to appeal or not to appeal?

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popa_top2000

PEB Forum Regular Member
PEB Forum Veteran
I submitted my va claim in September 2011 and got my rating on Valentine's day. They rated me 50% for bipolar and 0 for some other stuff. In their paperwork it gave me the reason why they chose 50% and the criteria and the criteria for 70%. I fit most of the criteria for 70% easily. My question is would it be worth appealing or not? I dont want to be greedy but even my wife looked at my paperwork and said "I looked at the stuff they said for 70% and it fits you perfectly." What do yall think?
 
Can't see any downside to appealing. Why would you not?
 
I asked myself the same thing. Just though I would post here and get some advice. I wasnt for sure if it would really hurt anything if I did appeal.
 
I would appeal it. I dont think they can take away your already earned 50%. worst they can do is say no.
 
Technically, it is possible for ratings to be reduced...but, that is unlikely and would take some showing that the rating already awarded was not warranted (this is a really complicated point- there are also procedural notice and opportunity to comment and have a hearing before a rating can be taken away...also, the length of time an award is in place and the age of the veteran also impact the hoops that must be cleared before a rating is reduced by the VA. There are complicated issues with taking ratings away. It does not sound like any of these issues are applicable to the question of appealing this rating. Again, it is possible for ratings to be reduced. It is pretty rare for this to happen in the course of appealing a rating).
 
True statement Jason, It is even more unlikely that they would reduce the rating because these days people are generally too lazy to consider the extra work involved in reducing a rating. generation me has taken over.
 
Thanks for the replies. I am going to appeal I believe I have a strong case for a higher rating. If I dont get it then atleast I can say I tried instead of always wondering what if. Ill let yall know how it turns out.
 
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