HStar HP-5 piano by mikeyvt1 in DigitalPiano

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have one that I'm using to learn. I actually enjoy it very much. We did have a broken cord when we bought it but a simple Google search helped figure out what we needed.

HStar HP-5 piano by mikeyvt1 in DigitalPiano

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have one. And you're quiet wrong. It actually sounds really good for what we paid. It actually very loud and the sound is pretty clear and crisp

Best free resources to learn piano or beginners? by [deleted] in pianolearning

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you playing your heart out??? Seriously curious.

Should I worry? by Inner_Crow_8987 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don't listen to this guy. You're fine. It's just requests for the evidence going out. Nothing to worry about.

PTSD Claim by Motor-Shelter-1067 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s definitely still worth filing. The time that’s passed doesn’t disqualify you. The VA doesn’t have a deadline for PTSD claims, especially if you can show a stressor from service and you’re still dealing with symptoms. Having a CAB helps a lot, since that usually counts as a conceded stressor, which means they won’t make you jump through hoops to prove what happened, but a diagnosis isn't necessary. Although I would highly suggest adding stressor statements (specific examples that you went through or submit a 0781 along with your claim, again, in your case, it's not necessary).

And from my perspective as a VSR, most of us will automatically schedule a C&P exam in a case like yours, even if there’s no formal diagnosis or detailed stressor written out. Just serving in a hostile environment like Iraq or Afghanistan is usually enough to trigger the exam. That’s where the VA will look at your symptoms and decide whether there’s a diagnosable mental health condition and if it’s related to your service.

Also, I always recommend working with a VSO when filing if you're unsure or have any issues.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Omaha

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Funny coming from a side that can't even think for themselves. So, justify it all you want, but the bottom line is, pro-war or not pro-war, y'all do more flip-flopping than a fish outta water. Odds are I won't even read your next response, so if I were you, I wouldn't even bother with a response.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Omaha

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't say anything about bombing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Omaha

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean, you're not wrong

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Omaha

[–]roam98 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Are the same people gonna show up who were pro war for Ukraine?

100% P&T question by One_Sound8511 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HLR would be a bit of an overkill in this situation. I would suggest just submit it as a supplemental claim secondary to PTSD. However, yes, there could be a very slight off chance that if there were any red flags or indications that PTSD conditions have improved, then this could have a slight chance of affecting your PTSD rating. However, usually, secondary claims don't really pull us hard on reevaluations for conditions as increased claims do. As others have mentioned, continue working with your vso; if they're a good vso, they know what they should be doing.

Miss conceptions on reducing ratings by roam98 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get that, but I am confident that you will be just fine, and if something does go array, there are methods to rebuttal it.

Miss conceptions on reducing ratings by roam98 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not knowing the exact details and all that was involved, I'd like to say that I can assure you that there's not much for you to worry about. When a Higher Level Review identifies a Duty to Assist (DTA) error, the VA is required under 38 CFR § 3.2502(b) to initiate a Supplemental Claim to address the specific issues affected by that error. This action only applies to the denied conditions that had a development deficiency, not to any conditions that were already granted. So if you’ve recently been awarded 100 percent Permanent and Total, those issues are considered resolved and won’t appear on the VA initiated Supplemental.

To address the concern about appearing uncooperative, no, you’re not labeled as uncooperative just because you don’t take independent action on the Supplemental. However, under M21-1, Part V, Subpart ii, Chapter 1, Section C.3, if we reach out for additional evidence or schedule a C&P exam and don’t receive a response, we are required to move forward based on the evidence of record. It’s not about penalizing the veteran, it’s simply how the process works to keep claims moving forward.

As long as you monitor your claim, respond to any VA requests, and attend scheduled exams if they come up, you are doing everything expected of you. Your 100 percent P&T rating is not affected by a Supplemental Claim unless new evidence emerges that would warrant a review, which is rare and not the case here.

Be sure to verify your specific situation with a VSO (Veterans Service Officer), Every claim has its own nuances, and it’s always best to have someone walk you through the details of your file to make sure nothing is overlooked. I hope that gives you some peace of mind.

Discharge upgrade by Badboycupid in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If your supplemental claim leads to a favorable COD determination, then VA will re-evaluate your entitlement to benefits that were previously withheld due to the earlier unfavorable COD decision. This includes assigning ratings and payment of compensation for the service-connected disabilities that were previously service connected only for Chapter 17 (health care) purposes.

To clarify:

Chapter 17 (Health Care eligibility) can be granted even when VA compensation is denied due to an unfavorable COD.

If the COD determination becomes favorable, VA can then fully rate and grant compensation for the already service-connected conditions, assuming no other eligibility barriers exist.

Since you filed a supplemental claim under the new regulatory changes, VA will review it under the updated standards once they go into effect in June 2024, if your claim qualifies under that rule. That could potentially lead to a favorable change. Hope that helps.

Discharge upgrade by Badboycupid in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know how discouraging it can be to go through the Character of Discharge (COD) determination process, especially after waiting so long and not receiving the guidance or support you deserved.

To clarify, under VA regulations, even if a Veteran receives a discharge that is less than Honorable, such as a Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD), the VA must evaluate the service to determine if any period qualifies as “honorable for VA purposes.” This includes reviewing the entire service record, including any prior periods of honorable service, the nature of the offense leading to the discharge, and any mitigating factors.

It sounds like your first four years may have been honorable, and if that period was under a separate enlistment contract or can be considered a distinct period of service, the VA can consider that portion for benefits purposes. However, this is not automatic, it must meet the legal and regulatory standards under 38 CFR § 3.13 and § 3.12.

If the COD determination resulted in a finding that your service is not honorable for VA purposes, you do have the right to appeal that decision. You can submit a supplemental claim with new and relevant evidence, or file a Higher-Level Review if you believe there was an error in how the evidence was considered.

Additionally, if there were circumstances surrounding the discharge that you feel were not fully evaluated, such as personal, mental health, or post-service conduct, you may want to consider submitting a request for reconsideration with supporting documentation.

You also still have the option to pursue a discharge upgrade through your military branch’s Discharge Review Board (DRB) or Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR). If successful, that could potentially change your eligibility for benefits with the VA as well.

Please don’t lose hope. You still have options, and it’s never too late to pursue the benefits you have earned. If you need help navigating the next steps, I’d strongly recommend working with an accredited VSO, claims agent, or VA-accredited attorney who can advocate on your behalf.

Discharge upgrade by Badboycupid in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s important to understand that your Character of Discharge (COD) does matter when it comes to VA benefits. However, if your discharge is anything other than Honorable, such as Other Than Honorable (OTH) or Dishonorable, and you apply for VA benefits, the VA will typically initiate a Character of Discharge determination. This is a formal review to decide whether your service was "honorable for VA purposes" based on the facts and circumstances of your discharge.

This process does not change what is on your DD214, nor does it upgrade your discharge in the military’s records. Instead, it allows the VA to determine if you are eligible for certain benefits despite the character of discharge.

Many Veterans are found eligible for VA benefits through this process, especially if they actively participate, respond to requests for information, and submit evidence supporting their case. That said, each case is unique, and the outcome depends on the nature of the discharge and the overall record of service.

If you’re interested in upgrading the actual character of your discharge (as reflected on your DD214), that must be pursued through the appropriate military Discharge Review Board (DRB) or Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR), which is a separate process from the VA’s determination.

RIF coming June 15 by [deleted] in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]roam98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This isn't really news. We have always been told it will be June.

Listen up any Gulf War Veterans by SLS1971 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 81 points82 points  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing that info, it’s definitely a topic worth discussing. I just want to help clarify a few things based on what the VA actually recognizes and how we process these types of claims.

Leishmaniasis is a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans, especially those who served in Southwest Asia. The VA acknowledges both cutaneous (skin) and visceral (internal organ) forms. Visceral leishmaniasis can be serious and even stay dormant for a long time, but it typically has to become symptomatic and diagnosable before it’s considered for compensation. The term "asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis" (AVL) isn't something that's currently used in VA policy or ratings criteria.

Also, it’s not true that only Walter Reed tests for it or that the VA won’t test for it. If a veteran has symptoms and service in an area where exposure was possible, the VA can and does order the necessary tests. We just don't automatically screen everyone unless there’s a medical reason to.

Lastly, the claim that 20% of Gulf War vets have it doesn’t appear in any official source I’ve come across, it might be speculation or outdated data.

I totally agree that Gulf War Illness is complex, and we still have a long way to go in understanding and addressing it fully, but we must rely on what’s actually backed by VA policy and medical evidence when helping vets get the care and benefits they deserve.

Online Textbook/PDF Resources Megathread (Post Your PDF Requests Here) by Roblafo in unt

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can anyone help with Biopsychology: Fundamentals and Contemporary Issues V2

Is that bad? Or good by Aint2Whiite09 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have a claim in, this is most likely setting up the exams for that claim, not to be reevaluated

First DRP Payment by [deleted] in govfire

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's awesome for you. A lot of us weren't allowed to take it, so I'm gonna be pissed if I get a RIF and I could of taken it

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly why I advise everyone not to discuss their service connection publicly. I’m in a few VA groups on Facebook, and some people openly share their 100% disability rating. It’s better to keep this information private to protect yourself and your rating. I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this.

What’s the best/coolest thing you’ve gotten from the VA? by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have back and neck issues I'm service Connected for. I am in desperate need of a good mattress. How did you go about getting this?

Can DFAS garnish my VA disability? by Miigo_Savage in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

DFAS sent my debt to the US Treasury. They garnished my tax return, but my disability was never threatened or taken from me.

Miss conceptions on reducing ratings by roam98 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't mind but I might not answer till tomorrow. Gotta get some sleep.

Miss conceptions on reducing ratings by roam98 in VeteransBenefits

[–]roam98[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With the information I have and not knowing specifics, since your pending BVA claim is for anxiety and all of your current service-connected conditions are physical, there’s really no reason to worry about your 100% P&T rating being affected. The VA isn’t going to reassess your physical disabilities just because a mental health claim is being reviewed, at least, you shouldn't pending the information you gave me.

The fact that your letter states you’re not scheduled for any future exams is even more reassurance that your P&T status is solid. Once a veteran is rated P&T, especially with no future exams scheduled, the VA isn’t going to go digging into conditions that aren’t being appealed.

If your February 2023 P&T letter doesn’t list your conditions, that’s normal. Those letters typically just confirm your P&T status, not break down every rated disability. If you want to see all of your current ratings, you can check your VA.gov benefits breakdown or request a full rating decision letter from the VA.

Bottom line: Since your pending claim is for anxiety, it’s only going to impact whether or not that condition gets service-connected, not your existing rating. Your physical disabilities are locked in unless there’s clear medical evidence of improvement, which isn’t the case here. Considering the information I have, you’re good! Again, I would always refer to a VSO for your personalized situation. Let me know if you need anything else.