Did putting off a VA rating hurt me?

[aafrer]

I got out of the AirForce in 2004 due to a blood clot in my leg, caused by flying too much. I Was an E5 and served 9 years.

I got 20% for my blood clot and 10% for my messed up little finger. The blood clot is unfitting, the finger is not. I got a $20,000 payment when I got out, plus monthly payments.

I didn't pursue anything with the VA until 4 years ago and got awarded a 20% rating for my blood clot. I did see my personal doctor about my blood clot up until 4 years ago. For the past 4 years, I have been seeing the VA doctor. My blood clot is still there and will be there forever unless it dislodges.

I just sent my letter to the PDBR the middle of March. I am hoping for an increase rating. Looking at how they rate things, I should technically at least be a 40% for my blood clot.

I was told that waiting until 4 years ago to pursue the VA might hurt me. Do you think that is true?

Thank you!!!

 

[gsfowler]

I think that this is true. Do you believe that in 2004, based upon the medical evidence that was present, you should have been rated at 20%? Do you still have that medical evidence that you can present to the PDBR.

What is going against your claim is that in 2004, the AF rated you at 20% then 8 years later the VA gave you the exact same 20% percent rating.

This is the criteria for a 40% rating:

A 40% rating is given if there is limping because of leg pain when walking between 25 and 100 yards and one or more of the following: there are 1.) changes to the hair, skin, or nails of the affected limb, or 2.) the ankle brachial index is 0.7 or less.

You will need to present evidence that you meet the criteria above.

 

[aafrer]

Thank you so much for this info! It helps so much!