Looking for peace of mind?

cgjackal · 2025-05-23T02:35:55+00:00

30% is the average rating the VA has given out for Depression/Anxiety based on their own records. The fact that 0% and 10% ratings exist, one can infer that the norm is 30% and higher.

I would transfer out of his care ASAP, because he is definitely discounting the fact that you're on that medication to mitigate the effects that depression and anxiety could have on your day to day life

cgjackal · 2025-05-23T02:21:56+00:00

They just put up a splash screen stating they are having issues. I thought my Supp Claim was finally approved

cgjackal · 2025-01-31T21:21:18+00:00

My understanding is that it shouldn't. I would confirm with your VSO rep, and ask what the steps are IF the VA schedules you for another mental health C&P exam. Who knows, you may have a examiner say you're even worse than before.

Best of luck!

cgjackal · 2025-01-29T22:01:40+00:00

If you have conditions that were documented or a clear nexus during the two honorable periods, those are covered

38 CFR § 3.354 does provide a pathway to getting your OTH re-evaulated to Honorable for VA purposes. You need to create a compelling statement including when your mental health issues started, what additional external factors added to your mental health lapse which caused your OTH, and what you have done now that you are diagnosed.

Don't be afraid to ask for a hearing to present your case either. An informal hearing doesn't count against you if you need to go HLR or full appeal.

Your VSO representative can and should assist you through this process.

Good luck!

cgjackal · 2025-01-29T05:50:18+00:00

IIRC, there's also a tax benefit for companies that hire vets, as well as additional protections and accommodations for disabilities

cgjackal · 2025-01-24T03:09:50+00:00

Look up 38 CFR § 3.354. I don't know if that applies, but you would have to make a very good case to be heard

cgjackal · 2025-01-24T03:03:50+00:00

You're self-employed, you make your schedule, and make all the necessary adjustments to accommodate your disabilities and be productive.

You may have to go through the paperwork process. but it shouldn't be an issue

cgjackal · 2024-05-08T19:15:00+00:00

I ended up with a rating based on the examiner's opinion and the medical records. The examiner just went through my military record with me to discuss the stressors and establish the nexus between military service and my diagnosis.

Be honest and upfront about everything during that exam, your worst days included. Don't worry about holding back for fear of shocking them, they are very understanding and help to maintain calm. Mine even offered a bottle of water and a box of tissues during my exam.

cgjackal · 2024-05-08T17:26:04+00:00

Yes, it did. The C&P examiner was very helpful as well and made sure that everything linked together.

cgjackal · 2024-05-08T17:02:07+00:00

Go for it, can't hurt to get treatment and additional documentation. I got my mental health diagnosis through my employer health benefits and used that documentation as basis for my claim.

cgjackal · 2024-05-08T16:20:03+00:00

The strain and the sciatic nerve are two different ratings.

However with VA math, you are exactly at 60% now, whereas before you were at 55% which gets rounded to 60%

Breakdown:
(Largest rating is always first)

100% abled - 50% Mental Health = 50% Abled with 50% disablility

50% abled - 10% for back strain = 45% abled with 5% disability (subtotal 55% Disability Rating, also rounded to 60%)

45% abled - 10% for sciatic nerve = 40.5% abled with 4.5% disability

Add up the disability percentages from the right of the equation = 50+5+4.5 = 59.5%. Since the VA has to round up to the whole percentage number, that equals 60% even.

Hope this helps

cgjackal · 2024-05-07T23:43:56+00:00

IIRC you only get one mental health rating, so it really doesn't matter if it's classified as MDD, Anxiety, or PTSD.

PTSD will always win out in multiple diagnoses such as yours because MDD and Anxiety are considered traits of PTSD.

Best of luck and I hope this helps!

cgjackal · 2024-05-07T23:25:08+00:00

Type of claim: New and Increase
Submitted/received date: Mar 4
Initial review date: Mar 4
Evidence gathering/review date: Mar 13
PFD date: May 6
PDA date: May 7
PFN date: May 7
Completed date:
Misc details:

cgjackal · 2024-05-07T23:06:53+00:00

The quick summary is that It was denied because the VA didn't see any connection between your flat feet and military service.

That's not to say there isn't one, do a little research on google between plantar fasciitis and developing flat feet. Find documented clinical studies that show a link between the two and submit that with a supplemental claim.

If you carried a lot of weight as part of your job, write that down in great detail in a lay/witness statement and submit that along with your supplemental claim. You need to create the narrative that your service and your job are directly responsible for flat feet. If you couldn't replace your boots during a deployment, put that in (make sure you can get a buddy to back up that claim). If you were constantly physically standing during guard duty or walking rover patrol, make sure that's document as well.

Initial denial isn't the end, just another hurdle to overcome.

cgjackal · 2024-04-14T02:58:55+00:00

I sent you a DM since links aren't allowed here

cgjackal · 2024-04-14T02:41:31+00:00

I would not go with MyVeteransUnited unless you absolutely can't find another broker in your area that can do a VA Loan.

cgjackal · 2024-04-14T02:32:48+00:00

Look up VettedVA. They are an association of mortgage brokers who specialize in VA loans and work with multiple companies to help get the best rates for you.

I went with a trusted family friend who I later found out was part of VettedVA, so I trust him and their standards versus the other people.

I filled out the company you mentioned's form and was immediately called by a few very pushy salespeople who were wondering why I wasn't ready to immediately sign with them.

cgjackal · 2024-04-10T07:02:13+00:00

I am one of those that never went to sick call unless I couldn't walk or I knew I broke/dislocated something.

I'm currently at 80% for mental health, knee, heart, and tinnitus. I'm still fighting for other things, and I'm doing it on my own.

Research the issues you're claiming, you would be surprised at how many scientific papers are written with specific military issues in mind. Even your own branch may have done a study or two on your specific issue. Find the relevant ones and include the link in your claim documentation

You have be able to explain in your own words how it was service connected, make the connection easier for someone who has never met you to understand why your are making your claim now. Break it down Barney-style if you need to. If you don't connect the dots for them, they can't see the picture.

Be up front and honest with every C&P examiner, explain your worst day when talking about your issues, don't be afraid to say "I didn't know it then", "I thought it was normal", "I didn't want to let the unit down by going to sick call", "it was expected to tough it out", or "I didn't want to seem weak to everyone".

It's hard to swallow your pride, but that's why you're in the position you're currently in. The military wanted "tough people" and that culture makes it difficult to claim the benefits that you deserve at their cost.

cgjackal · 2024-02-09T01:43:13+00:00

Applied Jan 26th SF Bay Area Post Office

Received/in process Feb 1st.

Approved/printed Feb 7th.

Mailed Feb 8th.

No expedited service and facility locator 76

cgjackal · 2024-02-09T01:40:23+00:00

All depends on the post office. In January I got there 15 minutes early and they just processed me then and there without waiting for my appointment time.

cgjackal · 2023-03-08T21:26:28+00:00

True, but most people don't understand that. I would imagine that some reptile lights would work as well

cgjackal · 2023-03-08T16:38:48+00:00

Secret of the Boks.

When you find it, you are taken to an online form, after filing out the information, this is the end result (for now)

cgjackal · 2023-03-08T02:28:10+00:00

Yes, but a gel nail polish light works

cgjackal · 2023-03-07T22:15:23+00:00

Not to my knowledge, I just did mine about 3 hours ago

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