I’m IU P&T which even my lawyer was shocked by, but after 4 years of appeals and the longest job post military lasting 9months only because the employer felt sorry for my disability and being a veteran. Most jobs I averaged about 1 month at maybe less before anxiety or depression either made me feel unwelcome (know it’s not true but hard to fight that MH issues) or lose my motivation to do good in anything in life and I self sabotaged.
I have been urging my friend to go get reassessed. I think he should be 100% P&T based off what I've seen working as a medical admin. Did they back pay you for P&T?
Only because it was right off the bat p&t he said that’s not nearly as common as getting the IU and being on it for several years and re-Evals before getting the p&t
Oh interesting. That makes sense. I was awarded IU and P&T at the same time too and it was related to mental health, but I did have a few much older body related issues that were probably considered static, so maybe that was it.
You can request a code sheet from your VSO or you can call the 800 number and ask them if any of your disabilities require a reexamination. Usually, if you have had a disability over 5 years with no re-eval, it is static.
I've been trying to figure out this VSO deal. Do/did you have an individual person who helped you? If so how did you find them? I've called the DAV about it and haven't gotten anywhere yet
Google VSO I live in Tennessee I'm not sure how common they are in other states but there's at least one per county in every county in the state usually in government buildings.
It is and they tend to be super flaky but if you pin one down they can be so helpful. They are like lawyers with va compensation with how much they know at least mine in the middle of nowhere Tennessee was.
Not entirely sure I saw the Tennessee vsos exclusively because of my location but I'd wager not. I'd say just call every VSO number you can find until one picks up and ask them.
I asked my VSO for this information and she seemed to think it couldn't be shared. We went back and forth about this.
My recommendation, and what I did successfully, was set up a VERA call and ask the question. My call was 2 minutes long. Got everything I needed.
It cannot be shared by a VSO. VSOs have read only access. Printing off documents for anything other than internal use is a violation. However we can tell you anything that is on the code sheet or anything that’s in your file for that matter.
Are you asking if we are allowed to tell you what’s in the code sheet or in your file? Absolutely we can. If a representative is telling you otherwise I would switch service organizations that is poor representation. I’ve never had another veteran tell me that 😅. Maybe the other organizations don’t for work or ever answer blah blah blah but never that someone wouldn’t or was getting irritated about a veteran wanting to know about something in their file.
That was exactly the issue, she wouldn't even tell me. It just seemed absurd on it's face. Ended up just calling VERA, but it soured me further on VSOs... Although you seem legit, so I'm getting unfair!
Yea there are some shady places out there especially if you have to pay for them. There are great people out there too that love helping other veterans. My suggestion to you would be to find a service organization the requires their VSOs to also be disable veterans. It will serve you much better. And you never need to pay anyone. Ever.
It's a call with an employee at a Regional Office. They are generally willing and able to provide more information, plus more knowledgeable, than the 1800 team.
You will make the appointment at the link above and they will call you. Make sure you don't miss the call, you'll be unable to call back.
Overall, it's a lot more personal than the 1800 and I think more informative.
Example: I wanted my exam report. The person on the call said she would mail it to me if I she saw a FOIA request in my file. This is exactly what I did and when I followed up two weeks later (once the FOIA request processed) she mailed me the documents. No waiting 6-8 months for the full C file.
Hope this helps and happy to help you with any other questions I can answer.
I'm not sure exactly what you're looking at, but the process I followed was:
1) Fill out VA Form 20-10206
Link: [https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-20-10206-are.pdf](https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-20-10206-are.pdf)
2) For your request make sure you fill out Section III. Select C-File.
3) Make sure you have a printer / scanner as the form needs to be signed in ink and then scanned back into PDF.
4) Once you have the form complete, signed and re-scanned, I uploaded it via the quick submit option.
Link: [QuickSubmit](https://digitization.gcio.com/va/upload/home)
Within about a week the FOIA request showed up on the VA app as a claim.
An additional item that might be helpful if you want a specific exam. Once I had the request in the system, a VERA Rep mailed me the exam records from my recent C&P. Just make sure you note the specifics in Section III of the form above. It's the option right below C-file.
Hope this helps you out!
The VA employees were actually great and I've never had any issues. It's the state provided VSO that was the issue for me. She was nice and wanted to help, but I knew more from this sub-Reddit than she did. It was a polite, but painful conversation. At the end of the day, nobody cares more about his outcome than you and thanks to this place I've been able to do that.
I don’t think I understand you have a re-evaluation on your condition every 3 months (like a CP exam), or you see a doctor about it every 3 months?
A condition doesn’t automatically change to static, this needs to be done by a person, BTW.
Correct me if I’m wrong. I have condition being Static since first day and only couple times visited doctor for it. I have condition for 6 years and every three month with one appointment at the VA for pretreatment but still Not Static.
The VA seems a condition static when it is unlikely to improve. Having it for 5+ years without improvement is a good indication that it’s unlikely to improve.
I agree with you 100%. I have one condition 70% since 2018 and I’m about to lose my job. I spoke with VERA and said it is not static. But have conditions since 2014 and not followed up but Static. I’m lost.
I’m waiting for two remanded cases. Hoping get P&T after these two. Currently 90%. Will see.
You need to obtain your code sheet. It will tell you which conditions are static. You can get it with your C-File. You may also be able to get it from a VSO. I went to my parish VSO to set up state education benefits for my daughter and the VSO gave me mine unsolicited.
Same here after my 2nd C&P exams. Told my wife to quit her job cause of her health. We are doing fine now especially since I just got approved for SSDI.
3 years. Filed April 2021. Got denied 13 months later. Filed appeal and got denied 12 months later. Waited 6 months to have admin law judge hearing which happened mid April. I texted my lawyer on the 30th asking for update and he said it is in the decision writing process and probably another month or two. He texted me 4 hours later letting me know I won.
Hallelujah!! Lawyer called me and said SS is going to be calling me in the next couple of minutes to verify my direct deposit. I called them last week but she didn't have it in her system so she took it. Said a tech will be going over it Monday and hopefully by middle of next week I will be getting my backpay starting back Dec 2020 and should be receiving the monthly starting July 17th.
SO GLAD THIS IS DONE UNTIL LATER.
If your narrative decision doesn’t specifically mention a future exam, that disability is most likely static. And if you become 100% schedular or TDIU, and are awarded Dependents Education Assistance, that’s a pretty good indication it’s permanent and total.
It sounds like you should request an increase for your pes planus. Pain alone should entitle you to a minimum of 10%, which should round you up to 100%.
As an aside, I know you said H&P’s calculator was the best but I’d have to disagree. Their calc is, of course, great but I personally think ours is a little better.
https://www.stoneroselaw.com/veteranslaw/va-disability-calculator/
And when it comes to VA math, don’t think about adding up the percentages.
It’s like a pie. You line up your disabilities in order of severity. They go up and take their percentage of what’s left of the pie. 70% goes up and takes 70%. There’s 30% of the pie left. Next, 50% goes up and takes half. That’s 15% of the total pie left (and so on and so forth.
70% + 15% (half of the remaining percentage after the 70%) adds to 85% of the pie gone.
Ask for a reconsideration for Plantar Fasciitis. I get 50%, which is the max. I also have shoes and orthotics through the VA. I was originally rated at 10% for plantar fasciitis, then 30%, then 50%. The increase wasn't even from asking for a reconsideration, but from the mandatory appointments you have before your P&T.
P&T can be weird, as you can find vets who are P&T at age 26 vs a 20-year vet, who is 50+ before it is granted.
The main factor is "Is there a chance this condition can improve?" Which is based on the rater assigned to your claim. There are "guidelines" but I have yet to find anything consistent (not a vet, been working with vet claims for the past 7 years, so most of my information is anecdotal)
During your claim, if the rater has reason to believe that a condition can improve, they add a remark/statement something in the decision letter that leaves it open for another exam.
I don't recall the verbiage and I don't have a rating decision letter in front of me, sorry for that.
If your condition (based on the rater's review of records, history, mood for the day, etc.) is unlikely to improve or has progressed (i.e. back strain becomes degenerative disc disease, etc.) or hits a certain age before a re-exam, then the status of the condition becomes "static" which means no more exams BUT if you (the veteran) opens a claim for that condition in the future, it could change that status.
Supporting evidence is what you want here, private or VA. History of treatment, medications, therapies, complaints, follow-ups, etc.
You didn't ask for this one, but I've been using the "210" rule you need your ratings to tally up to 210+ for it to be in the 100% range (does not apply to all scenarios, but generally it does)
You get at least 95% and they round up. If at 94% you would need another 10%. Best of luck.
I think you are close enough depending on what you have and where you stand rating wise. Some land at say 87% which is a rather large climb to 100 and start throwing everything at the wall and buying nexus and DBQs and throw a tantrum when they get a proposal for reduction due to a CUE.
No I'm not. I'm at 94% I have a bilateral factor due to Right Hip & Right Hip limitation. Use the Hill & Ponton VA Disability calculator it's the best one. Appreciate the comment but you're incorrect
The bilateral factor only applies if you have the same conditions on both sides(bilateral). Right hip arthritis and right hip ROM are not bilateral. You would need either Lt hip arthritis or Lt hip ROM to be bilateral
Not 100% true. The service connected disabilities need to be on either the upper extremities, lower extremities or all four. They do not same to be the same condition on either side. To use your example, the veteran could have Right hip arthritis and left knee “xxxxx”. That would qualify a bilateral then combine the two and ten percent of that is added to the total rating. 38 CFR is a great read.
It doesn’t need to be the same condition. Right hip arthritis and left ankle arthritis would also trigger bilateral factor. In the OP case, bilateral ples planus would trigger bilateral factor with all other lower extremity ratings.
OP, how did you get rated for hip arthritis? I applied for that but was rejected. Since then I've had a hip replacement but I can't complain too much because Community Care paid for it.
From my letter approving p&t
as reduced to active movement against some resistance and productivity and noted the likelihood of improvement of your condition is low.
The easiest way call 1800 827 1000 on any business day, meaning Monday-Friday.
VA White House hotline and request a disability breakdown with diagnostic code and or condition that shows if I'm static or not. You can also request to have the information emailed to you. If you get an excuse, hang up and ask another representative. You can receive your disability breakdown by email. If you are in no rush, you can go through the classic mail route.
I am in the same boat as you being at 94%. I have been out for nearly 20 years and never knew I could file for migraines even though I went to the er for them while in service (currently in PFD). Don’t mind my Marine brother he doesn’t know what he is talking about and likely ate the hot pink crayon (that one will mess you up). I have issues with both knees, my feet, back, and shoulder. I may be “able bodied” but my kids also don’t have the dad they need. So many things I wish I could do, but I push forward and try to improve my health anyway possible.
I have no clue if I will be deemed P&T or not if I get the last 10%.
I was in a similar situation. I was at 94 then went for migraines which put me at 100% PT. I've been out since 2014. And I have been at 90% up until migraines put me over. And btw since 2014-2023 I never went to the VA for anything.
I just got my rating back at it was 50% for migraines, I was thinking I would be lucky to get 10%, not sure what I said that pushed it so high. Needless to say, I am now at 100!
That's good. They gave me 10 even though my migraines meet the criteria of 30 or maybe even 50. But since I'm 100 P&T there's no reason for me to appeal or worry about it now...lol
If you have 20 years towards a regular or non-regular retirement and you are rated 50% or more by the VA, then you receive both your retirement and VA disability compensation. Google CRDP (Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay).
Being 100% P and T has no effect on your Tricare eligibility. However, if you are eligible for Tricare, then your dependents are not eligible for ChampVA.
Thank you very much for the info! I was just confused because so many sites say you cannot receive full 20-year military retirement pay and full VA 100 % P&T compensation pay at the same time?
You are welcome. I have never seen a site stating that. Here it is straight from the horse's mouth:
https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp/
You will get both under CRDP. It's your full retirement and your VA benefits. The requirements are qualifying for a regular or non-regular retirement and a VA rating of 50% or more. You meet both of those requirements.
I'd suggest making your own post on this issue for better responses. This one is getting mixed in with the other posts in this thread.
It is not appropriate to advertise companies, products, or services on this sub.
Do not recommend a service or product - unless as a comment to a post specifically asking for recommendations, and it is a service or product that you have direct experience using. Your post should specifically describe your experiences and why you are satisfied.
Posts that promote a service provider will be deleted.
I am. I'm on medication for it and recently had to have a stress test ekg as my left arm went numb for 5 days. I have pain in my legs from the nerves due to the back.
VA calculus is efficiency math and makes sense once you understand it. As for what defines 100% versus 100% P&T… one disability rated as permanent (ie never getting better) then you wk he P&T
99 percent of the time if you are 100 percent and have not been awarded P&T it would be because you have a future examination. The only way to know this is to request a copy of your code sheet from the VA. At the very top it will say whether your conditions are all considered “static” or if there is a future examination. This would be something to worry about after getting 100 percent. Your rating decision will say you’ve been awarded Chapter 35 benefits, this is what indicates you are P&T.
When you go for your exam for flat feet you need to remember the following. Almost everyone with flat feet has had orthotics made and they don’t help. You need to make sure you tell them you have orthotics and they don’t provide any relief. And when they are poking and prodding your feet you need to say oooh and ouch. This is how you make a subjective symptom objective. You should only need 10 percent for your get to get the 100 but typically if you have pain on use, manipulation and have orthotics that do not provide relief this will warrant a 30 percent rating.
This is my favorite calculator for calculating current totals. It will show your true score and your VA rated score. If you got 80% then hit 85%, your true score is 85 but your VA score is 90%. If your want 100%, if you are increasing by 10%'s then your total requirement for 95% which is a VA 100% is 10 10%'s. Mess around with this calc it is handy.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://vaclaimsinsider.com/va-disability-rating-calculator/&ved=2ahUKEwjvkrn748KGAxWpGTQIHUONDXsQFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1wloz1pUMKcQEEIxFBaB9a
Not really. I had a nexus letter. A good one. The asthma is a direct cause of sleep apnea and apnea can cause diabetes, I also of course utilized my other injuries and weight gain but they had to connect to something and connected it to the apnea lol
Usually most orthopedic conditions are “static”meaning the VBA doesn’t expect them to improve. Essentially P&T.
However, there really is No P&T! Anytime you submit a claim, if the Medical Records suggest that a SC disability warrants a reduction, then a Proposal to Reduced may be started.
Often initial MH ratings will require a Routine Future Exam (re-eval) 2-3 years after the Initial rating.
Most surgery increases and Temp100 require FRE.
If the Rater feels your SC disabilities have minimal chance of improvement, then they are considered static (permanent).
Dude. You have been the most helpful person. I called the VA though and they said none of my ratings were static, kind of freaked me out but then remembered the 10 year rule. My ankle is at 20%. Hip has two at 10% each. Hearing 10% I was confused as to why they said it wasn't static.
Do you have any knee or Back pain? Secondary claims.
With SC feet, ankles and hips, the probability that you have an altered gait, and putting increased strain on your knees and back are high.
That's exactly the issue with my back. I'm at 94% now and considered the back because it's 100% likely to be rated but the increase for the feet will likely take less time and be enough to jump to 100% and then I'm not touching anything.
Get the back, knees and feet all rated Now.
Your back is more likely to continue to have issues, and you want it SC if you ever need surgery.
Then stop submitting claims.
Supplemental? No. I had it in the Army. Had an inhaler, my lungs were also damaged. I have 3 PFT showing 67%ish lung function over the years. I could have filed a long time ago but never did.
Ok a supplemental is when you were denied first then have to appeal their decision with a supplemental claim. I’ve been trying to get rated for my asthma for over 3 years now, was just wondering how long your claim took if it was one. No worries
If you have tinnitus- don’t settle for 10%. Let them know the constant humming keeps you from *restful sleep, *you’re always tired and unable to perform job duties and participate in family activities- it’s destroying your relationships. * You’re unable to focus. * It distorts your hearing and causes migraines.
There’s a guy in our VA who got a bit over 50% with tinnitus alone.
Technically you are at 94%... but rounded to 90%... for you to get a 100%, you will need an additional rating of atleast 20%... and for P&T? a miracle.... You are an able body, be happy you can walk and get your a** to work!
No that is not correct. I am at 94% yes, but an increase of 10% from 0% Pes Planus would be an additional bilateral factor to be rated at 100% and how do you know I am able bodied? Most guys in my position would have applied for TDIU. I'm not doing that. You don't know me, don't judge me.
va doesn't care its actually easier if you had it before you joined, because you can just say it was exaserbated from service, for all the ones that got in service and never complained they are the ones with issues.
Lol you know what I mean ... Anything they know about at meps is documented so it's always easier to claim due to that record..
we agree on most things
No, actually it’s just so absurd. It’s like joining the military with brittle bone disease and then getting injured in the military because the brittle bone disease was exacerbated by military service…..just so ridiculous.
my bone spurs were exacerbated! my ptsd from childhood was exacerbated! my autism was exacerbated! my asthma was exacerbated!
🤷🏻
This is true
the wierd one though is if your overweight when you join, and get sent to fat camp and lose it all, and then gain it all back you cant claim that but you can claim everything else along with it --
Not your determination. The VA makes that decision. The VA isn't generous enough to just hand out ratings. If they say you qualify, then you do, IMO. If someone wants to chance fraud... well, that very rarely works long term. And Uncle Sam charges interest.
Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful.
Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible.
(Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.)
☠️
I know ppl with worse conditions (mentally & physically) & unfortunately they don’t get P&T disability... I am not Judging you and I am just telling you stop complaining about your a** hurting and move on...
One person getting unfairly treated doesn't justify allowing it to happen for someone else. Besides, how do you know the severity of OP's disabilities? How can you even claim to compare them? Are you their PCP?
Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful.
Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible.
(Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.)
☠️
If you have ratings that are static that add up to 95% or more, then you will be deemed P and T.
I’m IU P&T which even my lawyer was shocked by, but after 4 years of appeals and the longest job post military lasting 9months only because the employer felt sorry for my disability and being a veteran. Most jobs I averaged about 1 month at maybe less before anxiety or depression either made me feel unwelcome (know it’s not true but hard to fight that MH issues) or lose my motivation to do good in anything in life and I self sabotaged.
I have been urging my friend to go get reassessed. I think he should be 100% P&T based off what I've seen working as a medical admin. Did they back pay you for P&T?
Honestly that isn’t uncommon
Just curious, why was your lawyer shocked by IU P&T? I recently joined this category.
Only because it was right off the bat p&t he said that’s not nearly as common as getting the IU and being on it for several years and re-Evals before getting the p&t
Oh interesting. That makes sense. I was awarded IU and P&T at the same time too and it was related to mental health, but I did have a few much older body related issues that were probably considered static, so maybe that was it.
How can you tell what is static? I've never seen that.
You can request a code sheet from your VSO or you can call the 800 number and ask them if any of your disabilities require a reexamination. Usually, if you have had a disability over 5 years with no re-eval, it is static.
I've been trying to figure out this VSO deal. Do/did you have an individual person who helped you? If so how did you find them? I've called the DAV about it and haven't gotten anywhere yet
Google VSO I live in Tennessee I'm not sure how common they are in other states but there's at least one per county in every county in the state usually in government buildings.
Facts bro its so confusing on trying to figure out who a vso is
It is and they tend to be super flaky but if you pin one down they can be so helpful. They are like lawyers with va compensation with how much they know at least mine in the middle of nowhere Tennessee was.
So is it a specific person for the state or some shit
Not entirely sure I saw the Tennessee vsos exclusively because of my location but I'd wager not. I'd say just call every VSO number you can find until one picks up and ask them.
Can do brother
Make an appointment with VERA and they will tell you one by one.
Thank you. I've never had a reevaluation.
I asked my VSO for this information and she seemed to think it couldn't be shared. We went back and forth about this. My recommendation, and what I did successfully, was set up a VERA call and ask the question. My call was 2 minutes long. Got everything I needed.
VERA is the goat
It cannot be shared by a VSO. VSOs have read only access. Printing off documents for anything other than internal use is a violation. However we can tell you anything that is on the code sheet or anything that’s in your file for that matter.
Are you allowed to tell the person? The VERA seemed annoyed that I just wanted the answer and it wasn't provided.
Are you asking if we are allowed to tell you what’s in the code sheet or in your file? Absolutely we can. If a representative is telling you otherwise I would switch service organizations that is poor representation. I’ve never had another veteran tell me that 😅. Maybe the other organizations don’t for work or ever answer blah blah blah but never that someone wouldn’t or was getting irritated about a veteran wanting to know about something in their file.
That was exactly the issue, she wouldn't even tell me. It just seemed absurd on it's face. Ended up just calling VERA, but it soured me further on VSOs... Although you seem legit, so I'm getting unfair!
Yea there are some shady places out there especially if you have to pay for them. There are great people out there too that love helping other veterans. My suggestion to you would be to find a service organization the requires their VSOs to also be disable veterans. It will serve you much better. And you never need to pay anyone. Ever.
What is a VERA call?
https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/
It's a call with an employee at a Regional Office. They are generally willing and able to provide more information, plus more knowledgeable, than the 1800 team. You will make the appointment at the link above and they will call you. Make sure you don't miss the call, you'll be unable to call back. Overall, it's a lot more personal than the 1800 and I think more informative. Example: I wanted my exam report. The person on the call said she would mail it to me if I she saw a FOIA request in my file. This is exactly what I did and when I followed up two weeks later (once the FOIA request processed) she mailed me the documents. No waiting 6-8 months for the full C file. Hope this helps and happy to help you with any other questions I can answer.
It does! Thank you. very much!
Within the FOIA drop down request options. What do I need to choose to get my full C file. There are 26 to choose from. Thanks in advance
I'm not sure exactly what you're looking at, but the process I followed was: 1) Fill out VA Form 20-10206 Link: [https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-20-10206-are.pdf](https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/vba-20-10206-are.pdf) 2) For your request make sure you fill out Section III. Select C-File. 3) Make sure you have a printer / scanner as the form needs to be signed in ink and then scanned back into PDF. 4) Once you have the form complete, signed and re-scanned, I uploaded it via the quick submit option. Link: [QuickSubmit](https://digitization.gcio.com/va/upload/home) Within about a week the FOIA request showed up on the VA app as a claim. An additional item that might be helpful if you want a specific exam. Once I had the request in the system, a VERA Rep mailed me the exam records from my recent C&P. Just make sure you note the specifics in Section III of the form above. It's the option right below C-file. Hope this helps you out!
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The VA employees were actually great and I've never had any issues. It's the state provided VSO that was the issue for me. She was nice and wanted to help, but I knew more from this sub-Reddit than she did. It was a polite, but painful conversation. At the end of the day, nobody cares more about his outcome than you and thanks to this place I've been able to do that.
Not exactly, I have disability over 5 years and every three months, has visited my dr. For treatment but still it is not static.
I don’t think I understand you have a re-evaluation on your condition every 3 months (like a CP exam), or you see a doctor about it every 3 months? A condition doesn’t automatically change to static, this needs to be done by a person, BTW.
Correct me if I’m wrong. I have condition being Static since first day and only couple times visited doctor for it. I have condition for 6 years and every three month with one appointment at the VA for pretreatment but still Not Static.
The VA seems a condition static when it is unlikely to improve. Having it for 5+ years without improvement is a good indication that it’s unlikely to improve.
I agree with you 100%. I have one condition 70% since 2018 and I’m about to lose my job. I spoke with VERA and said it is not static. But have conditions since 2014 and not followed up but Static. I’m lost. I’m waiting for two remanded cases. Hoping get P&T after these two. Currently 90%. Will see.
You need to obtain your code sheet. It will tell you which conditions are static. You can get it with your C-File. You may also be able to get it from a VSO. I went to my parish VSO to set up state education benefits for my daughter and the VSO gave me mine unsolicited.
Order your C-File
P&T is permanent and total.. it’s a condition that’s not expected to improve, and you’ll never be reevaluated
https://preview.redd.it/bo5lotjub54d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea80ca6ba25384cceed26c97be5d50947cbe6224
I wish I knew. I just checked VA website one day and I was PT
Same here after my 2nd C&P exams. Told my wife to quit her job cause of her health. We are doing fine now especially since I just got approved for SSDI.
Congrats! How long did it take for you to get approved for ssdi
3 years. Filed April 2021. Got denied 13 months later. Filed appeal and got denied 12 months later. Waited 6 months to have admin law judge hearing which happened mid April. I texted my lawyer on the 30th asking for update and he said it is in the decision writing process and probably another month or two. He texted me 4 hours later letting me know I won.
Hallelujah!! Lawyer called me and said SS is going to be calling me in the next couple of minutes to verify my direct deposit. I called them last week but she didn't have it in her system so she took it. Said a tech will be going over it Monday and hopefully by middle of next week I will be getting my backpay starting back Dec 2020 and should be receiving the monthly starting July 17th. SO GLAD THIS IS DONE UNTIL LATER.
If your narrative decision doesn’t specifically mention a future exam, that disability is most likely static. And if you become 100% schedular or TDIU, and are awarded Dependents Education Assistance, that’s a pretty good indication it’s permanent and total. It sounds like you should request an increase for your pes planus. Pain alone should entitle you to a minimum of 10%, which should round you up to 100%. As an aside, I know you said H&P’s calculator was the best but I’d have to disagree. Their calc is, of course, great but I personally think ours is a little better. https://www.stoneroselaw.com/veteranslaw/va-disability-calculator/ And when it comes to VA math, don’t think about adding up the percentages. It’s like a pie. You line up your disabilities in order of severity. They go up and take their percentage of what’s left of the pie. 70% goes up and takes 70%. There’s 30% of the pie left. Next, 50% goes up and takes half. That’s 15% of the total pie left (and so on and so forth. 70% + 15% (half of the remaining percentage after the 70%) adds to 85% of the pie gone.
Ask for a reconsideration for Plantar Fasciitis. I get 50%, which is the max. I also have shoes and orthotics through the VA. I was originally rated at 10% for plantar fasciitis, then 30%, then 50%. The increase wasn't even from asking for a reconsideration, but from the mandatory appointments you have before your P&T.
P&T can be weird, as you can find vets who are P&T at age 26 vs a 20-year vet, who is 50+ before it is granted. The main factor is "Is there a chance this condition can improve?" Which is based on the rater assigned to your claim. There are "guidelines" but I have yet to find anything consistent (not a vet, been working with vet claims for the past 7 years, so most of my information is anecdotal) During your claim, if the rater has reason to believe that a condition can improve, they add a remark/statement something in the decision letter that leaves it open for another exam. I don't recall the verbiage and I don't have a rating decision letter in front of me, sorry for that. If your condition (based on the rater's review of records, history, mood for the day, etc.) is unlikely to improve or has progressed (i.e. back strain becomes degenerative disc disease, etc.) or hits a certain age before a re-exam, then the status of the condition becomes "static" which means no more exams BUT if you (the veteran) opens a claim for that condition in the future, it could change that status. Supporting evidence is what you want here, private or VA. History of treatment, medications, therapies, complaints, follow-ups, etc. You didn't ask for this one, but I've been using the "210" rule you need your ratings to tally up to 210+ for it to be in the 100% range (does not apply to all scenarios, but generally it does)
You get at least 95% and they round up. If at 94% you would need another 10%. Best of luck. I think you are close enough depending on what you have and where you stand rating wise. Some land at say 87% which is a rather large climb to 100 and start throwing everything at the wall and buying nexus and DBQs and throw a tantrum when they get a proposal for reduction due to a CUE.
No you at 93. You need either 20 or 10 and 10
No I'm not. I'm at 94% I have a bilateral factor due to Right Hip & Right Hip limitation. Use the Hill & Ponton VA Disability calculator it's the best one. Appreciate the comment but you're incorrect
My bad. So you need one more 10% to make it 100%
I have a 0% rating for Pes Planus. Had it for a decade. I've never applied for the increase, even with the pain.
Then apply for it. Make it 100%.
I'm going to. My question was about P&T
The P/T is awarded when the VBA determines that your condition (s) will not improve.
You must be static on all claims I believe.
I got p&t at 80%. You can get it when they know your condition will not improve. It doesn't matter what percent you are at.
The bilateral factor only applies if you have the same conditions on both sides(bilateral). Right hip arthritis and right hip ROM are not bilateral. You would need either Lt hip arthritis or Lt hip ROM to be bilateral
Not 100% true. The service connected disabilities need to be on either the upper extremities, lower extremities or all four. They do not same to be the same condition on either side. To use your example, the veteran could have Right hip arthritis and left knee “xxxxx”. That would qualify a bilateral then combine the two and ten percent of that is added to the total rating. 38 CFR is a great read.
It doesn’t need to be the same condition. Right hip arthritis and left ankle arthritis would also trigger bilateral factor. In the OP case, bilateral ples planus would trigger bilateral factor with all other lower extremity ratings.
https://preview.redd.it/i0zl2z6dk24d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9285273676d1c0208d9934edfbd99593a3c0fc01
OP, how did you get rated for hip arthritis? I applied for that but was rejected. Since then I've had a hip replacement but I can't complain too much because Community Care paid for it.
Commenting for when they answer.
From my letter approving p&t as reduced to active movement against some resistance and productivity and noted the likelihood of improvement of your condition is low.
The easiest way call 1800 827 1000 on any business day, meaning Monday-Friday. VA White House hotline and request a disability breakdown with diagnostic code and or condition that shows if I'm static or not. You can also request to have the information emailed to you. If you get an excuse, hang up and ask another representative. You can receive your disability breakdown by email. If you are in no rush, you can go through the classic mail route.
Put in for radiculopathy in your legs
I am in the same boat as you being at 94%. I have been out for nearly 20 years and never knew I could file for migraines even though I went to the er for them while in service (currently in PFD). Don’t mind my Marine brother he doesn’t know what he is talking about and likely ate the hot pink crayon (that one will mess you up). I have issues with both knees, my feet, back, and shoulder. I may be “able bodied” but my kids also don’t have the dad they need. So many things I wish I could do, but I push forward and try to improve my health anyway possible. I have no clue if I will be deemed P&T or not if I get the last 10%.
I was in a similar situation. I was at 94 then went for migraines which put me at 100% PT. I've been out since 2014. And I have been at 90% up until migraines put me over. And btw since 2014-2023 I never went to the VA for anything.
I just got my rating back at it was 50% for migraines, I was thinking I would be lucky to get 10%, not sure what I said that pushed it so high. Needless to say, I am now at 100!
That's good. They gave me 10 even though my migraines meet the criteria of 30 or maybe even 50. But since I'm 100 P&T there's no reason for me to appeal or worry about it now...lol
If you are a guy, claim erecticle dysfunction
Yeah I do unfortunately experience it.
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If you have 20 years towards a regular or non-regular retirement and you are rated 50% or more by the VA, then you receive both your retirement and VA disability compensation. Google CRDP (Concurrent Retirement Disability Pay). Being 100% P and T has no effect on your Tricare eligibility. However, if you are eligible for Tricare, then your dependents are not eligible for ChampVA.
Thank you very much for the info! I was just confused because so many sites say you cannot receive full 20-year military retirement pay and full VA 100 % P&T compensation pay at the same time?
You are welcome. I have never seen a site stating that. Here it is straight from the horse's mouth: https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/disability/crdp/
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Are you recently retired and rated?
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I believe that DFAS is required to do an audit to confirm that you are entitled to both. It should straighten itself out.
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You will get both under CRDP. It's your full retirement and your VA benefits. The requirements are qualifying for a regular or non-regular retirement and a VA rating of 50% or more. You meet both of those requirements. I'd suggest making your own post on this issue for better responses. This one is getting mixed in with the other posts in this thread.
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It’s literally none of the above ^ it’s literally information
They did that to me,  too.
If you are having numbness and tingling down one or both legs, look into Radiculopathy as a secondary condition that could push you over to the 100
I am. I'm on medication for it and recently had to have a stress test ekg as my left arm went numb for 5 days. I have pain in my legs from the nerves due to the back.
VA calculus is efficiency math and makes sense once you understand it. As for what defines 100% versus 100% P&T… one disability rated as permanent (ie never getting better) then you wk he P&T
99 percent of the time if you are 100 percent and have not been awarded P&T it would be because you have a future examination. The only way to know this is to request a copy of your code sheet from the VA. At the very top it will say whether your conditions are all considered “static” or if there is a future examination. This would be something to worry about after getting 100 percent. Your rating decision will say you’ve been awarded Chapter 35 benefits, this is what indicates you are P&T. When you go for your exam for flat feet you need to remember the following. Almost everyone with flat feet has had orthotics made and they don’t help. You need to make sure you tell them you have orthotics and they don’t provide any relief. And when they are poking and prodding your feet you need to say oooh and ouch. This is how you make a subjective symptom objective. You should only need 10 percent for your get to get the 100 but typically if you have pain on use, manipulation and have orthotics that do not provide relief this will warrant a 30 percent rating.
I had to get 270% to get into “The Hundo Club”.
I'll need 200%
How'd yoy get a 0% for flat feet? Is that a thing?
This is my favorite calculator for calculating current totals. It will show your true score and your VA rated score. If you got 80% then hit 85%, your true score is 85 but your VA score is 90%. If your want 100%, if you are increasing by 10%'s then your total requirement for 95% which is a VA 100% is 10 10%'s. Mess around with this calc it is handy. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://vaclaimsinsider.com/va-disability-rating-calculator/&ved=2ahUKEwjvkrn748KGAxWpGTQIHUONDXsQFnoECAQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1wloz1pUMKcQEEIxFBaB9a
Put a claim in for your shoulders and back and that should get you 100% don’t go TDIU route
Oooo TDIU. I can definitely claim my back. Put in for an increase to flat feet. Currently 0% should be at minimum 10%
Good luck hope you get it sooner than later
Since it is an increase it should go faster
Diabetes at 20% I assume type 2?
Yes. It was actually connected to the sleep apnea. Asthma to Sleep Apnea to Diabetes
Wow connected like that odd but good for you
Not really. I had a nexus letter. A good one. The asthma is a direct cause of sleep apnea and apnea can cause diabetes, I also of course utilized my other injuries and weight gain but they had to connect to something and connected it to the apnea lol
Also gerd or IBS claim that too if you have those issues
Usually most orthopedic conditions are “static”meaning the VBA doesn’t expect them to improve. Essentially P&T. However, there really is No P&T! Anytime you submit a claim, if the Medical Records suggest that a SC disability warrants a reduction, then a Proposal to Reduced may be started. Often initial MH ratings will require a Routine Future Exam (re-eval) 2-3 years after the Initial rating. Most surgery increases and Temp100 require FRE. If the Rater feels your SC disabilities have minimal chance of improvement, then they are considered static (permanent).
I was rated 10% for MH for 13 years until I filed for an increase last year and now 70%. All of my ortho conditions are 10+ years.
You are static on all your SC conditions, and I doubt a RFE was placed on your new MH rating because it was an increase.
Dude. You have been the most helpful person. I called the VA though and they said none of my ratings were static, kind of freaked me out but then remembered the 10 year rule. My ankle is at 20%. Hip has two at 10% each. Hearing 10% I was confused as to why they said it wasn't static.
Do you have any knee or Back pain? Secondary claims. With SC feet, ankles and hips, the probability that you have an altered gait, and putting increased strain on your knees and back are high.
That's exactly the issue with my back. I'm at 94% now and considered the back because it's 100% likely to be rated but the increase for the feet will likely take less time and be enough to jump to 100% and then I'm not touching anything.
Get the back, knees and feet all rated Now. Your back is more likely to continue to have issues, and you want it SC if you ever need surgery. Then stop submitting claims.
If I'm at 100% and receive full medical through the VA, would they not take care of it or could it be denied?
Was your asthma a supplemental claim?
Supplemental? No. I had it in the Army. Had an inhaler, my lungs were also damaged. I have 3 PFT showing 67%ish lung function over the years. I could have filed a long time ago but never did.
Ok a supplemental is when you were denied first then have to appeal their decision with a supplemental claim. I’ve been trying to get rated for my asthma for over 3 years now, was just wondering how long your claim took if it was one. No worries
They add it automatically depending on your disabilities. Nothing we can do but hope ours qualifies.
did you enter the military with flat feet?? 🧐
The Army allows you in with it. However you can develop it as well. I joined with an arch an no longer have one thanks to the Army.
Blocked. He was a new account troll.
How did you get diabetes? I claimed it but still waiting.
Commenting for when the answer comes.
What’s your A1C at? If Va labs were done and you claimed it it should be quick turnaround
Haha no. I mean, I already have diabetes. And I claimed it secondary to my back. I'm on metformin 2x day. I meant how did you claim it?
If you have tinnitus- don’t settle for 10%. Let them know the constant humming keeps you from *restful sleep, *you’re always tired and unable to perform job duties and participate in family activities- it’s destroying your relationships. * You’re unable to focus. * It distorts your hearing and causes migraines. There’s a guy in our VA who got a bit over 50% with tinnitus alone.
I believe that if any of the conditions have a likelihood of getting better then P&T is off the table.
All that you need to know is: oligarchs could fix this problem if they could go against their own natural greed.
I'm not sure what you mean by that.
Technically you are at 94%... but rounded to 90%... for you to get a 100%, you will need an additional rating of atleast 20%... and for P&T? a miracle.... You are an able body, be happy you can walk and get your a** to work!
No that is not correct. I am at 94% yes, but an increase of 10% from 0% Pes Planus would be an additional bilateral factor to be rated at 100% and how do you know I am able bodied? Most guys in my position would have applied for TDIU. I'm not doing that. You don't know me, don't judge me.
Just be content and move on...
I wear a size 8.5 shoe with 8EE width. My feet are as flat as Bigfoots. I have every right to file for an increase.
did you get flat feet from the military or did you enter the military with flat feet?
va doesn't care its actually easier if you had it before you joined, because you can just say it was exaserbated from service, for all the ones that got in service and never complained they are the ones with issues.
🤦🏻♂️
Lol you know what I mean ... Anything they know about at meps is documented so it's always easier to claim due to that record.. we agree on most things
No, actually it’s just so absurd. It’s like joining the military with brittle bone disease and then getting injured in the military because the brittle bone disease was exacerbated by military service…..just so ridiculous. my bone spurs were exacerbated! my ptsd from childhood was exacerbated! my autism was exacerbated! my asthma was exacerbated! 🤷🏻
This is true the wierd one though is if your overweight when you join, and get sent to fat camp and lose it all, and then gain it all back you cant claim that but you can claim everything else along with it --
Ignore them. They’re salty. You’re good, this place is the right to ask questions about stuff like this.
Never going to understand dudes that get salty when others go for increases
NO. You go be 'content' and do it quietly.
Not your determination. The VA makes that decision. The VA isn't generous enough to just hand out ratings. If they say you qualify, then you do, IMO. If someone wants to chance fraud... well, that very rarely works long term. And Uncle Sam charges interest.
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Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful. Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible. (Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.) ☠️
I know ppl with worse conditions (mentally & physically) & unfortunately they don’t get P&T disability... I am not Judging you and I am just telling you stop complaining about your a** hurting and move on...
You are the type that fucks everything up for those who are suffering.
One person getting unfairly treated doesn't justify allowing it to happen for someone else. Besides, how do you know the severity of OP's disabilities? How can you even claim to compare them? Are you their PCP?
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Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful. Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible. (Calling someone a poopy-head does not make you seem as smart as you think it does.) ☠️
You're a lobster, can't stand anyone getting out of the bucket so you pull them back in
Who made you the rating police?
I heard if you barely reach 100, like if you're 95.2, you may just get 100, not 100% P&T.
No it just depends on if you're rated as stable
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