TBI Disability awarded; new claim for back issues?

It's alright, a lot of good advice is being given here based on individual's experiences; at least I see a common trend -

If you're claiming TBI, good fucking luck.

 

I’m actually looking forward to seeing how this turns out. And if not well, what you will end up doing as far as appeals. Just BSing in the meantime, this turned out to be a good thread.

 

I wouldn’t completely say that. Just like I said early on, my experience and what I’ve seen is TBI alone is very hard. TBI with PTSD is typically PTSD with the higher numbers then TBI at 0 or 10 but still service connected.

IF you don’t get at least a 0 service connection (this still allows for all VA financed treatment) or if your not at 100 and feel like you have enough to meet the criteria then seek legal help.

Also keep in mind VA math. 50 + 30 does not equal 80. It would be more along the lines of 50 leaves 50, so you are still 50 ok. So then we need to do 30 of 50...

Best VA calculator I’ve found;
http://www.vvaarizona.org/combined_disability.php

 

He will get VA treatment for service connected conditions (obviously), but if rated 50% service connected or higher, all VA health care is completely free (doesn’t matter anymore if conditions treated are service connected).

 

Thought that was dependent on work or personal health insurance and income?

Moot at most VA facilities in the last few years but it would also effect priority lists. Willing to bet you know, but others probably do not.
- Just checked and guess group 1 is 50%. Thought at one time that was group 2, but good to know. Linked below;

https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/publications/IB10-441_enrollment_priority_groups.pdf

 

Just keep fighting and get good doctors. I gave up on the TBI after being denied twice. The DAV helped me out a lot with my claims

 

Exactly... lots of supportive organizations out there with experienced guys. Never alone brother.

 

You should Google clock drawing test. It is a test for dementia, it has nothing to do with time. It’s something with our brains and being able to reproduce a clock that tells doctors things about our cognitive abilities.

 

Well I tell ya what they can deny you the ability to work even if you are not 100%. I have been told by the VA I'm not allowed to work and yet they have me at 90 percent so the people at 100 percent are lucky in my mind. I hope everything goes well for you guys. Just be aware that they can and will screw you over if they have the chance...

 

You got TDIU(unemployability)?

 

All my doctors say I should be retrained and working part time but the VA says no. And yet they refuse to 100 percent me. Been fighting so long its exhausting. Everytime I about have something going my way the take it away. They just took all of Montana Vets case management away early this year. So things I had been working on getting done for a few years went up in smoke. Also for us that are extremely low income in the county I live in they closed the food assistance without giving us reason or a way to get food box from anywhere else. Alot of Shit happening lately by State bastards for lack of better term. They seem to want to keep all us on the verge of blowing our heads off. I dont know man....

 

Hang in there boss and keep fighting the good fight. The VA is an absolute joke, sadly there isn’t enough good docs and staff to put weight the bad ones.

 

@Clayfri77
You’re in Montana? File a request for help with Testers office. It’s a slow process (few weeks- few months) but a rep from his office will contact you and help you find resources, answers and a status on your issues. You will have to keep up with them a bit because they are pretty busy but someone with a senators letter head can help get things moving or find out why it’s stalled out and what to do next.

https://www.tester.senate.gov/?p=casework

 

You can work and make as much as you want at 90% and at 100%. The only limitation on working is if you were granted TDIU. You would be paid at the 100% rate with a lower schedular rating if you’re getting TDIU. You can work with TDIU but there is a low income threshold.

Lots of misinformation out there.

 

@Clayfri77 hope the information given to you by these guys helps, kind of glad I posted this thread.

On another note; I cringe a bit at the thought of 'income this' or 'income that'. I make ok money @120k/year but my living situation leaves me feeling like I make a lot less; taking care of my sick, dying father in law, and helping my fiancé through college as well as helping my mom with living expenses. I'd hate for my income to be brought up and become a determining factor in my ratings.

 

I hear ya I have an income of 1800 a month so not good

 

Pictures I promised; I'd say this SAPI plate saved my life



A picture to capture all the carnage after the VBIED blew all our shit up

 

This is just one of my trucks that took an IED



Unfortunately, after a divorce and moving several times, I've lost some pictures along the way. Sucks because I had pictures of some great friends.

 

I would send those pictures to the VA. I sent pictures of my truck that got hit with my claim, no idea if it helped, but it shows you went through some shit at the very least. It might separate you from the many BS claims they get.

 

Never thought about that, personally I've hated going to any VA hospital because of what you just said and it's been part of the reason why I didn't bother submit a claim for so long; I hate people that fake shit.

My dad took a long time before he decided to submit for benefits/etc. for the same reason and he's been through a lot while in Kuwait and other deployments (Army infantry, retired 24 years).

You should've seen us rip on his retired Marine neighbor who claims he's "disabled". If I recall correctly, he did security forces, recruiting duty, and a few other fleet dodging assignments. Whenever my dad sees him at the VA, the guy is always walking as if he's crippled yet he's running up and down working on his lawn/landscaping without a single hiccup.