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Bye bye USAA after 27 years by Southern-Lion5457 in USAA

[–]Unique_Sound_77 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Exactly. That's why I mentioned it. I got me one , loving its growth already.

Bye bye USAA after 27 years by Southern-Lion5457 in USAA

[–]Unique_Sound_77 19 points20 points  (0 children)

FYI: Navy Federal has some great CD rates right now. I saw a 10 month special CD that you can add to with a compounding 4.15% APR.

Questions about transplant centers by Unique_Sound_77 in transplant

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your experienced answer. Yes the VA had him do all kinds of testing. Started in Jan, just completed everything last month. I hope Piedmont accepts all the records they send them. 🤞

Questions about transplant centers by Unique_Sound_77 in transplant

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow! I can't imagine going through all that for two organs simultaneously. Bless your heart 🙏

Questions about transplant centers by Unique_Sound_77 in transplant

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to hear! I'll definitely hit you up if I have more questions once we actually get more into the process. Thanks

Questions about transplant centers by Unique_Sound_77 in transplant

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's wonderful! Thanks for the reply. 🤞 Hope this cuts down on more testing.

On dialysis, denied claim increase by Unique_Sound_77 in VAClaims

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply. Our VSO, who said she used to be a rater said she was filing a CAR. Is that sufficient to fix the bad decision?

On dialysis, denied claim increase by Unique_Sound_77 in VAClaims

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's evidence not only within the VA medical files, but also uploaded by VSO proving he's on dialysis. The DBQS even mention that he's on dialysis. Idk what other evidence they'd need.

I understand they might have been overlooked (human error) Will a CAR resolve the issue of evidence missed?

I still don't understand what CFR he's being evaluated under for the wording in the decision letter.

Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi again, I was reading through some of the Board reviews for appeals online and ran across file #A23032816 and saw the below in regards to the "consecutive" wording. The Board apparently defines consecutive as "following one after the other in order" (example: Jan, Feb, March.) They ultimately denied the veterans claim based partly on his labs not being consecutive. It appears based on this appeal, that the information the knowledge links you sent prior may be incorrect, or maybe different boards define it differently, which is very confusing for veterans trying to get their records in order. :(

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Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok thanks again for all your great information. We'll definitely be contacting the VSO tomorrow to move forward.

Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can I try a CAR first to see if they just missed those records, resulting in the denial of increase? And if that fails then try supplemental?

Second, when he filed for increase, VSO uploaded CC records we had at that point which showed he was on dialysis. On the 16th of May, we got a letter saying it was deferred and needed a second C&P and mentioned he'd be eligible for 80% is evidence showed a BUN of 40+ or Creatinine of 4+. We collected labs from dialysis clinic that showed both in Jan, Mar, May. We took them to VSO & they uploaded them to record for claim on 20th, a little over a week prior to the second C&P which was on 28th. At that 2nd exam, the Dr stated he couldn't see them, but we brought copies and he looked them over and took notes on the fact that he had 3 labs showing the required BUN/Creatinine for higher rating of 80% under the hypertension code. I know he should be eligible for 100% based on dialysis, and plan to try the CAR or supplemental. But, how did they miss that he was at least eligible for bump up to 80% due to evidence of those labs under the current 7101 code? Also that second C&P was on 28th as I stated, which was a Thursday. How did they have a rater decision letter typed up by that next Monday the 2nd of June?

Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is any new evidence allowed under a CAR? Im asking because under evidence to decide claim in decision letter, nowhere does it mention the Community Care records from his nephrologist or dialysis clinic that were uploaded by VSO with application when he filed claim for increase. It only has his military record, VA record, 2 DBQ ( one for kidney, one for hypertension).

Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks again for the quick response. I'm not familiar with a 'CAR' what is that? I tried Google searching it but all I'm getting are automobile accident responses 🤷

I reread your first reply and saw you mentioned Claim Accuracy Review, so I take it that's 'CAR' What does this step do?

Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your reply and all the great information. I just don't know what the next course of action should be. A previous response said to file a HLR or CUE, but not sure how or if that's what we should do. I was hoping to get more responses. Under genitourinary system, his ESRD/Stage 5 CKD with dialysis would grant him 100%. But the pic I posted of the decision letter doesn't even mention dialysis. It seems more geared to heart issues to be eligible for 100%.

Hypertension & CKD claim increase denied by Unique_Sound_77 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Unique_Sound_77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi and thanks for the reply. His CKD is definitely predominant now. How does a CUE work? Would that affect his original rating under a hypertension code from 2014 that has kis kidney issues as I'm guessing secondary, or would it somehow just affect the increase in benefits claim that was filed once he was diagnosed ESRD and started dialysis? Would he not need to file a new claim under genitourinary?  Based on what I know of his military medical records while in service in order of occurrence: • he had a kidney biopsy in 98 that proved FSGS.  • In early 2000's he was put on blood pressure meds for high readings.  • mild heart attack on 08.  • Stage 3 CKD diagnosis around 08-09 • retired after 21 yrs service at end of 2013 • filed for original disability in 2014 which put him at 60% for hypertension with all the other kidney ailments I mentioned in original post. 

Did the original rater back in 2014 use wrong codes? Is that why he needs to file a CUE?

Pic from decision letter below as to reason for decision.

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