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Disability Awards: I have a question about mine (merged)

BinRat55

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I've found all kinds of stats on this site and VAC with regards to pensions, but does anyone know or have stats relating to the average payout for a disability award? I'm waiting (patiently of course) for an answer from VAC and am curious. Also, if there is anyone here who is in the same boat as me (Rotator Cuff Disease of both L & R shoulders with a few other things thrown in) who can offer any insight on their dealings with this I wouldn't mind hearing from you - in this thread or PM.
 
Just an update - I heard from VAC yesterday and my application is "nextdoor" for a percentage determination... approved? Maybe -- sounds like it. I was told 24 weeks (mid-Feb).
 
Another update - I never did get any payout stats, although I did hear a rumour of one person receiving a cheque for $600.00. Sounds like a slap in the face to me, but alas, rumours is rumours. I received my decision last week - denied. Something VAC doesn't understand about "wear and tear" vice accidents. They denied me based on a lack of CF 98's - of course there's a lack of CF 98's - I never had any accidents. My shoulders are worn and torn through years of putting my body through hell. Like i'm gonna go to the MIR and submit a CF 98 every time my CSM made us dig trenches...

Oh well. Next step, appeal. Don't know if it will make a difference, but it's worth a try. Cortisone shots are next, followed by 4 separate surgeries.
 
Bin Rat PM me, I have a contact for you that will greatly aid you in this.
 
BinRat don't give up. Appeal, appeal, appeal until you are satisfied. A good source of assisstance is the local Legion. They have guys that act like pit-bulls on a posties leg when dealing with Veterans Affairs! ;D
 
I hear ya 2 Cdo, and thanks. I spoke with an advocate this morning and she seems like she's screwed on tight. I'll know more in a week or two, but she made me feel a bit more optimistic - as do you guys!!
 
I received a 2,150 dollar disability award for a small tear I received in my left shoulder while deployed. Vehicle accident...Bison versus Haji in small Toyota, who apparently thought he could push me off the road...Sadly he was alot more frigged up than I was....
A slap in the face, it seemed as so at the time, but 1 year after the surgery my shoulder was nearly back to 100%. Unfortunately I reinjured the same shoulder possible in the same manner during a soccer game during a sports afternoon. I am wondering if the diagnosis is the same if i will have to resubmit or appeal....If the diagnosis is different i will definitely resubmit under the new injury.
I am currently awaiting a decision on some arthritis that I have been diagnosed with....a plus on my behalf is that the specialist wrote in his report that the arthritis can be directly attributed to my military service even though a single accident that caused the injury to grow cannot be pinpointed....
Currently appealing a decision for patello femoral syndrome.....Hearing is 2 december....wish me luck
I honeslty don't "totally" care about the money, although it is nice....the medical coverage after Army life is what I am mostly concerned with..
 
I hear you on that Buddha. We are kind of in the same boat - about the same amount of TI and I don't know what's in store for me in a few years! Question: did the tear in your shoulder cause you a great deal of pain throughout the day? And more so in the mornings? If so, what did you do for the pain? At this point, it's pain management for me - i'm looking forward to trying the cortisone shots, but my problem is it's in both shoulders. Now that being said, speaking with the appeals lady the other day, we spoke a bit about my job. Originally I figured all my years of trench digging, ruck humping and running in combat boots was the reason for my wear and tear, but I quickly realized that as a Supply Tech, overhead shelving, loading trucks (especially the HLVW - i'm a short ass!!) and lots of warehouse work would also contribute to why BOTH shoulders would be shot. And I never even gave my martial arts a second thought!! So that's the direction i'm going now.

Like you, it's not all about the money. If I have a documented "disability award" on file, it will be easier in say, 10 years if everything gets done and nothing works to go back when i'm out and say - help?

Good luck with your appeal on the 2nd.
 
Not alot of daily pain, but mild to moderate discomfort.
The main issue is the loss of strength. down from pressing 40lbs overhead with my left arm 10-12 times a set to about 5 lbs 5 times. A real pain. Working overhead or holding something extended from the body can be a pain too. Hell, holding a steering wheel is uncomfortable at times, LOL. But, we must soldier on...Get the job done..yadda yadda yadda
 
Update - had my appeal last week. The VAC lawyer was amazing, as was everyone that assisted me. It went on for about 30 minutes after which my lawyer told me that it went very well and in her opinion I will get a positive decision. 4-6 weeks I should receive a formal answer. Prior to the hearing I asked my lawyer how long she had at this racket - 28 years!! Ok, so that's positive I think...
 
My appeal was favorable. Got a letter yesterday - I was awarded 5/5ths on all 5 claimed injuries. I know that's good, but i'm told next step is a percentage determination - I guess I wait for another letter to go see a VA doc? Anybody know?
 
BinRat55 said:
My appeal was favorable. Got a letter yesterday - I was awarded 5/5ths on all 5 claimed injuries. I know that's good, but i'm told next step is a percentage determination - I guess I wait for another letter to go see a VA doc? Anybody know?

I also won my appeal and they 15 weeks from the time the decision gets to PEI before they have to make a decision on an amount
 
You may not have to see a VA doc if the info they have from your doc is deemed sufficient
 
Thanks Rigger - good info. I'm working with a very good physiotherapist / kinesiologist (unfortunately nothing we do seems to work) and on intake 8 months ago he did a very comprehensive range gauge with me. I have given him my file number and requested he forward his findings to VA. May not be acceptable, but it can't hurt.
 
Can you guys tell me exactly what you did to win the appeal process? The VAC lawyer I had spoken to didn't exactly give me a warm fuzzy about winning my case and I'm contemplating requesting the BG AJAG for this. Something just didn't sit right with a VAC hired lawyer advocating for me to get more money out of.........VAC??.
Was body language, dress all that stuff a factor. Did anyone need people to come speak on their behalf ie. physios, doctors etc.... . Video proof of the extent of the disability. I need to do my second appeal, and the VAC lawyer says it's not looking like it will be favorable for me (yeah, a real confidence winner she was). Basically, any info to help me along would be appreciated, cause VAC blows.
 
Update - saw the VAC doctor on Monday. I was gauged on the shoulder chart (Ch 17 I believe) at 13/9 with the dominant rating on the 9. With a QOL % I think i'm looking at close to 25%. I guess we'll see in 16 weeks!!

One thing - my injury is a repetitive stress injury. Because I never actually injured myself (lack of CF98's) I was granted the award, but not for a SDA. I have since been advised to appeal that fact - there is a long term loss of benefits due to this fact...
 
Final update -- Done!

Received a payout roughly 5 weeks after I saw the doc in Saint John (i'm sending this out on my new IMAC!!) and a week later I got the written explanation in the mail. So, a little under a year and a half, one appeal and one VAC doctor later, it worked out in the end for me.

Good luck to all of you still going through the process. Someone here (Riggermade methinks) gave me some good advice - stick with it and appeal, appeal, appeal!!

Happy holidays to all and all the best in 2010.  :christmas happy:

Bin
 
I have been offered a 10% hearing loss/tinitus disabability award from the DVA in the amount of $27,600. The hearing loss stemmed from having a C2 fired about 2 feet from my head while on a live fire night fighting patrol in BATUS in 1986. The audiologist who performd the tests on me about 6 months ago said the hearing loss in my right ear is almost total. My question is this, and I am certain there are member here who can offer some advice. The loss occured almost 25 years ago. I am 45 now. Lets assume I will live to age 70. What they are offering me is about 60 bucks a month. Is this offer consistent with what other former members are being offered? Should I accept the offer? Your comments would be much appreciated.
 
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