I started my original claim three years ago in January. I had no idea of the amount of supportive materials needed and the process of submitting all the materials. I learned by experience and fortunately discovered Vet Connect Inc. that helped me transition from a VSO to the DAV, as the VSO double my paper work and thus got my claim bumped out of the system and then had to be re-entered, etc. If I would have known about your book and website (and the important thing – read and learn) it would have certainly got me off to a much better start and understanding of the system. I have had three C & P exams, and with no knowledge of preparation for the first one (heart stint), though I did get a rating, it could have been higher if I would how to prepare. My second one, dealing with Ischemic heart disease and a new pacemaker (my second) I can’t remember if I saw on your website or elsewhere where that the VA bottom line for Injection Fraction rate is 50. The doctor that was giving me the exam made a first statement that he didn’t believe he could do much for me with just a pacemaker. By chance, a few months previous I had had a stress test, as well as a new pacemaker and my Injection Fraction was 47, and I mentioned to him this fact. Immediately he deleted the information and started over again. The result was another 20% rating. I am not sure you have this information listed in your website or materials but if not, it may be a good example to include. My first claim was for a heart stint. So by my third C & P exam for PTSD, I was much more prepared and as well discovered your book and website. As the exam began it was like going down a check list of the questions that were being asked and I had appropriate answers for each in detail. It resulted in a 100% rating, that pleased me beyond measure. All this to say, so many Veterans could help themselves if they took time to study and prepare for their claims and C & P exams. My initial thoughts were that once you submitted your papers and filed the claim, that was pretty much it. So from my experience, I preach to Vets filing claims how important documentation and preparation are to get things right at the beginning, saving a lot headaches and lost time.
