This is absolutely amazing documentation. 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. Dear Veteran, Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA. 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. Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW HOW I COULD GET ON FOX? His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. on pension or insight into the magical world of VA please feel free to contact me. I would like to know if some one can advise me on how to proceed. Remember this one thing: Your claim is not nearly as important to them as it is to you. Westley Thomas / USMC / Vietnam Veteran 1966-1968. I was so excited John was feeling social again, and that he seemed to be returning to the man Id married. I wrote this and include a copy of the first two pages of my disability claims letter to give you an idea of how to format your own summary letter. The signature serves as a certification that the information has been provided to the best of the persons knowledge and belief. 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. It can turn an active person into someone who's afraid to leave the house. If you are a veteran and have been struggling with sleep problems, you may wonder if a VA sleep study is the right solution. Before drafting your letter, be sure to look through your service medical records to get your dates right. The entire disability claims package, including documentation, was approximately 70 pages. Trying to link my sleep apnea to PTSD - Physical Evaluation Board Forum A current co-workers statement in support of a claim describing the severity of your current PTSD symptoms IS lay evidence. I went to neurology several months ago and she listed in report that I told her I had not had a seizure in years and I was furious, so sent her letter stating I never had a seizure period and she never responded. This compact, bushy plant produces bright red tomatoes that ripen early in the season. And it is a game to them. Heck no-I would just have to wait months for the next one. 471 (1994). The VA uses certain criteria defined in 38 Code of Federal Regulations 4.130 to evaluate the severity of a former servicemember's sleeping disorder. I hear it is one hell of a battle for survivors. 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. 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. For that reason, I took it upon myself to ensure that they had the correct disability documentation the second time around. Went through my interview in which they failed to have my c-files on hand. To be looked at as we should be. How to File a VA Claim for Sleep Apnea My x-ray yesterday explained why I was hurting so bad, one of the screws broke in half, so part of it is secured in my spine the other part is just floating around causing even more scar tissue. "The Forms Professionals Trust . He recently agreed to attend group therapy sessions at our local VA, and it seems to help him recognize that he needs help. . Here is just one of them. I was told that he will be approved. Service connection for PTSD requires credible evidence of an in-service stressor, so a buddy letter used to corroborate that stressor should discuss when and where it occurred, unit and location assigned, and the nature and onset of any observable symptoms the veteran developed in its aftermath. Copyright 2023 VA Claims Insider, LLC. If one does not have PTS going in, they will have it when finished with VA processing and what about the spouse who endures it also. Anxiety, moderate depression and knee pain. U S Army retired SSgt 101st Airborne Division, Fort Camnpbell, Kentucky 1972. Holding up your claim longer just to be denied. Also, the work arragement is all about processing claims and reducing volume-not about customer service. If youve heard anything about the VA Claim process before, you know that youll need outside evidence to get what you deserve for your VA claim. Have you found yourself waking up to your wife, telling you to roll over because of your incessant snoring? Symptoms such as waking during the night, mood swings, fatigue, and falling asleep during the . We went through it and she wrote down some notes on the side of something. VFW Department Service Officer May 17, 2018. Sample of my SA NEXUS letter for SC - Physical Evaluation Board Forum I am also having those close to me and those who I have worked with write letters as well stating how these have had an affect on me. 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. Being denied (or delayed) takes the fight out of many but no Veteran should ever stop fighting. 2. 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. Hi Danny, What a waste of time. I Had several bought of bronchitis, my sinus are messed up and have this repeated vertigo symptoms head aches. As of December 1st, 2022 the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows: 30 percent disability rating: $508.05 per month. the va had done x-rays and mris and the va apointed doctor stated that basically this guys back is beyond repair. thank you for letting me vent. FYI. Sample Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter needed. - Veterans Benefits Network Now, through researching and this awesome website I have learned I need a letter from my doc to tie in my service connected conditions to SA. I found the link below during a google search for VA comp attorneys. Nexus Letter to VA for Sleep Apnea Sample - EssayCrib It was good to see him, and I hope that, in time, we can restore our friendship to the way it was before we deployed. (development). The VA is saying my COPD is unrelated to the fall. Conditions are automatically considered service-connected . It took them 9 months to approve my request and that ended up been $13,000 in one payment direct deposit into my bank account. I forgot, I can take the money with. If you want some serious help and information from a veteran who has 30 years of experience helping veterans across America and beyond. I served on the Enterprise and wanted to know what where some of her findings about the ship. Sleep Apnea Nexus Letter - Nexus Letters for Veterans To whom it may concern. I have 2 college degrees and over 20+ years experience, yet not one of these so-called veteran friendly companies will hire me, and in fact they dont even bother to respond at all! This was in 2010. VA Nexus Letter for PTSD - Disability Help Group i am disheartened reading many of your stories.. All I can add to the conversation is that I am service connected 100%+ for multiple gunshot wounds and PTSD, The VA has been very good to me over the course of my life and I domt have many complaints outside of the times I have seen people who I thought were deserving of compensation and unable to recieve the benefits they earned, often times in blood.. Good Luck to all of you and God Bless. You guys have senators in the states we dont have any here to support us locally or in congress, we live on an island. 3.303(a). I am thinking about filing a claim, I have been diagnosed by the VA, with PTSD! No payment until after dead. Contact your Senator in Wash., DC. 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. 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. In this example, the brother of a veteran is writing on behalf of his brother with PTSD. Regardless of the cause of your sleep apnea, a signed and dated letter from your spouse can go a long way to assisting you in filing a winning claim for this disability. Today I have not received reimbursement for my January 19, 2011 filed claim for 2010 medical. So I didnt get any help there and I cant afford a lawyer, I live in Texas, any suggestions? Benjamin, thanks for the insight. Thanks. Then the appeal process then more years. How To Write Convincing VA Statements in Support of Claim Sample Letter To VA For Disability Rating - Sinusitis, Sleep Apnea connected because it not documented in my record but I was granted 50% for my PTSD I, Know that theres a connection somewhere can anybody help me with this or give some advice, And if you need to do an appeal here is the link for the questionnaires you will need : Thanks In Advance. He isolated himself from everyone: me, his niece, his friends, and his siblings. My wife worked in the file room at the local VA when it was downtown and listen to thw horror stories about the mix up of the veterans files and the information what happens to it. 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. I go thru it daily but, then again I consider them my colleagues because I deal with them everyday and I have to fight for my veterans. As my boy mind is clearing up I see other issues that will raise his ratings. And the most frightening thing was during the time of his snoring, he would stop breathing for a while. I was medically discharged from the Reserves for a grossly abnormal EKG. We quickly ordered them to stop, but they didnt listen. Find a state veterans claim service officer. Rather than trusting the VA to their own lack of duediligence I took action and wrote a thorough summary. PDF Sample Letter Requesting Documents From Lawyer He lived in the basement with the shades drawn day in and day out; I had to continue working to pay bills because John would not. Also VA doctors decide on examination whether your conditions they treat are service connected, If you get billed for the Medications they prescribe for it, then they have determined that it isnt service connected. I file a disability claim in 2003 for IBS and was granted 0%. to this date, i have lost my wife and kids from dealing with my siutation that the military discharged me with no help. In 2010 I was granted 30% for my IBS. 3.307 and (ii) present manifestations of the same chronic disease, or (b) when a chronic disease is not present during service, evidence of continuity of symptomatology. If a person/organization does not plan on honoring its agreements and commitments, then why bother putting them in place in the first place?! 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Well, I wish I had seen this before I sent in my application. I filed a CUE claim on the asthma which was granted in 1988, with an initial rating to date of discharge of 10% and then a 30% rating from date of the approved CUE. Now why? There is a court of appeals to remedy cases where VA ignores the law, which VA does on a regular basis. My husband was almost killed and he gets nothing. Is anyone aware of a manner to not get into that long grind? 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. So I want to impart some of what I did- hopefully it would someone case here and Provide this to yourVSO or attorney to help begin the process, whether on appeal or filing a new claim or anywhere in between. If a veteran has persistent difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep or is unable to fall back asleep after waking up, they may qualify for disability compensation for insomnia. Hello, Writing Convincing VA Statements in Support of Claim. I recently ran into him at the VA and we caught up briefly. Omb control no. 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. My Brother, My heart goes out to you, as for myself, this is my third (3rd.) 2 Sample Nexus Letter For Sleep Apnea (How to write) Sample Buddy Letter For Sleep Apnea: Fill & Download for Free - CocoDoc I am very good with SSI/SSDI cases because that is my actual job 9 to five.. 02. I ve been chaptered (61) out from the US Army on 2009 with 82% SC disability from the MEB/PEB. I also explain how to use lay evidence to service connect your VA disability claim, even if youve already filed or been denied. Thousands of other Veterans in our Community are here for you. I can write my own letter,but that sample guide is an excellent tool. A veterans own statement, covering in sufficient detail a condition that is within his/her ability to describe, such as his/her own symptoms, may to that extent constitutecredible and competent lay evidence. Plan to utilize some of this info. ***EXAMPLE BUDDY STATEMENT*** - LinkVet He threw himself back into what he loved and seemed to improve. 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. 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. I wrote a bunch about each thing I claimed. Jerel L. York, National Pre-Discharge Claims Representative It gives a step by step guide to follow in completing that important introductory information. These changes should include at least some of the symptoms of sleep apnea. I work on this 24/7 due to righteousness and fair play. I have a compressed vertebra due to streptomycin given to me from TB I would go now if asked to defend her. Also, does the VA automatically rule against genetic diseases? You're not alone. 4. He started my process for me and also got back my VA benefits. 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. I read that they can get claims decided a lot faster if you have a qualified medical professional MD, PhD etc,. The code on your DD Form 214 might be alerting your potential employers Why? It can turn a devoted husband or wife into a spouse who's moody and distant, or even . It doesnt matter what you say unless its a mental issue. 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. Now, although your wife statement may be credible, it doesn't carry much weight as does a nexus statement from tour doctor. How they come to this conclusion is beyond me, because as far as I know I didnt know you could joint the military as a cancer patient. Agent Orange was standing in puddles so full, it could be splashed, by stepping in shallow puddles, no perk to the ground. I wrote another notice of disagreement because my IBS problem was effecting me in asspects of my life, job, chruch and even travling and sometimes being late. Although we all have an advocate that Will stand in the gap for each and every one of us. Tell me why. My husbands health has gone down the toilet since ETS. 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. Statements from a spouse are rarely effective. Family History is important- I once won a case for person who dad was a vet with pstd, daughter air force pstd, son arm bipolar, another some navy bipolar..raised the ratings. NEXUS Letter - Military Benefits I went through Ranger School but wasnt black ops, so you would think that patrols that I was on in Bosnia would be filed with my chain of command. I have looked online for basic spouse buddy letter . As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and Im on a mission to change it. SD, Thank you Ben ! (3) a medical link PO Box 96503Dept. I hate to hear of so many verterans having to go through so much red tape for help. He worked as a chef in a local restaurant, and cooking big meals was one of our favorite things to do together. Check and see what your doctors are saying about you.. Hi 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. The young girl then picked up her fathers weapon and aimed shot it in my direction, forcing John to shoot her too. 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. If so, I would definitely appreciate it. I was honorably discharged in November 1983, and as of January 1, 2013 (exactly 30 years to the day), the VA still claims that my cancer was NOT SERVICE CONNECTED!!! 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. 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. Did you serve in combat? [font=&]My name is XXXXX. [font=&]I hereby certified this is true and accurate. If you have problems sleeping go to the va and request a sleep apnea test! How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! Tips for Writing a VA Buddy Letter With Examples | CCK Law I had an appeal for 2 1/2 years and when I submitted the paperwork after my second back paperwork, I went up to 40% retroactive to when I filed my appeal. Even if it does feel like a hot needle being moved back and forth. I havent worked since and have difficulty sleeping amongst other things. PDF United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and vicodin 10s every 4 hours for pain and also celexa 10mg for depression, but hey im employable lol. 3. Would appreciate any advice you can give. You need to obtain a Medical Nexus Letter to help you win and service connect your VA disability claim. Buddy Letter/lay statement for Sleep Apnea : r/VeteransBenefits - reddit I filed immediately a (nasty) letter of disagreement and an appeal . Youll be glad you did. Mulching and Watering App. During this time I had problems sleeping which continues to this day. It means that the VA MUST consider all lay and medical evidence of record in a case with respect to benefits. You're not alone. To date I have not had a bit of contact from anyone. Look up Woods and Woods Legal Group on the internet, they are pretty good. @John B You are obviously a veteran service officer who has zero legal training. The way the VA is, Im guessing I will be needing legal counsel shortly. 49, 53 (1990). Finally in 2007 service connection for sinusitis was granted. IN .MD and no luck so far ,pardon my spelling,thanks for reply ! A fellow servicemember competently testifies to hearing the veteran snore and choke in his sleep during service, but he cannot state that the Veteran has sleep apnea. Who knows you best other than your spouse? 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? How would be there ? So, the form was not filed. Proven Tips #2: Evidence, Nexus Letters and VSO's Phone: 336-714-5955 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. Once more I had to clear up that issue and start over. From 2013-2014, the VA and BVA denied VA benefits for sleep apnea in 76% of the appeals. He had the biggest, warmest heart and lived for his family. I have diaphragmatic paralysis, which has lead to COPD and other ailments. We all work for our payxchecks but work for our veteran especially. THE NEXUS LETTER - VETERANS INFORMATION http //veteransinfo. Difficult to get a rating for OSA years after active duty I was told that nothing is owed to me that my disability for anxierty. As I tell all my clients, just having a condition does not merit a disability rating from the VA. As a Veteran Coach with VA Claims Insider, I deal with dozens of clients who suspect they have sleep apnea. She wanted to know if I wanted to wait till she got my c-file? Then guess what? You have to respond specifically to the reason for denial and, if possible, provide additional evidence to counter it. PDF Sleep Apnea Fact Sheet - Veterans Affairs I filed a claim about a year ago for a primary immune deficiency called CVID which first manifest during my service. Lewis Sanders Retired First Sergeant, I am a veteran that has continue to file claims for service connected disability and continues to be denied bases on not making my appointments with QTC here in the metro Atlanta office located on Peachtree Street downtown Atlanta. Get the free sample letter to va for sleep apnea form - pdfFiller You can have all the evidence on hand but, if the evaluator states differently then the VARO will be forced to follow his orders. VA Statement in Support of Claim Example | Bross & Frankel The Holy Grail: An EASY Path to Proving Sleep Apnea is Service The VA finally sent me to a QTC doctor who turned me down saying that I was born with this. The VA rates Sleep apnea in terms of percentage points, from 0% (acknowledging that you have sleep apnea but it doesn't impact your ability to earn a living) to 100% . How to File a Claim on VA.gov (step-by-step)! If your issue on service in Vietnam has not been resolved as of this date-let me give you a bit of advice/help.
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