Reopening claim

[giveen]

I received 20% for my knees and I had also talked about about my carpal tunnel but was told in my claim that since I never sought treatment for it, it did not exist (my paraphrase). I only took tylenol to handle the swelling. Recently its gone from being an annoying while working till a daily pain.

Do you think I could re-open my claim and get it covered?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Yes. I think it's worth trying. Go to your regular doctor and have them diagnose you. THEN file the claim, with your accompanying paperwork. There are some more steps you'll need to do (the doc has to write certain things) and you may or may not get a C&P.

[giveen]

Thanks, Sgt. I figured there was several steps I needed to take.
I wrote to a VA rep but he won't be back till Sept 6th so I figured I would give here a try.

[Phantom Blooper]

In addition to the above advice....I would try using a service organization to help with reopening your claim....DAV...American Legion....VFW...AMVETS....see the service officer and see if they can help.

When you file a claim you need to make sue your wording is correct....and what residual effects your injuries and disabilities are hindering you today.

Good luck!

[gunner1]

All this info is spot on. I would find your local veterans service officer they can help with starting a claim. I would join the DAV. Your going to have to prove you case stay on top of it. ( been there done that ) You can PM me for more info.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Yep. I filed mine with the help of my state VA rep, and although he's good he's more along the lines of the intial filing. Now that I'm official I'll probably look up my local DAV and do the rest with them.

[giveen]

Thanks for all the great advice! I would join the VFW but I never got a chance to deploy, but I will make sure to contact an adviser first.

[spotts]

You can still use the VFW as a VSO even if you are not a member. I see it happen all the time with paperwork that comes through the VA

[Sgt Leprechaun]

You ARE eligible to join the DAV.

Spotts..did you see I finally got my claim...partially anyway?

[Phantom Blooper]

I was going to post what Cpl Spotts said.... to Sgt Leprechaun.....

I'll probably look up my local DAV and do the rest with them.

they like for you to be but you don't have to be a member of any service organization to use the service office.

They are veterans and may try to get you to join to add numbers to the cause.....but I have seen many DAV..VFW...and American Legion service officers help veterans that were not members of their clan.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Ahh, roger that. Thanks!

[spotts]

Thats great news that you a partial grant. The wait for a decision is long but well worth it in the end.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Yes, yes it was! Still have to be C&P'd for about 4 other things but at least, for now, things are moving!

Thanks for YOUR help.

[giveen]

Thank you so much for your advice, Marines. Right now, I do not have private medical insurance, and I'm not making a whole lot of money, so I have to judge if I have the money to go pay a doctor and get x-rays, etc etc.

I have a 2 year old, a 10 month old, and another one on the way, so my money priority is my children.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Totally understandable, believe me.