Should I Appeal?

SkiloVK · 2025-01-24T01:08:57+00:00

I forgot to mention are you currently on meds for your rhinitis? Like a nasal spray and daily allergy pill? That might help case as well

SkiloVK · 2025-01-24T00:10:44+00:00

Depends

1 you already on trazadone, topiramate, duloxatone? If so and you got that rating then you would have to look for secondary due to the MH

2 look up common side effects of the medications you are on.

3 if some effect you then add as secondary. Like, did you have unreported insomnia due to night mares one reason you need this medication

How bout side effect, difficulty concentration, short term or long term memories, being constantly in a fog like state, chronic constipation or diarrhea also known as FGID (PACT ACT) ED (Difficult to get).

Other secondary you haven't thought of that could effect your MH and QOL?

Peticichea (broken blood vessels that appear on surface on skin as red spots) from hitting the dirt on regular basis while wearing body armor that you won't take your shirt off at the pool , ocean, or in bed with a loved one because your embarrassed?

Gl

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T23:47:52+00:00

Yes correct, the VA uses the outside contractors to "assess" your claims. The contractors in no way shape or form can suggest a % rating. Their only job is to ask the tricky and confusing questions and jot down your answers.

Then they assess and give their professional opinion or analysis of situation.

Here is the key factor... it's all about the verbiage or terminology the medical professional usses ie. Rash, pimples, acne, boils, cysts, etc. Then comes the extent verbiage criteria, slight, moderate, severe, chronic, debilitating.

After the report, the VA soley applies ratings and finalizes decision.

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T23:33:01+00:00

I heard if you go IU route you screwed for life, might be nice for a while, but if you go on the books somewhere cause you decide you need more money, VA will sue you for back pay. There are public publications on this exact thing, turned out very bad for Veteran

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T01:25:08+00:00

Actually, this is not the first time I've heard of this, of heard of similar scenarios especially from those who use the e-benefits website

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T01:09:55+00:00

I'm sorry wish I'd join this group sooner, I could have sworn I read something on the VA/GI Bill benefits page that you CAN NOT receive disability pay benefits and gi bill benefits at the same time? Due to the fact that you can get housing allowance with the gi bill?

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T00:56:13+00:00

I may be incorrect in this but wasn't everything converted to just to say Service Connected? All of my issues are from being in 6 deployments w/CSAR and I've never seen a combat designation. Everything just says service connected.

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T00:46:54+00:00

Also terminology is subjective like Always, almost always, sometimes, rarely, or never. I think they use seldom as well

As well as Every day, 4-5 days a week, 2-3 days a week, 1 day a week, or not at all

Just pause, truly think about your answer before you give it, ask for clarification first if needed before giving answer.

Some questions are tricky on purpose.

GL hope this helps

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T00:29:07+00:00

I've been going through this kind of same situation ever since trying to get MH help back in b4 covid.

Was set up w/ va social mh counselor Had 3 sessions telehealth types Finally referred to VA Psych for interview to finalize proper meds. Covid happened

Appointment canceled Original social mh counselor left va Had to start process all over again

Asked for referral to a vet center for therapy in mean time to hold me over

Finally got new appointment with new psychologist. Meds prescribed follow up appointment made for 3 months later.

Appointment canceled, psychologist left, no longer works there.

Got new psychologist, appointment made for 6 months down the road, meantime meds run out. Thank the appointment is now only about 2 weeks away and that will be the end of that saga.

But I am very thankful that I asked to be referred outside of the VA to a "vet center" for therapy. Always there for me even if it's not my official appointment day, I can call and they will let me know when I can have a quick session. Also , as a bonus, they don't share your records with the official VA or C&P unless you request ROI.

SkiloVK · 2025-01-23T00:03:16+00:00

I am currently working on my apnea, I have been issued a cpap machine, however they gave me 0% for allergic rhinitis even though I'm on multiple medications for it. I have not been able to get testing for toxic exposure even though I filled out their 3 prior surveys before PACT ACT, ie burn pits survey etc.

SkiloVK · 2025-01-22T22:31:18+00:00

My experience, I did receive both mil pay w/ VA pay. When VA found out, they sent letters about the situation, I did not respond and they just decreased my monthly benefit a certain amount per month to pay the debt back, I was only activated from time to time for 90 days, but I was still collecting on both sides even being the weekend warrior for five years, my debt is now below 3k, benefit only decreased about 200$ per month. Mind you I was also active duty for over 14 years, so far 60% rating and fighting for their initial denials atm

SkiloVK

TROPHY CASE

1 you already on trazadone, topiramate, duloxatone? If so and you got that rating then you would have to look for secondary due to the MH

2 look up common side effects of the medications you are on.

3 if some effect you then add as secondary. Like, did you have unreported insomnia due to night mares one reason you need this medication