Jim,

A Veteran requestd a reconsideration of a previously denied final claim.

VA scheduled and the Vetaren reported for a C&P examination. The Veteran asked his VSO why the VA did not acknowledge the C&P examination in their decision.

The VSO stated that the C&P examiner, despite acknowledging the diagnosis, did not give an opinion.

Question 1: Is this consiered a reopend claim?

Question 2: Is the VA C&P examination considered supporting medical evidence that should be listed in the evidence section of the decision letter?

Thank you.

Jim,

I have a veteran friend who went to his Regional Office and turned in an NOD. Things went according to normal, document NOD was copied and date and time stamp applied. He was then told the C-File was the property of the VA and was for their use only but they would furnish him with copies of his medical records. I thought that the Freedom of Information Act entitled him to his entire C-File. My Question is am I correct or have I been mis-lead? If correct what steps do you recommend he take? Thanks for your reply and keep up the good work. God Bless.

Jim,

I have made several attempts to acquire my medical records to determine my eligibility for Veteran's Benefits. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful. I am asking for your help. You can contact me via email or telephone.

Thank you for your time and consideration

Jim,

My husband, a Vietnam Veteran with 25 years of service, died in August of 2008 from pancreatic cancer that the Docs. @ MD Anderson said was probably related to Agent Orange exposure from Vietnam. He also had multiple heart problems during his military years and after his retirement including open heart surgery and years later placement of stints. He was classified as 100% disabled with service connected disabilities. As his widow I received a Nehmer review letter asking for documentation. I sent a massive amount of documents beginning in 1970 until his death. I signed various copies of VA form 21-4142 and also sent his VA rating decision of Dec. 2003 and the Combat Related Special Compensation document. This was all mailed via Registered letter with return receipt requested in March of 2011. I had a few follow-up letters requesting more info. from the family doctor prior to his death and those at MD Anderson. More items sent as a result. In September of 2011 a gentleman from VA Nehmer review called and said all necessary documents are in their file and I would receive a decision soon; unfortunately I did not record the callers name. How can I check on the current status of the Review? Do I send a letter? Do I call?

Jim,

Just after emailing you today I got my brown letter response from the VA denying all of my eight claims for disability from my injuries all suffered in Korea in 1956. They even denied my inability to work caused by my disabilities in Korea. My question to you is have you heard of these attornies (redacted)? They are a central Florida legal group that only represent veterans plus Social Security Benefits? I now need a veterans legal lawyer. Can you help me find a good one? My thanks for your time, trouble and experience Jim. Korea Vet 1955-56 & 57.

Jim,

I was just awarded 70% for PTSD and looking to file for IU. My Psychiatrist at the VA advised me to file for 70% (which I did and got) and he wants me to stop working due to the stress my job causes. He told me that he would grant me IU if I was awarded 70% for PTSD. My question: can the Physiatrist I see at the VA grant IU or will I have to go back through the C&P review again? Please advise.

Jim,

VA says they are giving me a feduciary. Will I be able to have my parents as feduciary? How does that work? Will I just tell the field examiner that I choose my parents? Do you have a template or some suggestions/additions that you have that I can add to my letter to appeal the need for a VA appointed feduciary? I looked at the templates on your website and none are specifically for feduciary cases.

Reply:

Jim,

First let me say that you have a wonderful site filled with all kinds of needed information about the VA system. That being said, I would like your opinion about some information that I am seeking.

Jim,