Legal Question in Veterans Law in Louisiana

Increase in disablity rating

I have been receiving 10% disability for hypothyroidism since i got out of the service in 92. About 5 years ago I was given a 30% rating for my kidneys I have nephritis that I contracted when I was in the service and the specialist finally service connected it. I would like to see if i can get 100% disability rating as I am no longer able to work because of the condition I am in because of the combination of these two illnesses. I have gained alot of weight and can't loose it and have severe swelling and fluid retention. Shortness of breath etc. etc.


Asked on 10/05/08, 7:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jill Mitchell-Thein Heard & Smith, LLP

Re: Increase in disablity rating

Have you already filed for increases? If not, you should do that first. They should give you exams and see if (they think) you deserve higher ratings, which it sounds like you do if you have had the same ratings for so long and the conditions have worsened. I think it will be hard for you to get to 100% until you get those numbers up. Do you have diabetes or any other related problems you could claim as secondary? Depression? A lot of these things are interrelated. The sooner you can get the right combination of ratings up to 70% you may then be able to get unemployability at the 100% rate. You may also ask for extraschedular ratings, but those are almost impossible to get. Just file as soon as you can to get the hamster wheel rolling. I hope this helps. Feel free to email or call with any further questions.

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Answered on 10/05/08, 5:08 pm


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