Yes my name is Eugene Smith I am writing again trying to get some help. I have 2 claims in to the VA. The first one is a appeal that I have had in since September 2001 and the other one I put in November 2006. I will explain both claims. I was discharge from the United States Army for disgenerate disk disease in my lower back after serving from October 1985 until August 1995. I was rated 40% disable and I receive 717.00 a month.

The First claim was put in Denver Colorado VA on August 2001 after I had my first major back surgery. In which I had 3 disk remove, 3 large scars where they cut on me and rob and pins place in my lower back. I then put in a claim requesting temporary 100% and have my disability percent increase. I receive the temporary 100% because I was not working but ended after I went back to work but my increase was denied because the evaluated my neck and not my back so I put a appeal in requesting that they rate me on my back instead of my neck. Since then they have been telling that they are working on my it at the Appeal Board in Washington DC.

My wife is still in Military so in June of 2004 she got station at Fort Lee, Virginia. In November 2006 I had my second major back surgery. I put in a claim for temporay 100% and to increase my percent. I talk to the people in Roanoke Virginia to find out about my claims. At that time I was told that I should not have sent it to them I should have sent it to Denver, CO. I then call Denver and they stated that they have not receive anything. I then resent my claims to Roanoke and Denver and I sent it certified mail this time. Even after receiving both confirmation that both VA receive my claim. Both VA stated that the other Agency was the one to do my claim. Denver VA stated that since I am now living in Virginia that Roanoke was the one to process the claim and Roanoke stated that since I still have a appeal in and it was the Denver office that I put the appeal through that they had Juridistion over my files so they should be the one that process the claim. This went on for about 5 months until finally the Denver office stated that they would take my claim. So they started processing my claim in June 2007, seven months after I intially started my claim.

I have been working with a Represenative for Congressman Forbes; however, it seems like a waste of time because they keep telling her that they are processing my appeal and a decision was suppose to be made by July 15, 2007 but as of today it is still being process. Just as my request to temporay 100%. So she just tell me that there is nothing that she can do.

I have been out of work since November 2006 and I only receive the 717.00 a month. I have 2 kids leaving in Ga. that I am court order to provide child support. We have 3 daughter living with me and my wife. We had to sell the house that we brought and now live on post. I was on the verge of getting my car reposses but manage to borrow money from my family. My bills are mounting and has but such a strain on me and my wife that we talking about splitting up. I have told the Crogressman Representative all of this and she said it not a emergency so I got to wait it out. It may not be a emergency to her but 717 a month for almost a year is not getting it done.

I would like to know is there anything I could do know because I am my rope ends. I have been patient and tried to let the process work but know I need something to happen so I can get some relief to my family. If anyone has any ideal please let me know and your opionion and help is greatly appriciated. Thank you. If you like you can email me at esmith719@aol.com.