Well after 9 long years the fight is finally over. I was a infantry machine gunner in the Marines and it destroyed my body. 30 years old with 3 spine surgeries under my belt, no feeling in the legs, muscle atrophy, ankle paralysis etc.
A little back story I filed an ITF back in 2024 and submitted the docs in 2025 for 3 new claims and an increase for the back. Well 5 days later they were all denied after getting 4 private dbqs from my pcp, ER notes, mri imaging, xrays, etc. I filed an HLR within the year and won all 4 claims. Back was increased and the other 3 were sent back for c&ps (which I never had the first time).
From those c&p all were rated appropriately except hip flexion which was sc but at 0% but was never measured and in the decision the examiner had >45 degrees even though the private dbq had between 30 and 20. All the conditions were effective date of 2024 except hip flexion which was when I actually filed the paperwork in 2025. I then filed a supplemental arguing the flexion with another private dbq from the same pcp. I went to my c&p and 2 days later received my decision of 20%.
Issue is the effective date shows Apr 16th 2026? This has been one continuous claim since 2024. I know most are going to say dont poke the bear but we are talking over 30 grand in back pay if they go with 2024 and over 13k if they go back to 2025. Is this worth arguing or should I just take the win and move on with my life. The decision letter states you were awarded based on your intent to file of April 16th but that wasnt my intent to file that was just me filing a supplemental within a year of thr previous decision.
Anyways yes I know the bear I get it. Just curious if its worth it.
EDIT: THIS PUSHED ME TO 100% PT. Apologies, I should have stated that lmao.