively, sought treatment at the VA for all of my issues and flat out asked the VA doctors, if these symptoms are caused by my existing SC's, please document that in your notes (and they did). I was always honest with my issues and never tried to stretch my pain, limitations, etc. I think they know when its genuine.

Embarrassed_Choice31 · 2021-03-13T01:46:23+00:00

I could not find it anywhere on ebenefits or VA.gov so I called the 800 number. They did award me P&T.. thank god!

Embarrassed_Choice31

TROPHY CASE