To whom it may concern. He didnt speak to anyone, he showed up late to assigned duty locations, and he got into a few fist fights with other soldiers. Is there a link for your amendments? Williams redden. Buddy Letters (Buddy Statements), also known as Lay Statements, can serve as valuable pieces of evidence for VA claims. I tried not to worry and hoped things would return to normal once he returned home, but they only got worse. As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. that alone is 50% compensation if it turns out you have it. To that end, I usually try to have the latest copy of my records that I can get, just to use as a reference while writing my statement. I have filed for iu and my copd and sleep apnea are on appeal. One thing your evidence should have is a Nexus letter (hopefully from a doctor or your in your SMRs) explaining how the evidence in your file is relevant to the condition you have now . Veterans with service-connected sleep apnea will receive a rating of 0, 30, 50, or 100. 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. to this date, i have lost my wife and kids from dealing with my siutation that the military discharged me with no help. There are some nasty habits in VA that are part of the institutional culture. I will, at my next appointment, force the shrink to listen to me about my experience. Phone: 336 631-5457 Well, things got rolling with my new advocate and talking with someone at the Regional Office, I ended up getting 70%, because in 2005 I should of received 50% and then 70%, so of course I received a good amount of back pay. Youll learn about the word game that is used preventing you from winning your claim. I caught in Africa setting up Sac bases for all of Europe. To have any and all claims looked at in an open and fair manner. Keep fighting for it. i had 0s all the way down the list on mobility. Here is a sample of the first two pages of my application for disability compensation to the Dept of Veterans Affairs. It can turn a calm, easygoing person into a powder keg. Therefore, we are out in the middle of nowhere. Ensure that the buddy letter is from someone credible and competent. You guys have senators in the states we dont have any here to support us locally or in congress, we live on an island. I contacted my state Senator whos office sent a letter to the VA asking about it only to have the VA send an explanation letter and that was it, I already knew that but I wanted to know why. Agent Orange Presumptive List In this guide, well explore the topic of Agent Orange and its long-lasting impact on millions of Vietnam veterans. I have about given up, but my local VSO has assured me he is with me all the way. It was SOP to rip off claimants on the time they have to respond to our requests for info. A long, rambling letter just obscures why you are writing. Yes theyre should be someone to research these claims and missions without the proper papertrail. A nexus letter is a letter simply states that your sleep apnea is as likely as not to have been caused by your service-connected PTSD, or another service-connected condition. You may not get the answer you want, but you will at least know how far along you are in the process, if further development is needed, or if the case got resolved. They continued walking toward us until the man reached abruptly into his pocket. We need a relief and a quicker and fasyter process to getting what we deserve a fair chance in dealing with our claims and grant an approval with evidence when poresented. It is much more Can I Use Lay Evidence to Win My VA Claim? What was the specific reason for denial that the RO gave on the original letter? 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 veteran's service. 49, 53 (1990). Went through my interview in which they failed to have my c-files on hand. VA Disability: $23k PTSD Medical Nexus Letter. Now the VA after turning me down for PTSD because I cannot give them names I again am fighting the system. This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form. 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. of Veterans Affairs' feet to the fire. He isolated himself from everyone: me, his niece, his friends, and his siblings. Although my expertise is on the Pension side of the house, the one thing I can tell you is that it helps to do a congressional inquiry if VA is dragging ass/fucking up in general on your claim. Be sure to get a copy of your file using the Freedom of Information Act request letter. Before drafting your letter, be sure to look through your service medical records to get your dates right. I was diagnose OSA two years after I got out in 2000 and prescribe with CPAP and have been using them since. I filed under the benefit delivery at discharge program (goal of 2-4 months for determination after separation) and now almost 7 months after separation I have no rating decision. My question is should I put in the dates of future appointments or just my past appointments and since I have already been classified at a percentage do I write my letter from just the point from the first percentage rating. Mr. Ben The easiest way to do this is by obtaining a nexus letter. They arent in any hurry, either. Within a year of getting out I was diagnose by the VA though of obesity. A few years ago, prior to the PTSD diagnoses, I was diagnosed with mixed (central, and obstructive) sleep apnea. 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. I have done extensive research and found many articles that indicate that rhinitis often causes sleep apnea. Its very discouring to see that applications are routinely denied and delayed, sometimes until the time that the applicant is deceased. 1. get as much medical evidence you can gather, even if you went to jail and medicine for it. For a limited time, you can book a free, no-obligation VA Claim Discovery Call with one of our experts. 3. If you have a certain number of congestion attacks from sinusitis, it will result in a different / higher disability rating that can be supported solely from a layperson statement so long as the STRs indicate the person had sinus trouble in the military. By far the worst are from lawyers elder law specialists.they like to charge the poor claimant to do a POA, but guess what? They were the ones who loaded and unloaded the canisters of agent orange. About six months ago, I was searching the Web where somehow I found a prepared Sworn Declaration Statement letter. On the other hand, buddy letters corroborating the severity of your disability will not demonstrate a nexus between your present disability and your military service in a claim for service connection. We attempted to resuscitate her but were unsuccessful. PTSD can turn a friendly, outgoing person into a withdrawn loner. I hope that the apeal wont take forever. I immediately got POA Power of Attorney and began seeking treatment for him. I was honorably discharged from USMC for chronic back problems after a fall while in training. Hey my brothers our true salvation is waiting for us beyond this earth. Were here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. my illness started when i would get upset, having aniexty attacks, sweating, shaking, because of going into battle dress of encountering missiles firing over my ship. This could be beneficial for the wife or spouse of a veteran who would like to write a VA buddy letter. Click to Read Jandreau v. Nicholson, 492 F.3d 1372, 1377 (Fed. The way the VA is, Im guessing I will be needing legal counsel shortly. I was married to XXXXX, a Navy veteran, in September 1994. U S Army retired SSgt 101st Airborne Division, Fort Camnpbell, Kentucky 1972. These changes should include at least some of the symptoms of sleep apnea. I would like to see the criteria for agent orange. There are several factors that lead to the onset of sleep apnea. Well it turns out that those super strong titanium rods and screws holding my spine together arent that strong after all. You have to respond specifically to the reason for denial and, if possible, provide additional evidence to counter it. This is very depressing:-(. The y gave me a few asprin or what ever and said go back to your unit. Tell them whats wrong, how long you have been trying to get things done with the VA, and what you want. Can anyone give me a good phone number for the Winston Salem VA office dealing with compensation claims? sometimes getting up and putting clothes on for battle dress. It took Me over 8 years to finally get 20% service connected , but the thing is obama and the democrats are gonna take Our compensation and pensions and use the money to help the illegal aliens they are bringing in to food , homes , cars , etc . It is erroneous to claim layperson statements only matter for mental health claims, I hit my head and lost consciousness while in combat that resulted in stitches later. If the person has a record of stitches on the head, VA will need to consider the layperson statement. Getting a spousal letter supporting sleep apnea is a great way to get this lay evidence. Google the below citation and you will find a claim that was approved for Parkinson (Agent Orange) for a veteran that was stationed at Don Maung Bangkok. Below is wife statement, please comment if it is good to go. It was initially thought that Blane Horton was the breeder for Rebel Starfighter Prime but this has been proven incorrect. This time, Im assuming due to clerical error, they were sending all of my paperwork to the wrong address! A good man. https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_ListByDBQFormName.asp. Thats the way they play the game. I recently submitted a claim for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD with the assistance of the Disabled American Veteran's org (DAV). #2. Another claim maybe fairly simple, but carry a lot points weight wisethat is the one that I am going to work. Domestic Violence Records can be helpful if it describes your behavior bizarre crazy off his/her medication He punched a man at the grocery store he accused of stalking him and had to spend the night in jail. That is currently the max that the VA will pay veterans with SLEEP APNEA, if at the 100% rating . To date I have not had a bit of contact from anyone. Before we deployed, John was always cracking jokes and writing his wife. R. at 1457-58. I served for almost 30 years and feel as though I have been put kick under a bus. SSA.GOV have a form that doctors could fill out for back injuries, very specific and a rating of prognosis. Then start the NOD. See 38 C.F.R. Benjamin, thanks for the insight. They were sent directly to the VA by the USAF in 1990. The new PTSD rules cover combat veterans. They also are not publicized much but its a sure thing going to one of them.. Greetings to brother and sister veterans. Have the doctor do a letter stating that and submit it and based on your new evidence, which they ignored the evidence completely the last time, you should be successful. 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. Lets see if this doesnt prove to be true in the next year or two. That was in July 2010. If your SLEEP APNEA claim is approved, you may receive up to $3,350.87 per month. Then guess what? App. The responsibility to prove a claim lies with the veteran and not them. Also have them check the archives of medical records. I cannot stand facebook but to find people who served with my son prvided me with loads of info, but you have to decide how much is revelant in your case. If you give up the system wins and that is exactly what they who run the system wants you to do. Good luck James and God bless. Fortunately, the VA offers sleep studies to veterans who may be suffering Top 5 Reasons for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Claim Denials (Plus OSA Service Connection Tips) Was your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) VA claim denied? Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! 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. I have since received (2) letters from the rating review board, and it said it was working on my case, by the way, I go to see my (Shrinks, Etc. ) One thing I found is my doctors never did Blood sugar tests on me in-service, My diabetes was diagnosed post discharge by the VA, but since I have diabetic family members, they said Non-service connected. Even better, use his or her letterhead to write it. While I can SC hypertension I would also add the snoring through my wife personal statement. I recall almost on a regular basis where it sounded as if he was choking in his sleep and gasping for air. This section should include as much information as possible to readily highlight for VA the letters credibility, competency, and relevancy. Those from Iraq seem to come first. The following is to provide you with view inside VSR-world. If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. Hello fellow vets, First time posting and I had been denied by the VA since 2006 for reason the sleep apnea is not service connected. Walker v. Shinseki, 708 F.3d 1331 (Fed. The VA-certified disability benefits lawyers at Woods and Woods have helped thousands of veterans. i cant sleep at night, i wait up sweating, having night mares, and out burst. Can prevail in spite of the absence of official records showing incurrence or aggravation of the disease or injury during service. It should clearly describe how he or she knows the veteran and for the length of time. Also, go to the VA for everything. I was medically discharged from the Reserves for a grossly abnormal EKG. Benjamin Krause is a lawyer, investigative reporter and award-winning veterans advocate. I dont know what the outcome will be nor do I have my hopes up. R. O ignored sworn letters by my pastor of 50 years, a buddy letter, from a nurse with me at each duty station, they ignored the letter by my husband and two daughters. That sample letter gave me all the information I need as a guide to organize and prepared my personal Sworn Statement letter. LOL, this John B sounds like the same F**ktard spewing his hatred of veterans all over facebook. Cir. It would have helped her out greatly. Today in Zaporozhye I cannot obtain medical assistance due to overdue satisfaction of my Jan. 19, 2011 for 2010 filed claim not paid into my USA bank. Two months later I received another eval letter granting me the 100% P&T! Draw your signature, type it, upload its image, or use your mobile device as a signature pad. Unlike most areas of legal practice governed by strict rules concerning the elicitation and submission of witness testimony, VAs pro-claimant system requires it to consider relevant lay evidence provided by veterans and their acquaintances in much the same manner as it does medical evidence. I have been trying to find it for two months without success. That tells them you are actively engaged in getting it processed. I have been searching for that sample letter and am having a difficult time finding it. We all work for our payxchecks but work for our veteran especially. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps a year after our wedding and served honorably as a combat engineer from July 2002 to July 2006. The daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, Paige has had a lifelong respect for our nations veterans, inspiring her commitment to advocating for veterans worldwide. You are a very intelligent person. Awesome info. 42 Sleep Apnea Secondary Conditions SECRETS NEW. I can literally read the VAs denial letter now: The veterans active duty service treatment records do not contain any medical evidence or subject complaints of the disability or condition., Heres the deal veterans: You can prove your VA disability claim and overturn previous denials of service connection using something called lay evidence.. Alternatively, service connection may be established under 38 C.F.R. Good luck! . Remember this one thing: Your claim is not nearly as important to them as it is to you. They range from 85 years old to 21 years. We need an IG inspection to just wipe out a many that0is just qorking for and oinly a paycheck. Find a state veterans claim service officer. Agent Orange was standing in puddles so full, it could be splashed, by stepping in shallow puddles, no perk to the ground. (3) a medical link PO Box 96503Dept. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. Take a look at our HOME OF THE WORLDS LARGEST INFORMATION BANK! Then the appeal process then more years. A credible Medical Nexus Opinion from a private provider IN ADDITION to any lay evidence provided in support of your VA claim. 14-01 657 ) DATE. Take to dr and get a review. Citation Nr: 1530215 My stressor is about 1 page long, but my VSO told me it was not good enough to get approved. Click the button below to start for FREE. In this post, I provide veterans with a real VA lay statement example. thay gave me a rating of 10%. As I tell all my clients, just having a condition does not merit a disability rating from the VA. DOCKET NO. 2. Did you serve in combat? What is the veterans reaction toward VA giving out 17 million dollars in free bonus during the year 2015. Click to Read Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163, 1167 (Fed. We met during basic training and forged a strong friendship. 2. I as well will at that time go public with just exactly what the missions were all aboutkilling select targets and some of those targets were civilian and done so just for a psychological affect on the enemy.