Thanks for the comment! As long as your initial decision didn’t say there’s a likelihood of improvement, your evaluations should be protected. You should sleep well. All the best!

Thanks for the positive comment. You are correct, people often confuse the 55-year rule with the 5, 10 and 20 year rules. We have future videos scheduled to be released on those topics as well. Glad the video was helpful!

You're welcome

The 55 year rule only applies to service connected conditions. The scopes of the 55 year rule deals with the assigned evaluations. This assumes you have service connection. Hope that helps!

At 20+ years with the same evaluation, absent fraud you should have nothing to worry about and are protected. We would encourage you to not bring attention to yourself to avoid unwanted scrutiny. All the best!

Thank You 👍

You are likely safe. Read the decision and see if they include language stating "there is a likelihood of improvement." The VA must tell you if you have a future exam, which will be stated in the decision letter. Given your age, it's unlikely they would be bringing you back in for a future exam. Check out this video to assist in determining if your evaluation is permanent/static: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7mardt1u8XVkX0.html

This situation causes so much stress for Veterans every day. We are sorry you are having to deal with this. I'm assuming they are reducing your prostate cancer, correct? Keep in mind that is strictly required by the regulations. The VA must reassess cancer once the active cancer is removed and/or in remission. It's unfortunate, but it does happen routinely. Here's actions you can take to mitigate/avoid the potential reduction: 1. Request a local, in-person hearing to discuss the situation. Send the request for the hearing to the evidence intake center. The VA cannot execute the proposed reduction until they give you your due process by scheduling the local, in-person hearing. They will usually schedule a meeting at a nearby VAMC or something. This in-person meeting typically must be requested within 30 days of their letter. The point of the meeting is for you to discuss why you believe the reduction is incorrect. 2. Send them as much information as possible demonstrating you have profound residuals from the prostate cancer. You will send it to the VA evidence intake center. Here's a video discussing the relevant symptoms (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7WWi7lzmLizg6c.htmlsi=DyzmNY-pGQbWlPwS). And here's the regulation discussing the relevant symptoms with voiding frequency and leakage usually being the most important 2 categories: www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/4.115a 3. Consider filing individual unemployability if you are not working and your conditions limit your ability to work. This is a way to be paid at the 100% rate even if you are technically evaluated at 100%.Here's the link to the form: www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-8940-ARE.pdf 4. Consider filing for increases for conditions you have low evaluations for. 5. Consider filing for new conditions you have yet to claim but believe are attributable to your military service or secondary/aggravated by your service connected conditions. 6. File an Intent to File in case you decide to file for additional conditions later this year. This isn't legal advice, but based on what you stated here, these are some of the more important steps we would consider taking in your position. We wish you the best!

@@VADisabilityGroup Best exclamation and (not legal) advise and steps I have read regarding my claim, for bladder cancer. I am 100% and have received this for the past 3 1/2 years. I have made it to my appointments 2X's a year. I was diagnosed 5 1/2 yrs ago but didn't realize it a presumptive condition. Really don't know how long the VA will continue my disability payments. I'll be 89 in November. Have 2 tumor removal in this time. Thanks

As long as your VA evaluation isn’t from cancer or a joint replacement, you are typically safe from being reduced after the age of 55. You should be good.

Give our office a call. We will need to review your case. (844)838-5297

The VA shouldn't be scheduling an exam if you are at 0%; however, it's in your best interest if you have a 0% as you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Well, we would agree with you to the extent Vietnam Veterans have had some difficulties obtaining benefits over the years. Thankfully, presumptive conditions have at least helped that cause. It can be frustrating seeing others with shorter combat deployments or "less combat" receive benefits while others are denied. The system is woefully inconsistent, and that's unfortunate. There's no doubt that certain people experienced more "combat" activities than others, but we think it's healthier to fight alongside all combat veterans from different eras as a team towards a mutual goal. A Gulf War supply clerk with mortars and rockets exploding daily near his shop has reasonable reason to conclude he is under attack and in a combat situation. Thanks for the comment.

@@VADisabilityGroupAmazing Comment.