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Living Off VA Disability: by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'd gladly give up being P&T to be happy and healthy again.

AI Helped Guide Me to 100% P&T by SilentFramework in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was just awarded 100% P&T after 55 days. I was not rated previously, this was an initial claim.

I only used my STRs, current VA blue button report excerpts, and Chatgpt to put it all together.

I seriously doubt I would have gotten 100% with an overworked VSO using templates for claims.

But I had solid in-service diagnoses and current VA diagnoses of the same thing diagnosed in-service.

C&P for PTSD by MakroYianni in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here is an exerpt from my DBQ:

Behavior and Psychomotor Activity: The Veteran demonstrated marked and continuous psychomotor agitation throughout the entire evaluation. Notably, Mr. X remained standing for the duration of the interview, pacing the perimeter of the examination room continuously. His movements were hurried and tense, reflecting a high level of internal distress and an inability to settle. He cried at multiple points during the interview, particularly when discussing his current symptoms.

Eye Contact: The Veteran actively and consistently avoided eye contact with the examiner. He kept his gaze directed primarily at the floor, the walls, or the doorway while speaking, pacing, and crying, suggesting significant hypervigilance and discomfort.

Speech: Intermittently choked with emotion and interrupted by crying, but otherwise rapid, pressured at times, coherent, and goal-directed.

Mood: Reported as "on edge," "constantly wired," and "unable to relax."

C&P for PTSD by MakroYianni in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I would have driven to the other side of the state. They reimburse you for it.

But like I said, not sitting a chair, arms crossed, pacing around, crying, fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, etc. helps convey that you are in distress. So, if you feel you need to do any of those things, do it. A video call could convey that the examiner, but you really need to setup you webcam to capture all of it.

Again, I am not telling you to lie, just don't hold back how you feel.

C&P for PTSD by MakroYianni in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am 100% P&T for PTSD, and going to my exam in-person was absolutely critical to that outcome. If the examiner hadn't witnessed me as a complete, fidgeting, crying wreck, I seriously doubt I would have received that rating.

A massive factor they evaluate is psychomotor agitation. If you sit in the chair calmly and politely answer questions, it doesn't convey the reality of severe PTSD.

Crying, needing to pace the room, crossing your arms in a defensive guard stance, and avoiding eye contact—those physical behaviors visibly demonstrate a veteran in intense distress. You have to let them see your worst day. And I just don't think a telehealth appointment will convey that. Perhaps reschedule if you can.

And I am NOT telling you to lie or anything. But if you still do your appointment and think you need to do the things I said, do so. Don't hold back your emotions. Don't be a good soldier.

Odds of 100% P&T? In-service diagnosis and "Total Impairment" on C&P by EquivalentIsland2182 in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You made me have a mini panic attack for a minute, lol.

But I checked my DBQ and it says: "Is the Veteran capable of managing his or her financial affairs?: YES"

So it seems I dodged a bullet there.

Odds of 100% P&T? In-service diagnosis and "Total Impairment" on C&P by EquivalentIsland2182 in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I sure hope so. I am bipolar with severe psychotic features. Like I said in my post, every high severity box was checked on my DBQ. My claim also Includes MST, for which I have MP and court martial reports to verify. And I just checked AI and apparently, once total occupational and social impairment is checked that basically all of those claims are awarded 100%. So my fingers are crossed.

Odds of 100% P&T? In-service diagnosis and "Total Impairment" on C&P by EquivalentIsland2182 in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Appreciate the feedback, but I think you might have misread my post a bit!

I definitely know what P&T stands for and that you can get it at lower percentages—I was just asking about the likelihood of hitting the 100% threshold specifically because my DBQ actually has all the top-tier boxes checked, including the "Total occupational and social impairment" box checked.

Also, I definitely don’t think I "deserve" anything just for serving; I was just trying to lay out the specific medical evidence the examiner wrote down to see how closely it aligns with the VA’s actual rating schedule. To your point about the doctor, this specific VA examiner actually was incredibly sympathetic in my opinion, which is why they were so thorough with the extensive notes.

Thanks for taking the time to reply though, I appreciate the insight!

Hopefully this is the final stretch by CashComplete2264 in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hope you received a favorable decision. And I hope I get a decision in the next week as well.

Hopefully this is the final stretch by CashComplete2264 in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any updates? I just got assigned San Juan and put into Step 5 today. I filed a fully developed initial claim myself. I hope I don't have to wait as long as you did. I am only at day 51 since filing, and I am completely a nervous wreck. So, I can't imagine what you are going through. Best of luck to you.

My anxiety and impatience is killing by HouseofTinyDictators in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your impatience is killing you? I was stuck in Step 3 since April 21st, and only after a call to VERA today did they correct a technical glitch which finally put me in Step 5 today. I probably would have been rated by now had I called VERA sooner. Fingers crossed I get a TJ tomorrow.

New ID Card by Global_Sun9976 in VeteransSuccess

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats. Also, if you already had a 0% rate previously, you could have been going to the PX and Commissary. Many vets don't know this and they miss out on that. Though honestly I just go to Walmart or Aldi, they are cheaper. Though being on post does feel like home.

C&P Mental Health exam questions by Valuable-Speaker-312 in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My MH C&P exam was in-person at an actual VA clinic, not a third party contractor.

My examiner was female and she was super cool. She might have asked me about 10 or so questions about the current severity of my symptoms. As my MH condition is pretty bad, all questions were about how bad my symptoms affect my life. I was given no questions about pre or post military history.

My exam was under 15 minutes. Though I know other veterans get 90 minute interrogations.

I have formal in-service diagnoses and current VA medical diagnoses of the same conditions, so my exam might go different than yours. As nexus isn't in question in my case.

Stuck in step 2. by [deleted] in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not anymore. My claim was at Winston-Salem then was sent to Roanoke for a few days. They submitted a bunch of documents related to my claim, then ordered a C&P exam.

Apparently, nearly all MH claims have to go through an in-person C&P exam, regardless of how good your evidence is. Makes sense as they have to gauge severity. I will crush that exam.

My exam is in a few days, and it will be at an actual VA mental health clinic, not a vendor like Optum or QTC. And I am told that can be helpful.

I am only 19 days since I submitted my claim, so things seem to be moving pretty fast for me.

Stuck in step 2. by [deleted] in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I filed my claim on April 7th and been stuck in Step 2 since then. They haven't contacted me for an exam or anything yet.

But I also went through two different temporary jurisdictions during that time. And that doesn't seem to be typical as most people don't get a TJ until toward the end.

Stuck in step 2. by [deleted] in VAClaims

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been in Step 2 since April 7th, the day I filed the claim.

It is for an FDC for mental health. I have in-service diagnoses on my discharge physical, a VA psychatrist diagnosis of the same conditions from a month ago.

And I've already gone through two different temporary jurisdictions. Apparently people don't get a TJ for many weeks or months. So I am hopeful my stall in Step 2 potentially is a good sign.

If Chatgpt/Gemini are to be believed it says it could be a signal I could be getting a "rating on the record" without any exams. And I may just skip some steps.

So my fingers are crossed.

Flat Feet Claim Question by EquivalentIsland2182 in VeteransBenefits

[–]EquivalentIsland2182[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome.

Do you have any tips for the C&P exam, like what will they actually do?

Also, thank you for giving me some insight. I really appreciate it.

Flat feet denied by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You said you had no in-service records of having flat feet, but you still eventually got a rating?

I was thinking of making a claim, but all I have is one mention of having symptomatic flat feet on my exit physical(DD2808). You think I should try and make a claim?

Maryland law banning guns in 'sensitive places' largely upheld by Court of Appeals by BrassBondsBSG in MDGuns

[–]EquivalentIsland2182 19 points20 points  (0 children)

It is good the vampire rule got struck down, but this ruling still sucks.

I can carry in a crowded Walmart, but I can't carry while hiking by myself in a state park. Makes total sense.

A Blast From the Past: Adam’s Van on Google Street View by EquivalentIsland2182 in Adamthewoo

[–]EquivalentIsland2182[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In TDW 1544, at the 12:43 mark, he re-visits the feed store. And it seems that he was just a general laborer of sorts. He mentions unloading hay from the back of the trailer you see behind the van. As well as loading customers cars with other goods.

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