The threshold consideration is competence: the author of a buddy letter must be competent to discuss the subject matter discussed in the letter. I have about given up, but my local VSO has assured me he is with me all the way. What about other veterans who do not pull their records. This one head surgeon here in California stated I compressed my vertebra falling down a flight of stairs when I stepped off one stair, I was lucky to spot this when I pulled my Clinical reports. We know the pain of feeling stuck, frustrated, and alone, and we want to make this process as easy and painless as possible for you. Get the new rep to push the fact that the VA made a mistake and didnt do the right thing. Dead bodies were everywhere, and everything smelt like it was on fire. When my husband left the military in 2000 he was still snoring loudly until he went to the doctor to check his swollen uvula sometime in 2002. By escalating a claim to Congressional, it ensures that management is tracking the claim and VA must respond in a reasonable time frameusually 7-12 days. Brother lewis, try to hang in there, as this is what the government wants us to do, is to die, get frustrated, then they do not have to give us any MONEY & BENEFITS ! Because you often didnt go to the doctor enough while you served on active duty, and thus, your service treatment records do not contain any evidence of a disability or condition. There is a court of appeals to remedy cases where VA ignores the law, which VA does on a regular basis. My medication co-payments equal my VA compensation. Just like the military,hurry up and wait. VA Lay Statement Example: What The Heck Is Lay Evidence? A spousal letter for sleep apnea, which documents what your spouse has witnessed over the years, and the approximate dates he/she noticed your sleep apnea symptoms began in-service IS lay evidence. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. It was my Teams SOP to only give 30 day windows-regardless of what category of evidence we were requestingthen the claim can be denied on the basis of failure-to-prosecute. According to the Mayo Clinic, primary symptoms of sleep apnea include: The VA considers sleep apnea a qualifying disability and rates veterans from 0%, 30% 50% and 100% after a medical diagnosis and service connection. You need to obtain a Medical Nexus Letter to help you win and service connect your VA disability claim. I was almost died Jan 4 2010 with a double anuresym of my aorta one part was repaired with a stint and the other has not been repaired as of yet. NEW! For example, VA will not consider a layperson statement where the veteran opines about a medical diagnosis such as saying, I have TBI. VA is required to consider descriptions of pain, congestion, trouble breathing, etc. Different Forms of 100% VA Rating (IU vs TDIU vs Schedular vs P&T) I have processed several requests for upgrading my service connection percentage. He stopped eating and the clothes that used to fit him hung loosely off his emaciated frame. I served on active duty in the Navy aboard an aircraft carrier from November 1979 to November 1983. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. My Brother, My heart goes out to you, as for myself, this is my third (3rd.) According to the VA C & P experts, I was never there, if I was then Im making too big of a deal of it and deserve no compensation because it wasnt a designated Combat Zone. For lay persons, personal knowledge denotes facts and information the author came to know through the use of the sensesthat which is seen, heard, felt, smelled, or tasted. He adored his niece and loved taking her fishing. I was told that nothing is owed to me that my disability for anxierty. The y gave me a few asprin or what ever and said go back to your unit. 3.303(d). Russell ONeal: Carrie, I hear you. So if one is going to write one - make sure that every contention/symptom is covered. The way the VA is, Im guessing I will be needing legal counsel shortly. ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW HOW I COULD GET ON FOX? I was told that he will be approved. Good Luck, DT. To date I have not had a bit of contact from anyone. Image that one! The call is free and we won't charge you a single fee unless we win your case.
This quick disability claim letter to VA Comp & Pension from my own claim for sinusitis, sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis should help get your claim going. We have the form sf 95 but not sure where to send it, I need assistance, any help would be greatly appreciated. This snoring had me to the point that I was going to ask him to move into the coach. left side of the screenthere it is folks!! According to M21-1, layevidence, or a VA lay statement example,is acceptable for the purpose of establishing service incurrence or aggravation, in the absence of Service Treatment Records (STRs), for a combat Veteran or FPOW, if the evidence. Buddy Letters & Buddy Statements from Your Wife - Veterans Disability InfoVA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs The more help, the better. The wrongs can now be righted while those of us are still able to submitt and win our claims. Many times a Vet will have a condition that there IS NO TREATMENT for thus they will not see doctors, but just put up with it. Maybe you can help me out. Far too many of the VA claims people act like the money is coming from their own pockets. Something should be done about these veterans and civilians never having to serve in any capacity of a military branch of armed forces has the gall to deny me and my fellow comrades fallen on their illness to be denied over and over again because they have failed to read the claim for all its worth. If so, I would definitely appreciate it. Why Was Allison Hickey Covering For Rubens, Graves? Founder of DisabledVeterans.org, a VA watchdog news source that holds the Dept. It was determined that I had sleep apnea, and the va did in fact provide me a CPAP. military treating physician. I also got copd and ulcer in feb and march of 2010 and was in the hospital twice. VA Disability Rating for Sleep Apnea Secondary to Tinnitus Your greatest fight after you serve is to fight to get what you deserve. #4567876. For that reason, I took it upon myself to ensure that they had the correct disability documentation the second time around. VFW Department Service Officer Hi, my name is Chris Narcoman, over at the Veterans Law Blog, and if you watch today's video, I bet you have a lot of questions about getting a sleep apnea disability claim, listen, veterans ask me more questions . Insider Tips: How to Schedule a Sleep Study with the VA, Top 5 Reasons for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Claim Denials. That lets them win. I had a sleep study done at Willford Hall, Lackland AFB. I was 10% SC for hypertension but not snoring. I read that they can get claims decided a lot faster if you have a qualified medical professional MD, PhD etc,. Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: non-combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Is consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of combat or FPOW internment, and. About six months ago, I was searching the Web where somehow I found a prepared Sworn Declaration Statement letter. 725 Kenilworth Ave. Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 CALL : (856) 795-8880 EMAIL. When this case hit the BVA - actually twice, within three months of . I recall almost on a regular basis where it sounded as if he was choking in his sleep and gasping for air. Click to Read Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163, 1167 (Fed. Sample Letter for Spouse Signature - US Legal Forms He filed paperwork and has a 0% rating for two things but they denied 8 others. I also filed and appealed my own claim. I got diagnosed with Sleep apnea, in 2011 . The VA knows that spouses, pastors, friends and neighbors are biased. I suffered damage to my left eye, left lung. 49, 53 (1990). "To whom it may concern, My retirement physical stated in the doctors own had writing COPD secondary to long standing chronic Asthma. Lets see if this doesnt prove to be true in the next year or two. Join our premier education-based membership program, VA Claims Insider Elite, connect with an expert-level Veteran Coach (VC) within minutes, and finally get the rating you deserve. The VA would then followup via telecom. hopefully my next post will be a victorious one. Never about Iraq and my whole Army experience. The spousal letter should have a flow to it. Lay evidence is one type of evidence that must be considered, and that competent lay evidence can be sufficient in and of itself. The same kind of logic would support a different percentage for sinusitis. could you please provide that salary compensation format ASAP. I have no idea who to contact, the American Legion that I am involved, well they are all older and not sure they would know about this, maybe you can point me in the right direction thanks. I could probably get benefits for seizures, but itwould be illegal to claim and I do not need this stigma on my record. Writing Convincing VA Statements in Support of Claim. Click Go Elite Now below to get started today and a member of our team will be in touch within minutes. I am also going through the compensation process for my issues related to service. Sample Letter To VA For Disability Rating - Sinusitis, Sleep Apnea I care about all young and old. I hope that i dont offend you when i say your are God sent. Try to keep the letter one page in length or shorter. FYI. all denied. I am a retired Army veteran wh0 retired in 1986. Ask for your military medical record if you do not have any copies of ir (i hope you do) and go to the nearest VA place to submit the claim. That is currently the max that the VA will pay veterans with SLEEP APNEA, if at the 100% rating . All I have to say, you are ready to serve again? While I can SC hypertension I would also add the snoring through my wife personal statement. Doc, said I have PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, but no paperwork exists saying that these patrols I went on ever actually happened. You guys have senators in the states we dont have any here to support us locally or in congress, we live on an island. Mind you I constantly have my private physician mail statements about my conditions which seems to be overlooked, lost intra office at the local VA or the VSO doesnt send the file with the new informationb. Here is what I have done, I ask my VFW rep to provide me with a letter specifically what to state on her letter for my claim, he told me he would give IRON CLAD, evidence to win my case. each other. What Makes a Good Buddy Statement? (Includes Example) Thats all I got to say about that! How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! In general, a VA claim requires the following: to this date, i submitted a claim in on feb 3, 2010 in for numerous illness, and have contacted my congressman john lewis for help. We met during basic training and forged a strong friendship. I have asked my VSO to file a letter of disagreement along with a second letter from my immunologist stating that I was not born with this disease but rather developed it in while in the military. 3.303(a). I have filed for iu and my copd and sleep apnea are on appeal. Post Apr 17, 2011 #1 2011-04-17T05:25. I was diagnose OSA two years after I got out in 2000 and prescribe with CPAP and have been using them since. It takes 60 days for Red Rocket tomatoes to reach maturit, Growing Tomatoes in Containers: Essential Tips for a Successful Harvest, Growing tomatoes in containers is a great way to enjoy homegrown fruits and vegetables without taking up too much space. MY STORY/CLAIM IS ACTUAL BUT DEFFERENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS IN SERVIVE AND DEPARTURES. ask for referrals to see other doctors if you need to. Call your VA counterpart and ask about your claim at least once a month. Then I served in Air Force Reserves from 1985 to 1990. The VA is a large beaucratic system where it is easier to say No than to do anything else. Trying to link my sleep apnea to PTSD - Physical Evaluation Board Forum This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month. thank you for letting me vent. Thanks, I have filed a claim with the VA Feb 8th 2009. will there be a panacea the VA can reach for, or would VA be willing to try. Your VA sleep apnea rating will determine how much you receive a month in VA disability compensation. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. I am very good with SSI/SSDI cases because that is my actual job 9 to five.. VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. 3.102. I worte a notice of disagreement in a timely matter. Today I have not received reimbursement for my January 19, 2011 filed claim for 2010 medical. I would attempt to turn him over, hoping this would stop his snoring but did not. I hereby certify that the information I have given is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. The law clearly indicates VA is required to consider layperson statements so long as the statement is something a non-doctor can comment on. Also, the work arragement is all about processing claims and reducing volume-not about customer service. A current co-worker's statement in support of a claim describing the severity of your current PTSD symptoms IS lay evidence. I have been fighting the VA for PTSD while in combat in Vietnam for 42 years. Holding up your claim longer just to be denied. I was unable to exercise and gains wait over 200 plus with a 69 inches height. DOCKET NO. They say that they reviewed my claim and did not review my military Medical files, because no-one knows where they are. Went to all their doctors too. He isolated himself from everyone: me, his niece, his friends, and his siblings. Importantly, obstructive sleep apnea is not one of the conditions that are listed under 3.309(a), and the Veteran must otherwise show that his sleep apnea is due to an event, disease, or injury incurred during service. I have a claim in with the VA from injuries while in the Army WTC program for prior service folks. NEVER GIVE UP!! Im hoping and praying that we as veteran want have to hurry up and wait too and so long just to get denied over and over. If you want to understand how to increase your disability or managed the process, check out my post to increase your disability compensation rating. After that, I packed a bag and moved into my parents house until John agreed to get help. There must be significant proof to get a successful VA claim these days (as there . This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form. . Have questions? Click on the above link to get a copy of that letter. Sign it in a few clicks. He or she is the only one who can give an medical (rationale) opinion, only after reviewing your smr's . I am trying now to go back to the 2005 claim, but they are telling me because of the Form 9 was not done, the claim is dead in the water. They range from 85 years old to 21 years. See 38 C.F.R. There are some key things I want to stress in the letter and give good examples like it says to do but do not want to end up with a book. My snoring started in 1996 after my ankle surgery due to humps in the mountainous terrain in Camp Pendleton. My summary letter was 5 pages. Proven Tips #2: Evidence, Nexus Letters and VSO's Please share any info you can so we all can get what we deserve. Finally received their ruling two weeks ago. Take a look at our HOME OF THE WORLDS LARGEST INFORMATION BANK! Housedbound cases (Aid & Attendance) are the worst. Its a horrrible thing for any ceteran that suffers and to be homeless and sick just to be turned downN denied and polaced on paperwork cause the worker for the VA cant and will not figfure out the correct medical disabling condition or condirtions cause its too much to read and its boring or the worker for the VA is bored. After his left ankle surgery in 1996, he was unable to regularly exercise and he gradually gains weight. of Veterans Affairs' feet to the fire. James, the only idea that I can give you is too possibly contact someone who was in your unit at the time of your fall.If possible get more than one statement. Was it verified? Base Total sample Letters indicate. Go talk to your senator/congress person. 42 Sleep Apnea Secondary Conditions SECRETS NEW. Since PTSD often manifests many years after a traumatic event, spouses may be a more reliable lay witness than former servicemembers in situations where VA has already conceded the in-service stressor, as the spouse can more accurately testify about the veterans symptoms over time and their impact on his daily life. See 38 U.S.C.A. I am having difficulty finding the wordage to use. According to the law, service connection may be granted for a disability resulting from disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service. I pray that the good Lord will bless you & your family, and keep trying, never give up my brother, Brother Lewis,, do not give up the fight, until we cant fight anymore, GOD-BLESS.Sincerely Tim. I could only prove to the VA(lost medical records, of course) that what occurred, did occur, be submitting my letters sent home to my mother and sisters, with copies of letters, with Vietnam(APO)postmarks and details consistent with servie in a wartime setting. (development). there are Disabilities SC and CR that are not evaluated yet Anyone who writes a buddy letter should include their contact information, their name and signature, the full name of the veteran that the letter is for, and the date. Insomnia. I served from 1968-70, my initial complaints which were backed by the Veterans Doctors, & my own Specialists for the following Diseases, they are as follows: PTSD, Agent Orange, Hepatitis B, after (41 yrs. I was married to XXXXX, a Navy veteran, in September 1994. So that is my story. Is this true, or does it make sense to you? Can anyone give me a good phone number for the Winston Salem VA office dealing with compensation claims? A wife competently describes the onset of noticeable changes in her husbands behavior when he returns from a combat zone, but she cannot attribute those behavioral differences to combat or state he has PTSD unless she is medically qualified to do so or was present when the diagnosis was given. Just about every Vet from my time at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor Mi feel the same way. However, I hardly heard from him once he deployed to Iraq in August 2003. Ben, can i ask where you found the information on the epa reports and such for the buildings you were stationed in? 2007). When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the Secretary shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant. THANKS JORGE. There are some nasty habits in VA that are part of the institutional culture. I distinctly remember him snoring louder than anyone that Id ever heard in my life. Here is just one of them. Then guess what? Below is wife statement, please comment if it is good to go. By the way, the QTC doctor spent maybe 3-5 minutes with me, did no examination, and asked for no health history. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea . Keep fighting for it. I filed immediately a (nasty) letter of disagreement and an appeal . Veteran Secret Codes on DD Form 214. www. *A non-combat Veteranslaystatements may be acceptable for establishing service incurrence or aggravation but must be weighed against otherevidencein the claims folder including the absence of military records documenting or supporting the statements. I buried the event as if it did not take place until 2005 when it came out like an atom bomb. 1. The VA does not care about the Vet now or never. A congressman is great, but the senator is even better. All Rights Reserved. From 2013-2014, the VA and BVA denied VA benefits for sleep apnea in 76% of the appeals. PTSD can turn a friendly, outgoing person into a withdrawn loner. I also had documented abnormalities even when I was active duty. I have no language interpreter today and no American group or person to assist. For example, if you suffer from sleep apnea that is related to your service, then you would talk more about how this disability is linked to a service event and how it affects your life. Instead, be the squeaky wheel! I was as thorough as possible with the original application, with assistance from the local rep. Other than the notification of receipt, Ive received no requests for additional documentation, ect. Difficult to get a rating for OSA years after active duty letters and electronic mail. In this example, the brother of a veteran is writing on behalf of his brother with PTSD. To add insult to injury, remember that in pension many claimants are elderly and it will take them time to track down the needed documentation. Fmf so you. Cir. A spousal letter can help you if you were married during your service and your wife observed the change in you after you developed sleep apnea. In addition, all lay statements must be signed and dated to be considered by VA. Have you found yourself waking up to your wife, telling you to roll over because of your incessant snoring? Referencing. Even better, use his or her letterhead to write it. As of this date (2/8/2011) I am still awaiting. Buddy Letter/lay statement for Sleep Apnea : r/VeteransBenefits - reddit Before asking a buddy to write on your behalf, be sure to think through the information you need them to provide to maximize the accuracy and effectiveness of their response. The easiest way to do this is by obtaining a nexus letter. The statement in support of a claim for sleep apnea. After 27 years and a lifetime of chronic back pain and related complications, I find-out by three independent orthopedic surgeons, that I have no birth [emailprotected] If you have ever seen the movie Office Space, then you have an accurate depiction of what the Philadelphia PMC is. . I have done extensive research and found many articles that indicate that rhinitis often causes sleep apnea. He is aformer active duty Air Force officerwith extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. If you have problems sleeping go to the va and request a sleep apnea test! Make sure you get it notarized, seek out those who fought with you- if possible And it is a game to them. It can turn an active person into someone who's afraid to leave the house. Fax if you can depending what phase of the claim you are in- your evidence often as possible, present it well. Sample letter for sleep apnea: Fill out & sign online | DocHub Omb control no. OSA is a common denial veterans receive when Episodes where you do not breath when you are asleep. I am trying to have have my depression which is currently at 30% increased (been getting worse for the past 3 years) and my Post Traumatic Migraines secondary to a Traumatic Brain injury (both are at 0%) upgraded. Instead, it sounds like you are spreading the dysinfo many regional offices put out there to discourage veterans. Also, does the VA automatically rule against genetic diseases? Below is wife statement, please comment if it is good to go. In any regards youre providing a great service. The appearance that your letter is coming from a reliable source will be created in this way. In order to ensure the VA accepts the statement as being from someone credible and competent, the person giving the statement should have first-hand knowledge of the veteran or the veterans service. Mulching and Watering Below are the samples VA nexus letters for sleep apnea. Phone: 336-714-5955 How to File a VA Claim for Sleep Apnea I took letters from generals that I worked for in the Air Force. And overall disabilty stays the same, Im 80% disable and have been sine 1997. Your VA sleep apnea rating is based upon the severity of your condition. Click the button below to start for FREE. I did the Notice of Disagreement and was turned down. While a sleep study must be conducted and submitted as medical evidence, a spouse can provide insight into how the sleep disorder impacts the veteran's daily life. Those from Iraq seem to come first. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. He worked as a chef in a local restaurant, and cooking big meals was one of our favorite things to do together. That tells them you are actively engaged in getting it processed. "Buddy letters" are lay statements provided in support of a veteran's claim for VA disability benefits. Go to the website at http://www.vqlan.org Look up Woods and Woods Legal Group on the internet, they are pretty good. A personal statement you write on the VA Form 21-4138 documenting how you think your current non-combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is due to an in-service sexual assault and stressor event that occurred 20 years ago IS lay evidence. I am a military mom, my boy served on the USS EnterpriseHe came home a wreck. I am fortunate I type 80 WPM which helps my cause. VA Nexus Letter for PTSD - Disability Help Group Sleep apnea (AP-ne-ah) is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing, or shallow breaths while you sleep.
