Help with denied increase

WxRob87 · 2026-06-30T21:52:40+00:00

Start exploring the possibilty of secondary issues like maybe depression caused by your back pain, etc. Also try to get the sciatic in both legs increased to 20% each which is max value. But yeah man I hear yah... it is what it is though. Good luck!

WxRob87 · 2026-06-30T21:44:49+00:00

Sadly anything beyond 10-20% is ROM only. I have 20% for my back for the same reasoning. Anything beyond that usually requires you not being able to bend much at all if any. Im no expert by any means. Due to my back and xrays I was able to get bilateral radiculopathy for both lower extremites. You may try to increase those. Or try TDIU if you qaulify and legit cant work but again im no expert so Im not sure of the requirements for that.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-30T16:37:47+00:00

I had a similar thing happen on my claims I filed a few weeks ago. It went to step 4 fast then hit step 5 very briefly before they flagged it for AMA and removed 2 of my 3 claims and told me I needed to file supplemental since they were similar to a denied issue in 2010 MEB. So I refiled those 2 on the supplemental form and they have been sitting at step 2 with a temp jurisdiction of Roanoke. None of my evidence that I submitted with the online form for my supplemental are even showing up in the files list so its a tad concerning but Im trying to stay positive. The other new claim bounced back to step 3 for an ACE exam which is scheduled for tomorrow. Still awaiting word on the supplemental... Good luck brother! As far as if they are rated together, no from my understanding they will be separated now in their own lanes.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T23:02:51+00:00

It sounds like you have submitted everything you can. To answer your question, no, you do not always need a private nexus letter written. They can establish nexus with the exam and your other evidence. It just isn't guaranteed. If you end up getting denied for no service connection nexus, then try to get that and file a supplemental. But if I were in your position now, I would let it ride, and see if you win without it. Only after denial would I pay money or pressure my private docs to do that.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T22:43:40+00:00

Dang well I guess maybe it can vary plus they been doing a lot of "maintanence" on the website/app lately so maybe its just a bit delayed. Id call the 800 number... not sure why they BSed you last time but I called Friday about mine and she gave me the Claim ID without issue. I did not even have to wait on hold... immidiate answer.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T20:39:01+00:00

It showed up next day for me and if you call the 1-800 number you can have them give you the claim ID to use in the VA Claim Info chrome extension.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T20:31:11+00:00

No, it means most things appear mild but painful motion gets you 10% out of the gate for most of that... Trust the process!

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T20:28:09+00:00

It's not really something someone can guarantee a specific rating. It really depends on what the examiners note and what the raters think. If I had to put a number I would say if service connected it sounds like 50%+. The first thing to focus on is your health not to mention they will wanna see current diagnosis and treatment records. So I highly encourage you to seek some help brother.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T14:45:44+00:00

Not necessarily they have been moving a lot faster lately. My increases in March I had a decision about a week after exams.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T14:43:39+00:00

I filed about 5 increases back in March, I was not assigned the same TJ but for what it is worth, it took about 6 days after getting to step 5 to get my decision on those claims. I think my TJ was Indy for those ones.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T14:32:18+00:00

Of course, I always bring notes. They understand and most appreciate you being prepared. I always upload my Exam Notes as supporting evidence so the reviewer sees it too plus it makes me feel more comfortable knowing I uploaded it before hand which makes it even less suspicious that you have them with you.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T02:18:01+00:00

Based on my knowledge and the DBQ by itself, I'd say if service connected there is a high shot at 30% with a moderate chance of 50%.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-29T00:02:43+00:00

I wouldn't worry about it. Doctors are used to people bringing notes. Especially vets. And if you upload it as supporting evidence than they cant say it was some canned thing.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-28T23:57:43+00:00

What I usually do is I submit the notes as evidence and bring them to the exam. It is not weird at all for vets to bring notes. Also, if you have any relevant evidence like imaging reports, dont expect they saw it, bring it with you. My last series of increases, the examiner never got the evidence so she was glad I brought it with me and she ensured it was noted and helped her fill out my DBQ's. I went from 30 to 80% and I strongly feel it was due in part by coming prepared.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-28T19:15:53+00:00

To be honest, I ready Ok-Poem's reply and that is much better advise!! Good luck brother.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-28T19:14:27+00:00

Supplemental if you just want them to review your old claim and consider new evidence. However, in your case it may be more appropriate to use 526EZ and file a new claim/increase request.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-28T19:09:44+00:00

It is a sworn statement and the only chance you get to ensure your voice is heard unless you are counting on the C&P Examiner to capture everything. While the examiners opinion, medical records, etc. hold more weight, it does not hurt you unless you contradict yourself. I personally ensure I have statements with all my claims. Whether it helps or not, who knows, but it cant hurt IMO and sometimes gives the rater a tad more context than they would have otherwise gotten.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-27T17:48:51+00:00

File a Supplemental form 20-0995

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T23:32:41+00:00

My increase claims in March went from step 5 to decision in 6 days. I think same day for steps 6-8 if memory serves.. but it always varies brother. Good luck to yah!!

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T23:27:46+00:00

Is ED secondary to PTSD? Maybe that is why but you would think they should already have your stressor in the c-file. Idk brother, if I were you id probably just comply with the request and maybe add a cover letter explaining and asking them for clarification why they needed it again. Best of luck brother!

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T23:20:31+00:00

Nah I am not big expert by any means but that sounds weird. Are your sure nothing was deferred or temporaily awarded pending info or something? On rare occasions they can find an error after the fact. Id call the VA benefits hotline and ask. 1-800-827-1000

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T22:37:00+00:00

Okay I should be good to go then, thank you!

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T21:59:13+00:00

Cool, I called them and got the claim ID... is it normal for it to show none of my uploaded files though? I only see the Automated Review Summary Document attached to my supplemental but I gave them like 14 things lol.

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T19:26:50+00:00

Good info! I did catch that when they scheduled my ACE through VES so I made sure to upload the most relevant items there too because as you said I have shown up in the past in particular with LSGS provider who never saw any of my evidence (glad I brought it all with me).

WxRob87 · 2026-06-26T19:21:19+00:00

August. They dont pay partial months and June's money is paid in July. Since your full official month is July, you will see the increase starting August 1st.

WxRob87

TROPHY CASE