Okay so it's been a minute since I posted but I am going through a higher level review informal conference. I was rated at 90% total. The main thing I feel is under rated out of everything is the Bipolar II rating of 50%. I feel this is lower rated than it should be because I know for a fact that I have mentioned passive suicidal ideations as well as an two occasions of active thoughts, one with a hospital visit. Unfortunately the incident happened in 2011 so I couldn't get the medical records. I unfortunately learned about buddy statements after the initial decision as I do have a couple people that have written statements that support the visit plus additional issues they noticed that the other criteria of the 70%. However looking at what you can do for an informal review they will not take new evidence and will base it off what is in my original review.
With that said, what should I expect and prepare myself for the review? Is it feasible with the increase that it would push me to the 100% VA? Having the higher rating would offset the fact I didn't get a full 20 years active. I think after all the calculations they determined it was 12yrs 6mo active time and 10yrs Reserve so having the 100% would effectively act as my retirement. If it was 80 to a 90% rating I don't think I would care as much but its a significant difference between 90 and 100%
With that said, what should I expect and prepare myself for the review? Is it feasible with the increase that it would push me to the 100% VA? Having the higher rating would offset the fact I didn't get a full 20 years active. I think after all the calculations they determined it was 12yrs 6mo active time and 10yrs Reserve so having the 100% would effectively act as my retirement. If it was 80 to a 90% rating I don't think I would care as much but its a significant difference between 90 and 100%