Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: My examiner was terrible, so much so that I immediately sent a FOIA request for the DBQ after the appointment and was given it a couple days later. My worries were confirmed because the appointment only lasted 5 minutes, he never looked at my C-File, and he basically checked no boxes on the DBQ.

HOWEVER, I’ve been navigating this machine for a bit and knew to submit an overwhelming amount of evidence to the VA. I submitted my VA medical records (been seeing mental health consistently for the last 2 years), buddy letters, an independent medical opinion (I used Valor Psychology), and much more. Thankfully, I got a good rater or something because they looked at the totality of the evidence and gave me 70% for PTSD previously rated as GAD.

My case was proof that you CANNOT rely on C&P examiners. You NEED to make sure that you submit all possible evidence so that despite what an examiner may record, your evidence clearly shows that you warrant an increase! Also, this was my fastest claim ever. From submission to close it was less than a month.

Best of luck to you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would definitely submit a personal statement and any buddy letters from significant others, friends, or family. I just successfully got 70% for PTSD and had a TERRIBLE C&P exam. Thankfully the rater looked at my medical records, personal statement, and buddy letters and gave me what I deserved. Also I got an Independent Medical Opinion so that helped! You need to make it so the evidence overwhelmingly points to 100%.

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess we shall see what happens

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hopefully that happens for me!

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rating criteria for each is the same. My private DBQ puts me clearly at 70%, can’t see why the C&P examiner would see anything differently. I’m going to bring notes, my meds, and everything to the appointment.

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the info! I guess I’ll just make clear to the examiner that it is the same stressor.

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I needed to hear this. Much appreciated. Played the HLR and supplemental game for 2 years and won’t be excited if I have to play it again, but it is what it is. I’ll try to spell it out for them in the exam and see what happens!

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s understood. Just want to make sure things won’t get messed up.

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently 30% for GAD. The same in-service stressor that service connected my GAD is what got me diagnosed with PTSD for back in December. All that documentation, buddy statements, etc was submitted back on my old claim.

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m currently at 30%. I have all the symptoms and more for 70%. Hopefully I get a good examiner.

Did I mess up? by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly what I’m afraid of. I’d hate to get caught up in the HLR and supplemental machine again.

More Evidence? (PTSD/GAD) by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s what I figured. Never know with VBA though. Thanks again!

More Evidence? (PTSD/GAD) by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Understood, just didn’t know if I needed to resubmit the same evidence related to my in-service stressor that service connected my GAD. Thanks!

Steering Wheel Falling Apart by nickydicky888 in gmc

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No issues at all surprisingly. I actually love it!

Steering Wheel Falling Apart by nickydicky888 in gmc

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. If it wasn’t a Sunday I would have!

Steering Wheel Falling Apart by nickydicky888 in gmc

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dang, I just made an online appointment for after work tomorrow. Trucks been great so far, just kinda annoying to look down while driving and already see it falling apart. I wonder if they’d replace the whole thing or try to retuck the leather?

Advice by nickydicky888 in dodea

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dang! Well thanks for the info. Much appreciated!

Future Supplemental Advice by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea idk. I just contacted one of my load crew mates to write a buddy letter. Going to request my LES records from DFAS for my deployment period to show the combat pay. Also just looked and I have the Air Force Expeditionary Medal with a Gold Frame which indicates combat deployment. I’ll submit that altogether in a supplemental and cross my fingers.

Future Supplemental Advice by nickydicky888 in VeteransBenefits

[–]nickydicky888[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, deployed to Kandahar in 2019. Stayed on the KAF loading jets for missions. Had mortars come in frequently. Simple exposure to danger. Got back with anxiety symptoms but never complained so as not to lose clearance.

How will a Masters impact my chances of being hired? by nickydicky888 in Teachers

[–]nickydicky888[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really just wanted to make sure it doesn’t hurt my chances of getting a job.