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radar201 wrote:

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Have a bunch of questions, hoping someone can help! What if I worded incorrectly when I originally filed my claim. I stated I had diarhea but should have been IBS now that i have done a little further research. I have several symptoms of gwi which they gave me a 0% rating for. We are filing a NOD but do I state all of the reasons in my NOD or do I just simly state I disagree with the rating?

Do you have a diagnosis for IBS, this is what the VA will look at and medical records for colonoscopy/endoscopy, ct scan, x rays and other test.  Also will want to put you on a diet of fiber and healthy eating before the VA will give that diagnosis.  I had went outside of the VA to get my diagnosis because of the long process of going through all of that but got the private doc to get on it ASAP.  If your predominant chief complain it only diarrhea then you will have a C&P on just that contention.  If you want to change or add other things to your claim if it hasn't already been rated then simply put it on a 21-4138 and send it in to your VSO or to the RO return receipt certified mail as your proof that you sent it.  Tell them that you would like to amend your claim and add what other symptoms you are having.  If you have diagnosis of IBS send in those medical records showing this.

As far as GWI,  there are symptoms, undiagnosed illnesses and chronic multi symptoms for GWI.  If yours are vague and not specific and spelled out then they will come back with either denied or 0%, since you do have a 0% rating and your symptoms get worse you need to let the VARO know and they will schedule another C&P for you to have an increase in benefits.  If it were me, I would get my diagnosis first then start the barrage of contentions to the VA for increase.  Do file your NOD but request a DRO because this seems to be one of the quickest way to get your claim looked at.  Get a VSO and work with him to help you if you don't have one.