Category Archives: Tips and Tricks

DBQs AND CLAIMS FILING

Posted on June 29, 2013 by asknod

Lawyer Bob and his stalwart crew up in large mosquito land have sent me some interesting news. As often as I inveigh against using the DBQs (disability benefits questionnaires), I have now been told there is a silver lining to … Continue reading →

Posted in C&P exams, Introduction-Read these first, Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BVA–PCT RATINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Posted on June 19, 2013 by asknod

Here’s a little primer to acquaint Veterans with one of the diseases associated with both Agent Orange and HCV. I have it and from what I gather, several of you that I have helped do too. PCT stands for Porphyria … Continue reading →

Posted in BvA Decisions, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Tips and Tricks, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

C & P Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Exam

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Laura

My DH had his first C & P Exam last week in a VA-contracted independent audiologist.  The exam was cursory at best.  We’ll be writing for our one free copy of the exam since the VA has a duty to … Continue reading →

Posted in C&P exams, Guest authors, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

NOT SO FAST ON THE FAST LETTER, ALLISON

Posted on May 23, 2013 by asknod

Be careful with your brand new provisional rating after VA gives it to you. If it’s a denial or defective in any way, you can speed it up immeasurably instead of waiting around for them to do something for a … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HORSETRADING AT THE DRO CORRAL

Posted on May 23, 2013 by asknod

No sooner following its incestuous birth and surreptitious  inauguration,  the brand new (for those of you in St. Petersburg) VA Form 21-0958 NOD (Notice Of Disagreement) is generating friction with attorneys for Veterans. And well it should. Nicknamed the Notice Of Desire … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips and Tricks, vA news, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

SMC (SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION)-WHAT IS IT?

Posted on February 27, 2013 by asknod

Member Carla writes and says “my husband has lost the use of his creative organ for all intents and purposes. They attribute this to his DM2. He was also blinded in one eye from shell fragments during a mortar attack … Continue reading →

Posted in ASKNOD BOOK, R1/R2, SMC, Tips and Tricks, VA Agents, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

NPRC INPATIENT RECORDS FILES

Posted on February 18, 2013 by asknod

Over the last five years I have been asked by many Vets about how to obtain records that have gone missing. Some of you are unable to pursue a claim because it appears there is no record of you existing … Continue reading →

Posted in C-Files and RBAs, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Just the records please…

Posted on February 16, 2013 by azeejensmom

The importance of obtaining copies of private medical records from providers while you are being treated can’t be stressed enough. Ever wonder why a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) or the VA will have you sign a “Release to Obtain Information” … Continue reading →

Posted in Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Tattoos as an important risk factor for HCV: Study says “…No place for doubt…”

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Laura

Multi-national study title: Tattooing and the risk of transmission of hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis Publication: International Journal of Infectious Diseases Volume 14, Issue 11 , Pages e928-e940, November 2010 The full text is also accessible from the UK’s Hepatitis C Trust … Continue reading →

Posted in HCV Health, HCV Risks (documented), Nexus Information, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

#33’s STORY-MARK DOES DC

Posted on February 6, 2013 by asknod

This is one of those warm fuzzy moments where I get to nod (my head) and say “Toldja”. Long before even a thought of a book had crossed Cupcake’s mind, I met Mark. The how and why was not important … Continue reading →

Posted in BvA HCV decisions, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments