One more question:

I'm currently 100% unemployably rated, temporary until I get re-examed in 2011.

I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and was wondering if I can file a claim for that while I'm still at this temp 100% rating - or will that screw up what I already have?

I'm afraid of filing for the fibro, only to have them re-open my existing rating and drop that down, all the while most likely denying the fibro claim as well.

Does anyone have any experience with this or any ideas? I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Laurie

You can file for fibromyalgia without screwing up what you already have. Expect the claim to take 6-9 months to complete; provide documentation the conditions existed during service; go to your C&P examination.

VA terminology for this action a claim for increase or a reopened claim. The reopening part only applies to your claim folder, not your conditions claimed. Your existing conditions will not be examined at this time, only the issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.

Apply for SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) Housebound because its an extra $320 a month, and the ILP (Independent Living Program) to help you balance your life against your disabilities.

The question should be "Can I sucessfully claim Fibromyalgia?"; you can claim anything you want - whether VA will grant is another issue.

However, Fibromyalgia is a special case: If you served in the Persian Gulf theater (and can prove such service through documentation), from the Gulf War I period onward, then your claim falls under the jurisdiction of 38 CFR 3.317. This section of the law allows service connection on a presumptive basis (meaning your service treatment records, formerly called service medical records, do not need to reflect complaint or treatment for the condition) for this diagnosed condition. If you do not have GW service, however, you must be able to show a link to service on an "at least as likely" basis.

Oh, and this claim will not affect your IU, as it is a separate claim unrelated to your current existing ratings.