The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that some big changes for veterans.
The VA is doing a major overhaul of its disability ratings criteria and how they evaluate mental health, and other conditions, for veterans.
VA officials stated that the changes are being made to help ensure that compensation is in line with veterans’ medical conditions.
Here’s more via Military.com:
The VA plans to update its Schedule for Rating Disabilities — its guide for determining how it evaluates and provides benefits for service-connected disabilities — for mental health conditions, to include their impact on veterans’ lives, and abolish the “0%” disability rating for any service-connected mental health diagnosis in favor of a 10% minimum, according to a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register.
For tinnitus, the department will get rid of its stand-alone rating and consider the condition a symptom of whatever underlying disease is its cause.
As for sleep apnea, ratings will be assessed based on the effectiveness of treatment and the condition’s impact on “earning impairment,” according to the notice.
The VA hopes that by changing how they assess conditions they will be able to ensure veterans are compensated appropriately.
Ultimately once the changes go into effect, veterans with mental health conditions will likely see higher disability ratings. But fewer will likely be able to receive compensation for other conditions, such as tinnitus and sleep apnea.
If you are a veteran and are already receiving compensation for these conditions, the department said you will not see your ratings downgraded when the changes kick in.
It is widely known that the current VA disability rating system does a poor job compensating vets who lose earnings if they can’t work due to a service-related mental health condition.
Hopefully the VA’s overhaul will vastly improve this issue.
Veterans who think their ratings should be upgraded based on the new criteria should file a claim with the VA as soon as the changes take effect.
Everyone talks about how bad the VA is, My friend lives in Nebraska and drives to Cheyanne for her husband to be seen PTSD. When I retired I was near a Naval Hosp so I went there until I moved cross country. Now the closest base is an Army base.across the state. I live in a small town pop. 9k found a great clinic Avent Health, use my Tri Care. 30 co pay visit. Great Hosp in town. If they can’t service me a 20 mile drive to a larger Hosp. And Specialists. I’m scared to use the VA, even if it’s free, I’ll gladly pay my $30 bucks!! So if any of you live near a Avent Health Facility, I highly recommend them!
God Bless
Please let everyone know to get ahold of Berry Law Firm in Nebraska if they reside in Nebraska. It took them close to a year but they do a great job. They go the length for all vets to get their benefits and dont stop until they do.
My husband is a Veteran of war. He was physically injured and emotionally damaged during this war yet he has been denied any compensation. Hell the VA won’t even admit he was injured even tho he has photographs of himself while he was there. The VA claims that because there was no record made at the time of injury it can’t be proven service connected. Tell me, who stops in the middle of battle and takes notes? Dang sure was his field medic. Yet I know numerous service members who receive disability benefits who have made false claims and won. If you ask me the whole system is broken. From the president all the way down to the VA Providers evaluating the soldiers. My husband has suffered with PTSD for many years now. It’s been diagnosed by a civilian provider for a very long time but do you think the VA accepts the diagnosis?? Hell no! At a very low point in my husband’s battle with PTSD he made a call to the VA crisis line for help. After being placed on hold for a bit he was then told someone would be reaching out to him with an appointment date and time to see a psychiatrist. That was over a year ago and still no call from anyone concerned about my husbands daily struggle and nightly nightmares. To all those who have gotten benefits and help congrats and count yourself lucky. To those who are fraudulently getting paid shame on you and to the VA I kindly say your welcome for my husbands service that provided you the freedom to be so dis functional while he continues to fight for his rights now.
If you are close to a VA, try taking him there! The 1 I go to in Florida, Bay Pines has helped many Veterans!
Misty
What city do you live in. If I’m anywhere near y’all. I will gladly take the time to come get your husband and you and take you to the local VA clinic. I myself suffer from PTSD. So I can relate. I’m in Houston Texas. Feel free to reach out. Here is my email. [email protected].
Thank you for the kind offer. My husband has been to the VA where we live on several occasions over the years and each and every time he is treated with disregard as if he and his issues were meaningless. Then he is always billed for the piss poor service that was given. He decided that if he was going to pay for medical services he would pay a civilian Provider who would give him the treatment and respect he deserved. We have a fabulous provider who has helped him tremendously but the fact still remains that he should not have to pay for his care. He should not have to beg for care and respect from a government who claims they take care of the men and women who give up their physical health, mental health, and even lives in some cases. So, thank you for the kind offer but he doesn’t trust the VA and will not use them.
Yeah, don’t wait, the time is now!!
Something is wrong. You haven’t gotten the right peoples attention. If you are close to Oklahoma they have a fantastic VA group started by Dale Graham who does nothing but help vets get their due.. Some states dont have a group like this. There are people who have come here from Arizona to to through the process and are receiving checks. If you want further info on the Dale Graham group, reach out to me. Dont give up either. I m sure it is frustrating.
As a combat soldier myself it’s not right how your husband Is treated. I suggest you get an experienced attorney and don’t give up on what your husband deserves.
I caution you however to refrain from saying that other vets are getting benefits who in your opinion don’t deserve them. The last thing we vets need to do is to turn on each other by giving our opinions on who or who doesn’t deserve benefits. The VA uses your critical opinions to cut their budget by going on a hunt to reduce benefits across the board. What another vet is getting has nothing to do with your husband’s case. Keep the focus on what your husband has suffered. Once again get a qualified lawyer and rigorously use the appeals process. Don’t stop appealing until your husband wins his case.
Stay strong, don’t give up and best wishes.
I am sorry for what you guys going through, I am in the same boat, my psychiatrist abandoned me, she was moving and she promised me I will see someone within 30 days, that was last December. I’ve been trying to get my PTSD service connected and VA keep denying my claims too. I got a lawyer now but I still believe VA won’t approve anything.. it makes me mad you guys are fighting for what’s is own to you. So much for serving this country and now they want to take our disability pay..
Hey,
Ty to ur husband for his svc. I a
Served combat mos and 100 p/t disabled. I pray he gets his 100% as it sounds like that’s what he deserves. Keep fighting the VA, never give up. God bless.
A potential problem for veterans is the VA’s use of “civilian providers in its current healthcare model. I was told, “Don’t send the VA updated medical records unless they have been requested “. Fast forward ten years and the government is now asking for more information about my condition and my providers only kee their records for ten years. After that they archive the records and they can change a fee for the records. Doctors retire and medical facilities close down so medical records are not available to the patient to support their claims.
Additionally, the VA’s regulations require the approval by a VA provider for many services including adaptive equipment for your car and your clothing allowance. Send your civilian medical records to the nearest VA hospital and they will never be included into your VA file.I am a patient of the Mayo Clinic and have been using this facility for over twenty years but the VA based its last evaluation on a single note from a nurse practitioner at a VA contractor who observed that I could stand unassisted for two minutes without my walker.. On appeal, she said that she had not received any of my medical records and had no further questions about my disability.. It took a year to schedule the appointment and she stated that my medical records were irrelevant because they were over 12 months old when she received them and the VA have little weight to historical records in their evaluation.
After 8 years, I won my appeal and $750K in back payment because no one read my records. I understand that 20-30 years of medical records are thousands of pages of paperwork but they mousy be examined by a professional to determine if the patient has any underlying medical conditions that could affect their ability to perform their duties. I was never in combat but I was shot in the back in a military hospital by a soldier who was trying to kill his wife. It literally came down to did he shoot me with his duty weapon or did he shoot me with his personal weapon. Unfortunately he was using his personal weapon so it was not an instrument of war. For PTSD the VA only looks at Combat Related not by the circumstances of the incident and it’s impact on the veteran.
Congrats on finally winning your case.
S. Shannon I completely understand you and feel you on the matter of PTSD and other issues you brought forth. I have been diagnosed with PTSD in the private sector and have been in VA mental health treatment for years. I too wasn’t in actual combat but did serve during a campaign period. VA has denied me PTSD for years and it has progressily gotten worse to the point it affects me working because I am depressed and got PTSD from a couple of incidents I have witness while serving but VA wants records that I don’t have and can’t get. I din’t know what or how I can get past this issue as it remains. I believe VA has the wrong individuals making decisions on our medical needs and ratings that have no business doing so. I want to keep fighting and at 94 percent overall rating combined but currently at 90 percent. I have so many secondary issues that should be rated to put me over to obtain 100 percent but keep getting the run around. I just wanted be known I am with you on the issue that needs complete fixing.
I wish you both well, I have PTSD and ringing in my ears (they have a name for it but my spelling is bad it begins with a t)
After a long fight I got a 50% disability
Tinnitus, I have in both ears! I have been told by ENT that there is a cure and that there is no cure. That it’s because of a disconnect in your brain! I’ve read so much crap about it I’m so confused now!! I just want it to stop! Times I feel like banging my head against the wall! I’m 80%
The VA should do away with the way disabilities are figured , if your 50% you should get 50% not less because of VA math which down grades you if you have more than one disability . THIS VA MATH SUCKS!!!!!!!!
All veterans should receive a pension. Based on years of service, combat pay and of course present physical condition. Anything less for those of us who served is a high crime.
Absolutely. So correct. Without a doubt.
Agreed, but I served with some who never deployed nor left garrison, and they received 100% Permanent Disability! Why? Some abuse wearing the uniform and serving, while others go to great measures to serve, deploy and serve our country! Doesn’t seem right!
Those veterans who seem to get all their claims approved who never left the base, are the ones who went to sick-call all the time. They easily tie to service connect. Those of us who worked/fought through sickness and pain, never complained, we don’t have any way to service connect.
Amen! I am in the same boat. Never went to sick call as my Divo said it wasn’t manly. I am paying dearly now!!
I to served with soldiers we called sand baggers and as they road the sick call line daily. I served 2 tours of combat duty in Vietnam and in May 1968 I was shot down in a helicopter over the Ho Chi Minh trail. Lost complete hearing for over a week among other complications. However I stayed in and with my lost of hearing I was able to change my MOS and got out of combat arms. I now suffer from vertigo which is a condition that causes you to lose your equilibrium. All this was noted in my military medical records while I was on active duty. Plus through out the years I suffered from PTSD. Finally after being out of the military some 35 years my disability was up graded to 100%. I was a TTO and could know longer work that job do to vertical condition as you lose your equal liberty and can’t function at all you must lay down and sometimes your like this for Two, to Three days. California army veteran.
I get a kick with the way they (The VA) sell these “changes” as if they were seeking to be more fair in their treatment of veterans. Bullshit. Just look at the disclaimer that they put in the text about how if you are being compensated at the old amount already, you needn’t fear a benefit cut when the new criteria kicks in. That’s a thinly veiled warning about how they are seeking to save a buck on the backs of more recent disabled Vets. They treat us as if we are too stupid to read between the lines while they seek to screw us once again. Please contact your representatives and ask them to keep it the way it is unless they seek to truly be fair by giving us a much needed and deserved raise to help us gain back a little of what we lost with the “New way to determine the “Consumer Price Index.” when calculating the COLA every year. That’s another example of their “changes” that will somehow benefit those who spilled their blood in defense of this country.
Veterans should have their compensation start from the ETS date not years later when the award letter is dated if it is service connected
Agreed. Many veterans aren’t capable of jumping through hoops right after discharge, may have trouble getting help, may become frustrated and give up, or may not know what benefits they are entitled to.
I didn’t get a diagnosis until I had been out of the military for decades. The VA was not helpful. Every step of the way I had to educate myself.
Veteran service organization representatives had told me to not bother.
I had a very tough time tying my disability back to my service, would become unable to go through the appeals, and it took multiple attempts to get what I have gotten (70% TDIU). My disability has always been there (since service). It hasn’t changed except that sometimes it lessens and worsens.
That’s DAMNED RIGHT!!
This statement is the BEST description of what the VA is actually doing to its veterans and how I feel about it as well. I will contact my state representative and let them know I want them to not accept this new overhaul and request that they make a new one in favor of the veterans all the way around and not just try to save a buck!
I’m not sure if all veterans qualify, but there is a pension available to at least some low-income veterans. If the veteran gets a mid-range Social Security l, they probably don’t qualify. I only know about it as a Vietnam-Era veteran and do not qualify.
Any veteran in need should check with the VA.
I agree. I spent 33 years 8 Navy in Viet Nam and 25 National Guard active duty Desert Storm.
Side note
When it comes to care taker, the VA is b.s….the laws need to change for caretaker for mental vets, not just physical. I lost my caretaker battle after a year fighting. VA is broken, they DO NOT WANT TO PAY YOU
All well but they sleep on a bill that would VA to ProForm surgery for the LGBTQ Veterans They have given Millians and sometimes Billions to veteran groups and turn their backs on this group of veterans wom pair their share in the service. It is about time they get off their buts and get this bill passed for ALL VETERANS. this program will not cost any where as some of the other programs. Let’s not forget these veterans that servered our country just like you did.
English isn’t your first language? I can’t understand what you are saying but I think you are implying the LGBTQ veterans should not have equal benefits because you think they aren’t worthy? You seem to be saying they “worm” their way into medical benefits.
I am a disabled veteran who served 6 years in the Marines who have PTSD, Herniated Disc L4 and L5 Lower back area, Sleep Apnea since 2009, Nerve damage in my left forearm from my Hump V flipped over in Cuba, Irritable Bowel Symdrome, Tinnitus in ears, and and ED and the VA only rated me a 30% rating, go figure. I have filed various claims and each time getting denied so, I finally got tired and hired myself a lawyer. Got a new evaluation of my conditions and my lawyer sent the results to the VA and now they’re wanting me to take their evaluation test. My lawyer said, that they would be sending this letter to perform their own evaluation but, I am too refuse it!
You refuse it you’ll automatically be denied.
You fail to asisst them they fail to assist you 50/50
Your loyer is giving you bad advice I’m 100% and it took some time and a lot of appeal’s you just do not give in but if you do what your loyer said they will deni you and they might not give you a second chance to talk to the disabled am vets but do not refuse that letter BiggerHammer
As a kid I was in volved in a shoot out with exstepdad I saw my mom’s new boyfriend get killed 2 feet away from me at 16 I have child hood PTSD and adult PTSD because of war I am a combat action vet who was oth ,ed after desert storm I needed treatment not to loose every thing I have no beennefits only ssdi someone please help I fought for my country
Also I was called a herroi. Save my family a kid in highschool thank you for listening god bless
Dude dive up. Desert storm? You’re lucky for getting whatever disability rating you have already. “Combat Vet” no such thing in desert storm.
Hill and Ponton on Combat Craigs YouTube channel
Michael my name is Robert Smith. I retired the Navy in April of ‘90. Even though I couldn’t walk without help I was retired “Fit”. I tried to fight the government but I got tired of getting B*****it every time I would send them the “info they needed”! I was told I should get a lawyer. I called a local attorney and the first thing he told me was to contact the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). I contacted them and went down to their office told them what I was after. I filled out some paperwork and later took all of my paperwork from military hospitals civilian hospitals and doctors. After roughly three to four weeks I was told to report to their facility to have an evaluation physical. After another couple of months I found out that I rated 90% but would get paid 100% because I was unemployable. All I can say is “What have you got to lose”?
It has to be service related. Those first 2 statements happened before you were in the military. Service related is one of the 3 keys to compensation.
VA is re looking a mental type conditions so try to get in under there new mental part. You might just get lucky BiggerHammer
VA is re looking a mental type conditions so try to get in under there new mental part. You might just get lucky BiggerHammer
You need to file and appeal keep appealing till you get desired results. Took me 6 1/2 years to achieve 100%.
you have to go through a va comp and pen dr
Have you thought of using PTSD if you are not diagnosed? I mean if humvee flipped over on myself the smell of diesel exhaust might take me back to service related incident. If I missed were you stated PTSD than I Apologize.
It took me 30 years to get my 100%
the other comments are correct…do not refuse their secondary evals…i am a 100% disabled vet i have and are still having to fight w/the va…2 pts of advice i too was denied disability, first i called and filed a grievance w/my congressman, the va has to answer a congressional inquiry,,,next i became a lifetime member of dav…they haved represented me and gained many victories for me…don’t give up
I went through 15 years of denials for a brain injury so I took 15 years to achieve 80% IU Permanent and Total. I think Vertigo is rated to low the highest Vertigo goes is 30% I feel punch drunk most of the time Severe Vertigo should be 100% in my opinion. Write you have vertigo on a medical exam for a job and see if you get hired
I say roll with it and see what they say. If they deny, then you re-appeal. Sounds to me like your lawyer wants this to be over quickly and would most likely hold out for a lower disability rating for you. Maybe not the case, but you should go to your LHI appointment.
I’ve been doing evaluation test with a outside source because the VA counts the VA hospital as a conflict of interest. Everything I’ve filed for there is a record of all my injuries during service and I’m still fighting and appealing. It’s ridiculous that I being unable to walk or stand that I have to fight so hard. The VA gave me a electric cart and built me a ramp but I still have to fight. This is ridiculous.
Have you tried the DAV
Why refuse it? My deceased husband was evaluated with 80% adding all the things as 20 for diabetes, 10 for ED, 30 for cardiovascular etc etc. but when came to get the 100%, the mental evaluation was 50%, which was lucky to be approved. We did the VA papers with help of American Legion with paperwork. The S/S we did on our own. You must do what is asked in evaluating as no atty can help with the VA findings. Use American Legion all you can. They will tell you they don’t work for the VA. Attys aren’t always the answer. What is their commission now 40, 50%?
I don’t blame to refuse their evaluation!! Oh when you request to get an increase for your disability they have time to see you but if you call to get a appointment concerning your disability routinely you cannot get an appointment with a week or sooner and when you finally get a appointment they call to reschedule for another month or longer smh. Just give us what we deserve it’s not charity we sacrifice for the help we deserve. The department of veterans is a big joke especially to female veterans smh
That sounds about right VA wants you to go see there doctors. That is what I have had to do since retiring from the military. That is their procedure since I have been dealing with them.
LaRue , what did u do and what was the outcome?
since the government is changing its status on tinnitus, how do I get them to consider my tinnitus as part of my disability? right now I am 60% disabled for my back and 10% disabled for my tinnitus for a total of 60% disabled. It should be 70%!!
It doesn’t work that way. You get the 60%, the the 10% is 10% of the remaining 40% for a total of 64% which gets rounded down to 60%.
Mamasan; your response is right-on. Most “Complainers” need to understand that the “Follow-on” percentages are not “Added”.
Have you looked into secondary conditions for your service connected back?
No, VA disability ratings are not cumulative. It’s called VA math and can be reference on the VA.gov site . VA math takes you highest rating say 40% and multiplies it against your current rating say 10% and you get .4% that is rounded and since it is less than .5 it is rounded to O. If the VA math results in .5 or higher it’s rounded up.
You gotta love that VA math.
I’m know I have 50% PTSD 10% on my right knee 20% on my lower back to me that adds up to 80% but VA gave me 64% which is 60%
You had 50% so 50 left, 20% of 50 is 10, now it is 60% with 40 left. 10% of 40 is 4 so it is now 64%
The VA has a system to figure your disability’s and I don’t agree with it. When I got out if the VA counted all my percents for Disibility and I would be over 100% but the way they break it down I’m not.
Try getting disability for a classified mission you weren’t there
I learned they don’t add up the percentages. They look at the entire health picture. If I added mine up, I would have been at 110% but I was rated at 80%. Go figure! At least at 80%, you can go for Unemployability and that was how I got to 100%.
America is not a “melting pot”. The phrase was coined at a time when only whites were allowed to emigrate to and from this country. Take a chance and look at the current citizenry of America. It is more akin to a salad bowl where you can discern every ingredient. A melting pot would only produce a black mass, which is what you get when you mix all the colors. Time to set the record straight, change the terminology, and assume a position in the 21st century. This was being taught in the military beginning in 1970 and continued to be taught at least until I retired in 1986. Just sayin….
The concept of melting pot was that what ever your heritage you would change to become an American citizen and believe in the Constitution and the laws of the United States. Unfortunately the salad analogy has led to people lining up behind their favorite issue (race, color, creed, etc.) instead of the United States Constitution.
What that got to do with desability
I find it incredulous that the VA will finally after many yrs of requesting a percentage they finally gave me 100% but then they take away your retirement money. I was told at 60% that was was probably due back pay which is around 54000$! No one and I mean many calls, no one knows who to contact for it. The VA wants to take care of lgbgt and blacks but they need to stop segregating us as we are all the same. Ones Color and sex should have no baring on your mental and physical care one gets!
If you’re at 100% they don’t take your retirement money. There is an offset under 50%. As for back pay, it truly depends on the effective date.
I would find a VSO to look it over.
Yes, this is true. 50% is the “magic” number. Once you hit 50% service-connected you keep all monies owed to you.
Any percent of disability should take part of your retirement. Retirement has nothing to do with disability.
Your statement makes no sense, not saying it’s not true, but if one has nothing to do with the other, than what happens to one should have no effect on the other
What is the VSO?
Veterans Service Officer. Usually like DAV, VFW, American Legion and so on
We don’t like being called blacks! I think you are trying to say something good and yes we are united and the same. In the Army we were all Green! I wish you the best and hope you are taken care of because you served, you have already earned it!
What is the correct term to use…African American, other? I really care.
Thank you
Amwrican!
We should be called; Moslems, Moors, Moabites, Hamathites, Canaanites and Israelites. Not African Americans because we are indigenous/inhabitants on four corners of the globe, not just Africa. Study the true world history.
Study, Study, Study, and ask Yahweh who you are read Deuteronomy 28 it lets you know who you are? Furthermore, you need to do a Romans 10 9. 10, Shalom
Everyone should just be called American period
True Fact, AMERICAN are AMERICAN,
no race, no color, no nationality
AMERICAN !
I am an American who happens to be b
Black with an African heritage. I only want to be a proud Black American. I respect my gift as I genuinely believe we all should, but how many struggles and generational biases do we all in this American melting pot have to overcome before we all can agree on the only connotation that genuinely defines us all? ” We are Americans.
You are so right! We are all Americans and that is what defines us the most. When I was abroad in the Army or on vacations I got very happy when I met other Americans I could talk to.. We have so many things in common as Americans. I talked to Germans, Iraqi’s, Africans, English, etc but it is never the bond I feel with fellow Americans.
Why is this turning into a race thing. I describe everyone that served a brother or sister.
I 100%AGREE WITH YOU…
All blood is “RED” skin color does not matter.
Tell that to Right wing of the GOP I served this country with honor. We are team America.
Kherson I applaud to you! It’s true while serving in the Army I agree we were all green. But as a NCO I always treatment my men as my family and with respect. During duty hour you are my men and after hours you are my brothers and sisters.
African American??
In Vietnam we were all green. We bled the same way. There was no color difference. But there is a variance when it comes to color and I cannot understand that, measure. I walked in the VA Hospital and I met a Psycho Analyst and right off the bat I have Lewy body dementia, and I said what the hell is that. I have Parkinson disease and with dementia, I realize that I’m all screwed up. I spent 8 years active duty Army, and 19 years AGR with the Army Reserve and the farthest I went was SFC E-7 and retired at that grade, never made it to E-8. I had all the schooling, but I suffered from major PTSD and Sleep Apnea and Rapid Eye Movement in my sleep and falling out of bed like I was back in a Combat zone and after I retired from the Army in 1996, it took about 15 years to get 100 percent from the VA. I will turn 78 next month and I feel like a basket case. Remember when we served we were all green and we bled the same color.
Sandra, I am a black veteran who certainly don’t feel like the VA is “taking care” of me. I am a Vietnam veteran who has for well over 20 years been fighting with VA over compensation for hearing loss which is service connected. My tour of duty included work in an Artillery Battery (155mm Howitzers). I suffer from bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss as a result and have thus far managed to secure only 10% disability compensation for tinnitus (and now even that appears to be in jeopardy). In 2019 I was given a 10% rating for hearing loss, had my prostate removed due to prostate cancer, and the hearing loss rating recinded. While I have maintained the 100% disability rating, the compensation was reduced one year past the surgery, I certainly don’t feel that due to segregation I have received more favorable treatment, but I do sympathize with the plight of women veterans/servicemembers. Good luck with your struggle.
David, I had the same problem you have and was having the VA approve my hearing loss in one of my ears. On one of my visits to my ENT Dr. I told him the problem. He looked up the description in my file and told me the problem was how the Dr. had written it up. He spent about 20 minutes rewriting my problem. A month later I received a letter from the VA for me to have a test done outside of the VA. After I had the revaluation, the VA granted me another 10% for my hearing loss in the other ear.
So my point is, it may be how the Dr. who wrote your problem may be why you are being denied. So, next time you go to the VA for an exam in the ENT clinic have the Dr. see how it was written and if you are lucky like I was he will rewrite it for you if needed. Good luck
David, keep fighting and don’t give up, obtain your medical records, everything is listed there, and being that you were in a Artillery Battery, the VA is aware of the damage it does to soldiers hearing. Research hearing loss, through the medical society and other health articles. You can always find something/someone medical condition that apply directly to you. I also went through prostate surgery 3 months ago and is at 100% disable, not sure what my rating will be in a year. Continue getting hearing test and request specilizes during these test and use their evaluations. Include these evaluations in your new appeals. The key word is document, document, document and keep appealing.
Melvin, are you 100% P&T? If so, they cannot jack with your rating or. Compensation.
If your 100 percent permanent and total disabled, they cannot change your rating.
Sandra for your information the VA never took care of blacks. Since WWII blacks never received their rightfully earned benefits including housing and disability compensation. My dad served in WWII and wasn’t allowed to use his GI Bill for either. No fault of anyone in particular but that’s the way the system worked. Much better now. Respectfully
You sound like a racist you got your 100%
Hi Sandra I had a similar experience. I had 17 and a half years in Navy.. Before discharge had to fight for any type retirement instead of severance pay before medical board and won. Placed on Temporary Medical retirement at 50 percent of my base pay until I had 5 years or I would lose my case appearing before Medical board thus receiving severance pay. 1 year later they tried again trying to deny my medical condition I have I did not have when in service so I contacted DAV and accepted.to have Navy Attorney on my defense. Day before my hearing they called me up at Naval Hospital in San Diego. Need to talk. They said your going to or have won because the board met with them and said What the H. Ell is this sailor even here for. It states his condition right here in is Service Medical record so they hinted at he’s won now but this can go now on 4 more years to end in Severance Pay or Permanent Disability retirement so I took Permanent retirement at 18 and a half years. So 18 years I ended up with 42 percent. 5 years after VA I attained 100 permanent and total after VA granted me 40 ,50,and 60 percent. At 60 percent H and R Block got back taxes Navy took out but IRS woodnt except the other 40 percent. With my 100 percent letter from VA. Sandra did you have 20 years when you retired.? If so contact VSO about concurrent receipt pay. Yo can receive VA Comp Pay and certain amount of retired py that’s taxable though. Certain Congress man is trying to propose a similar payment for medical retirement of short of 20 years. Hope this helps. There’s a CCRP for combat too. Good Luck
Hi Sandra Did you retire with 20 years.? I took Permanent. Disability Retirement at the 18 years so I’m not eligible to receive what’s called Concurrent Receipt Pay which 20 or more years service member can get VA Comp and certain amount of your retired pay. Itay be all or part but it is taxable income. Talk to Veteran Service Officer. Good Luck
I have 10% for the ringing in my ear. Sounds like damn crickets.. I retired with 20 years. In 1993 if they are going to change the rates. How do you go about seeing about. I was diagnosed. also with PTSD on four different medications. My appeal. Is still on the docket at the VA in Washington D.C. ffor going on 4 years. Still waiting for a hearing.
You sound like a racist idiot now
My biggest regret as a Vietnam Vet, is a bunch of us were serving in Europe and President Johnson had us declared surplus so we could be sent to Vietnam! We arrived and were listed as non combat zone assigned (which Tet proved a lie)! I was wounded while serving as Sergeant of The Guard and declared non life threatening so sent to Japan ‘on vacation ‘ even though I didn’t have the required in country time! Trump did the same but his lie was fixed! Why not us?
Your Father must not have been wealthy and knew vastly important men or women. It got around that John Kerry got a Purple Heart he got on a kick on a knuckle while on a Patrol boat.
I am a Nam vet, I can’t attest to Kerry getting a 💜 ,probably got disability rating to go with it.. Being from a wealthy family they get all the perks. The same with Cheney + he got heroes funeral.. We boot won’t be a big fanfare..
One thing I’ll say, Trump did more for veterans than the last 5 presidents. Now, democrats are taking community health care away very soon. Democrats don’t care for veterans
Have you watched the 5 minute video on YouTube of Trump meeting with 7 Vietnam War veterans in Danang?
Man, what have you been smoking, what did trump do for veterans?
I get all my healthcare through the VA. The only thing I noticed under the Trump administration was a reduction in wait times for appointments, faster receipt of medications ordered through the VA web site, and a severe reduction in the backlog of pending claims. and more complete staffing of my VA facilities. That’s all gone away in the last three years.
I don’t like politics, but you are correct. I have seen a big difference, not a good one once Mr. Biden took office
Trump did the same for veterans that he did for New York City fireman after 911 zilch nothing
I don’t know which VA you are going to, but the one in Maine (Togus) has done me very well. I get my meds in the mail when they’re due. If I need a treatment that is not offered by the VA directly, they send me out into the community with approval ahead of time, to get whatever treatment I need. Even if I have to go out-of-state.
And even community care takes forever. I’m here in Texas and I a referral to see a specialist for my back. It been months since the referral. I have seen nobody as of yet……
That’s bull, Trump and his cronies totally disrespected the military period. Worst commander in cheif and president ever!
How can you say that after the current s–tshow we have seen under Biden?
Biden is by far the worst Commander in Chief. He has done nothing but destroy the military and the veterans.
What did Trump do please tell me what
There just have to be some jerk on here that has to bring politics on here. You definitely need to see the shrink if you think trump did anything for the military. All he did was try and overthrow our government so he could become a dictator.
Wake up u wouldn’t get anything if it wasn’t for democrats
Like higher gas prices, higher food bills, inflation, open borders, oh yea they’ve done great NOT!
Yeah I agree! That’s one reason I think they wanted Biden in there because they knew he’d stand up against Putin. As Obama’s Vice President I think it was he wanted Obama to push and get tuff with Putin. Well we know how that’s going now right?
Any time our government “Adjusts” the method of determining levels of disability without clearing it with the various veteran’s groups, you can be sure that it’s not because they want to be more fair and balanced. It’s about cutting the budget. I remember the good ol’ days when representatives of those veterans service orgs like the DAV met in a joint session or sessions to HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS TO BE SURE THEY ARE NOT BEING ROYALLY SCREWED! The veteran community is always first on the list of things to fuck with. A return to the ways of yore should be number one on every service org’s list of immediate concerns. Instead, they have devolved into a nonstop praise robot regardless of how badly the screwing is. Just a truckload of flag waving conformists doing the bidding of the Masters of benefit chopping. Just read the magazines put out monthly. Real concerns of disabled vets and their families are just an aside issue if they get around to doing what needs to be done. Pictures of funerals, awards ceremonies of one scoundrel or another in leadership positions at committees who are mute on the real issues facing veterans. It’s just expected that we roll over and accept the next round of cuts to our benefits and our very lives.
First half of my career was active duty and the second half reserves. The reserves constantly nagged us to have a personal PT program (during the month as civilians) and one time the monitor recorded who did and who didn’t, and who didn’t had to get “remedial training”. I was injured while running while a civilian and because I told the truth (didn’t wait and pretend it happened on status) my knee problems are not service connected/LOD and thus denied by the VA.
I STRONGLY suggest you contact a VA Disability Claims Attorney.
Seems a bit murky between ‘encouraging’/”nagging” the occurrence of a specific act, recording those in/out of compliance with definite cause of action towards those who didn’t comply.
Sometimes, ultimately, the truth DOES win- it just takes longer….
Stay steadfast! There’s only one you!
P.S. I’m NOT an attorney – although I have played one on stage 🙂
Took me 30 years to get a rating for tinnitus and hearing loss. Got 50% and they wouldn’t pay retroactive
same for me
I was in the in the navy special forces had 401 combat missions and 24 medals, 2 crosses and 32 years later went the VA and they gave 60 % 50 for one cross and 10 for tennitias so used to fire 1000s. Of rounds with m6
This is to everyone on here, you don’t need to waste your money going to a disability attorney, go to one of the VA organizations like the DAV or one of the other organizations. They can and will give you all the assistance you need.
Sound advice
Found this. Hope it helps:
https://www.hillandponton.com/free-case-evaluation/va-evaluation/
I’m not affiliated with them in anyway. Just happen to see it now….
Best wishes!
Yes, I highly recommend H&P (Hill and Ponton)!!! They’ve got you back!
Its wrong what the VA will do to people with tinnitus.. I was a 63/B Light Wheel mech. I was around alot of loud noises. I get the ringing in my ears all the time.. I filed for my arms.. The VA sends me to one of their offices.. The lady has me raise my arms.. That’s it.. Denied.
I have constant ringing from Marine corp training a Mortor went off next to me and still ringing that I only hear best on left ear.
I can blow air out of rt ear.
There is no such entity as the Marine Corp, it is NOT a corporation, it is THE MARINE CORPS!!!
Whoa….good catch. Semper Fi DD
If you can blow air out of your ear… you must have a perforated eardrum! Check it out!!! Good luck, Brother!!
The VA plans to sweep tinnitus under the underlying cause, which is mainly taking 10% away from you. This happens with PTSD and TBI. The main question is what is the underlying cause they plan to hide it under and what is the rating.
Anytime the VA combines disabilities you loose out.
FYI: if you plan to apply for an increase in PTSD and TBI, don’t. Do the TBI 1st. Otherwise, you loose out BIG time.
I was a Navy Gunners Mate and worked in the missile magazine where large machines that moved the missiles but it was an enclosed space and the foam ear pads did little help. Also we went to the firing range at least monthly. The VA tried hearing aids but due to a continus sinus condition they never worked well enough to help. I had a private hearing and they tried hearing aids at 1000 each and that i cannot afford.
If the VA was giving you hearing aids why would you have to buy them? The VA replaces my hearing aids every three years if needed. They also gave me a unit that attaches to my TV and sends sound to a transmitter that I wear to better hear the TV. In fact, I don’t need to ask for anything, the Dr. always asks if I want to try something to help me hear – I am death in one ear and partially death in the other one.
Same hear, but I started with hearing aids while still on active duty.
Clinton, join the rank. i was in artillery in VietNam. For a whole year I was exposed to the unimaginable like everyone else. Those guns do make super loud noise that definitely affects our ears. Ear plugs were issued but were just plastic. VA rating, left ear, service connected, rating zero. Right ear, not service connected.. how bad can they be?
They did the same for me. They gave me 10% for my right ear but said the loss in my left ear wasn’t service-connected. What I found out from the ENT Dr. I was seeing was the way the first Dr wrote up my problem. He re-wrote the description of my problem and within two months I received another 10% for my left ear.
Clinton, join the crowd, I had to laugh when they told me the same thing. For years I was denied for the loss of hearing in my left ear and told the same thing they told me. I asked the Dr. if my left ear was attached to my head, and she just looked at me. What I found out some years later was how the first Dr who examed me wrote up my problem. Have yours checked, maybe the same for you? Good luck
Veterans who rely on the VA for full medical care should also receive dental care. Only those who are 100% disabled and/or who’s disability is dental related receive dental care. Health care professionals agree poor oral health can have a significant negative effect on overall health. Neglecting oral health can contribute to a myriad of health problems including bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and oral cancer. H.R. 96 authorizing the VA to provide dental care to all veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system died before being passed. The VA is ignoring the need for complete and comprehensive medical care.
This my biggest regret to the system, Dental would be greatly appreciated, Thank you
Yes dental care is really needed amichael
I know you can get the VA Dental coverage. It doesn’t cost much for it.
https://feds.deltadentalins.com/federal/vadip.html
I get all my dental through the VA. I get my wife dental care through FedVip Delta Dental and it is only $24.70 a month.
even with delta, the costs are very high. dental is the most overlooked. I’m retired from the navy and have no co pay for medical yet with the dental insurance I pay through the nose for most procedures beyond standard cleaning.
Hi Fred
Wonder how you got a dental insurance for your wife,
I would like to get my wife a dental insurance as well.
Appreciated your response.
Ron
If your spouse is eligible for CHAMPVA I believe she is eligible for Delta Dental insurance.
I use to have DEERS Dental up in tell 2021. I was paying $34.xx per month and an additional co-payment. For this, I had a total of $1200 per year coverage. I actually was only receiving around $400 a year when they increased the monthly payment for 2022. Since I have 100%, I now use the VA for treatment.
I am 100% disabled and for dental work, they tell me it has to be reviewed. That is the reason I have dental insurance with someone other than the VA.
if you are 100% VA disabled then the VA will give you free and complete dental.
My husband is 100% disabled, he doesn’t have dental care
I’m 100% disabled and have had no problem getting dental care. If there’s another VA clinic or hospital reasonable close try again. I had trouble getting approved for a scooter and solved the problem by scheduling PT at another clinic.
Back in 1974 when I joined the military the Di stated that I would get full healthcare which included dental only to come to find out that ir was a lie, But it would be greatly appreciated if the VA would allow us dental care
I entered the service in 1960 and was told that if I served at least 20 years and retired, I would have medical for life and dental on space available. Well, the first thing they did was take away available dental, then they came out with Tri-Care for Life. Unless you went to a base for a prescription, you had to pay a copayment for each prescription you got at a civilian pharmacy.
I went to the VA in Oct 1981 for a retirement physical, and while I was getting my blood pressure checked, the technician told me he had a msg from president Regan to read. It stated military retirees no longer would be considered veterans because we drew a retirement. We could only be treated for those illnesses we had while on active duty. I had five problems from when I was on active duty so I received a zero percent rating for those. They didn’t tell me that I could be treated for those problems, so for the first 15 years after retiring, I paid for my medical insurance. I was 62 before I started going to the VA and then Medicare and Tri-care took care of any bills I received.
I agree 100% !!!!!
check into benefits because i had my dental work done before i got my service connection. There are other special circumstances where you can get dental services thru the VA without being 100%. Just have to do the research and be deligent.
Yes, if you had dental problems while in the service the VA will treat you, and if you are destitute and can’t afford to pay.
The VA isn’t they can only do what Congress (House & Senate) allow.
I agree. I grind my teeth from trauma while in the Gulf, had to pay out of pocket for a night guard so I can chew food in 5 years. It’s crazy. I constantly have lock jaw and headaches caused from the grinding. Drives me crazy.
If you had related dental problems while on active duty or have 100% disability you can receive dental care at the VA. I have it but it takes forever to get into the clinic to get anything done – at least where I live.
I feel that the VA could care less about us Veterans, especially if you’re not at a 100%, to them it’s just a job. They take their time processing our claims and appeals, but let them over pay us, they want their monies back asap. Writing the president or the people in charge of the VA isn’t going to do anything.
I had filed a claim for PTSD, waited for six months to get a C&P exam.
Then back to waiting, waiting and waiting. I wrote my senator and behold a month later I was rated at 100%.
God bless my senator! He contacted the VA and like magic they were all over my case!
I FOUGHT THE VA FRO 7 YEARS BEFORE I WAS RATED AT 100%SC IN 1993
I’m not 100% ,but I’ve been fighting the VA .since 2006 for my feet from those desert boots and they keep on denying me ,congradulation to those who is 💯 and as for us others we just have to keep on fighting
You need to reach out to cck-law.com if you have issues with your feet. They are the best. Good luck.
Aloha Michael,
I believe all veterans, that has received a Purple Heart in combat, should automatically be 100% service connected based on the long term care of life….
Blessed holidays to you and family…
You’re lucky Michael I thought the VA for almost 50 years before I finally got 70% for PTSD and rated that unemployable for a total of 100%. Now I just got to find out if any of that also covers my wife, I’ve heard it does but I don’t know then I haven’t found anyone that does know I also heard that we can get our military ID Card back and again I don’t know about that either
IF YOUR 100 % you can get dental and px and other bennifits
Is that all, it took me 17 years before I reached 100%.
You are lucky, it took me 17 years to reach 100%.
Don’t write to the president; write to your congressman and/or senators. CONGRESS can change VA; not the president. But, keep in mind, you are only ONE of the millions that are trying to get into the system. Once in, you will see it works.
I have dental problems with 50% and care was stopped. Dental insurance ( Humana) only covers preventive or minimal care and now I’m facing $10,000 for further dental care.
Go to Los Algodones in Mexico across the border from Yuma,AZ—Amazing prices about 70% less than the US and great and professional dental care–I have been going there for five years now along with many thousands of Americans and Canadians.
I have been fighting for ptsd for several years…I get denied all the time but they schedule me all the time for therapists and want me on certain pills for the nightmares and anxiety….I’ve lost hope at this point
At least you can get an appointment. I’ve been trying for 2 years just to get in to talk to someone about the same problems and can’t.
Have you reached out to your VSO ? Look me up on Facebook I’ll try and help if I can
I’m Benjamin Young on Facebook, please reach out to me.
Did the same. Thankfully wife is a nurse with good insurance. I bit the bullet, and went private to get proof, and correct treatment for it.
Hang in there! It takes time to get the right meds for each person. Then it takes time to get the right doseage to work for each person. Stay on it and keep trying. My meds work great but it took awhile to find the right chemistry for me. Therapy and groups are the other half of the coin. It is important to participate in your care to resolve the things that matter and bother us. Don’t loose hope for me I pray and tell God I need help with this aspect.
Hello fellow veteran, I fought the VA for 7 years, I was unable to work and lived through some of the worse times in my Life. if you think the rating board is bad now you should have tried it during the 90’s.. I have been 100%SC for 25 years NEVER GIVE UP ALL YOU HAVE NOW IS TIME.
SADLY IT’S THE RED TAPE, CALL YOUR CONGRESSMEN
Join DAV. I did and they work for me. The VSO has also been a great source.
Don’t give up when your turned down keep filing appeals I fought them for years then finally I was rated 100% total and permanate and I got 218,000 back pay so keep filing appeals
Don’t give up when your turned down keep filing appeals I fought them for years then finally I was rated 100% total and permanate and I got 218,000 back pay so keep filing appeals
Keith, is it the VA that is scheduling you to see a therapist, or are you going outside the VA? If you are seeing a therapist at the VA then you should be receiving a disability for it. You need to go to the DAV or one of the other organizations for assistance.
The government can hire 87 thousand IRS agents yet Vets have to bleed out and die before they can get their compensation. The backlogs of appeals and claims could be easily processed yet WE ALL CAN SEE WHERE THE GOVERNMENTS PRIORITIES LIE.
Been waiting since 2020. Not heard anything yet.
Write to the President Biden and let him know. What is happening Iam almost 2 years. I wrote to the Secretary of the VA and nothing happened, so now it Bidens turn to see what he says.
Good luck with that friend Biden gives illegals all their needs plus NOW he wants to give social security
Sickening!!!!! I joked, and told someone we ought to trade houses with a illegal. At least our government would start taking care of us.
You are another brain washed right wing nut job that believes every thing Tucker and Hannity and Angle say about Biden that are a bunch of BS. Get more than just one side of the story and you’ll be better informed as what’s really going in the world!
Contact your Congressperson. They can do a congressional inquiry to the rating board. That will move your claim along faster than anything else. How do I know? I retired from the Rating Board.
Can my congressman help with rate increases as well? I keep getting a denial for Hypothyroidism. I am at 0%%.
I hate to say it but don’t waste your time on Biden go straight to your local congressman and have a sit-down with him or her things will start moving faster after that
Yeah they got to get the money from somewhere to pay for all these illegals Healthcare benefits at 100%, that’s got to come from somebody and that somebody is usually yes people that’s never paid a dime in it come here and get all kinds of free benefits
James, what are you smoking, you don’t make any since!
Sad but true. Deny Deny until they either go away or die! (VN 69-70)
Unfortunately, the problem is they don’t have any brains.
I agree they don’t have any brains. They decreased my disability for a bleeding ulcer from 60% to 10% then have the gall to take the 10% out of my Retired pay. Then they said that the cause was “H” Pylori. They can’t even diagnose a person’s issue correctly. I was diagnosed with GERD back in the 1970s and the main cause of the bleeding ulcer was taking a prescription Aspirin.and GERD I still have issues.
Brains can’t be programmed! That’s why all the officials run around like zombies… Technology is running everything! The ratings are programmed by a computer! Took me forty year of complete hell to get 100% and I owe it all to the DAV in 15 minutes thay had my ratings increased. Now I got teeth 😁
Michael, maybe you should have gone to the DAV in the first place – you probably would have gotten your teeth sooner. Hope you are enjoying them now!
These are not changes to make life better for vets. These are changes to stop having to pay for our illness/injuries. I have tinnitus/Menieres Disease, both documented as injuries sustained in service due to a blown eardrum. Both have been denied as not service connected nor claimable. I also have screwed up knees, hips and back. ALL service related and documented. All DENIED! I am however drawing 100% from a neck injury that has radiated down both arms with paralysis and total unemployability. It has taken me the better part of 20 year the get this far with the help of Rep4Vets. VA is not here to help us it is here as a CYOA for the US Govt.!!
The va was never set up to be a welfare program a lot of people are just looking for a free ride
I am a Viet Nam USMC vet. Tell me why the U.S. Government does not have a single dollar to help homeless vets.; yet spends $86 million to house illegals in hotels?
Wow! Where did you get that??
All you have to do is google money us government has for homeless vets, and both bits of info will come up.
Because it is the liberal/socialist Democrats who do that.
Another service member conned by Trump! So sad !
You need to do your homework.
Another never comes by the liberalCommunist side. Tragic
Check facts cross the boarder get a phone, free transportation and free hotels. Fight for your country get lost. Question? Under Trump made VA employees able to be fired is that being conned but Trump?
“Welcome Home Brother, Welcome Home”
Some of these Vietnam era Veterans not ready to do the home thing, with the little funds, that they receive monthly related to a service connected injury. Lots of the Vietnam Vets went into isolation somewhere, and I can understand that, I worked in the Healthcare for Homeless Veteran Program for 16+ years, it was a most wonderful service to be there for our Veterans…I am also a USMC Vietnam combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient 1967-68, Recon
Stephen, I don’t know where you are getting your information, but the VA due have programs for homeless vets. I was taking a class at the VA once and there were three vets in the class who had been homeless, they told me VA got them a place to live and was receiving a stipend. Maybe those homeless vets you see haven’t tried to seek assistance from the VA or maybe they are receiving help and still prefer living out on the street. You can’t get help if you don’t try to get it.
I can relate to a lot of you guys. I was a Tanker Ft Polk 3/77th Armor Division, this Tinnitus is really driving me nuts, that’s all i hear if no one is talking to me. I lost a lot of respect for the Army when they medically discharged me and did not give me a rating, and now years later I still have to fight for it. Luckly I was introduced to someone who knew what they were doing pulled one sheet out of my medical file that got their attention, that the medical doctor had put in my file about my Hips and knees. Why if they have the information, they need in the file that they possess, why do we have to produce anything to prove a claim.
It’s like me I hurt my back in 1986. In the Navy. Along with my hearing. I had to get a waiver in 1993 to get in the Army National Guard. They had the hearing but nothing to do with my back. How convenient.
While in the service did you go to sick bay for that type of ailments. Looks like you need to get a copy of all your military records, or lookup SF 180…all info there, get it all, reason could be noted as service connected inquiry…
One step at a time, with no great expectations, it usually works itself out…
I have Tinnitus but found that by having one of those white noise machine at least I could sleep at night!!!
You have to prove that you had the problem while on active duty or that the current problem was caused. while on active duty – the VA isn’t a charity organization. If they were every tom dick and harry could walk in and say they had something and the problem wasn’t from being in the military.
Something I did find out was if you were being treated for an enlarged prostate and taking medication or had diabetes that cause you to have erectile dysfunction you can receive an extra $100 a month for it. Now isn’t that something – and I didn’t have to prove I couldn’t get a hard-on.
hello ? i,m a vet of the viet mess i am a marine and im disabled my two cents is that every one that did his or her time honorbly should get one hundred percent of all that is offered for what we all had to do no matter what . why should all of these so called migrants and other so called americans get every thing they will not volunter for the survival of this country . WE DISSERVE THE BEST OF WHAT THIS COUNTRY HAS TO OFFER AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF FIRST AND THAT IS BEFORE THE POLITICIANS GET THEIR FREE RIDE ALSO / GOD BLESS ALL OF THE MILITARY
I don’t think we will see any change. There are two classes of Americans that keep things squared away…. The working class and the honorably discharged working class who fight back memories of war while they have no choice but to do so while being raked over their 201k’s, charged more for gas and contemplate what our enemies must be saying while our nation’s leaders set the stage of what we fear most… A draft in our sons and daughters lifetime. All while most claim requests or appeals get Set in the denied pile of statistic. Yet we press on. Contributing, forever protecting, permanently bound to our vigilance that had been a gift when we were broke down and built back up.. Our country is our identity as we were and are willing to die for her but lady’s and gentlemen I use full compassion when I say this… America is being sold out to what appears as a pack of wolves waiting for the meat to fall from exhaustion. Politicians have waisted so much of what we tried to protect and the trillions we owe in debt will strip our compensation for sacrificing everything in the name of Freedom.
MP Edwards, you have me lost in what all you were saying, but the problem lies with the voters – it’s the voters who put these politicians in office in the first place, and even if they see they aren’t doing anything for the country, the voters keep voting these same jerks in office. Politicians have to be held accountable. If they don’t do anything or fail in their duties they should be voted out of office.
Robert, I don’t think we will see any change. There are two classes of Americans that keep things squared away…. The working class and the honorably discharged working class who fight back memories of war while they have no choice but to do so while being raked over their 201k’s, charged more for gas and contemplate what our enemies must be saying while our nation’s leaders set the stage of what we fear most… A draft in our sons and daughters lifetime. All while most claim requests or appeals get Set in the denied pile of statistic. Yet we press on. Contributing, forever protecting, permanently bound to our vigilance that had been a gift when we were broke down and built back up.. Our country is our identity as we were and are willing to die for her but lady’s and gentlemen I use full compassion when I say this… America is being sold out to what appears as a pack of wolves waiting for the meat to fall from exhaustion. Politicians have waisted so much of what we tried to protect and the trillions we owe in debt will strip our compensation for sacrificing everything in the name of Freedom.
I was denied a rating for mst for four yrs then they said oh we goofed you can get 50% and get possible back pay but there is no one to help.
You didn’t get your money due you
Plus back pay
Tell
Your service officer
Get going
The law firm CCK IN RI. I fought from my first claim in 1967 and turn down after turn down. Each time I lost heart and gave up until I tried again over and over. In 2017 I once again tried with a turn down in 2019. This time I found CCK i March 2022 30%, May 50%, may 80% and CCK THINKS 100% by the end of the year. Check their feedback and call them.
How much did you have to pay for this help? You could have gone to one of the VA organizations and it would have cost you nothing.
100% TRUE!!!
Robert
God Bless You and I for one Thank you and all of your Brothers you served so selflessly. My father was one of them, and I have nothing but the deepest of respect for ALL service men and women. I believe we owe you all a lifetime of support in whatever manner that looks like! I wholeheartedly agree that our dollars should go first to defend our country and take care of those that protect us instead of those draining our resources.
Why would you think just because you served you deserve paid 100% so what should someone who served and actually got a disability get. Are you saying it’s the same. It’s not there paying for the disability not serving you picked to do the job.
I just wish that they could have dental for everyone who was in the service. I had a lot of dental work done in Boot Camp, So I don’t understand why I have to be 100 percents to qualify. I even got a partial in Boot Camp. I only have 5 teeth that are mine now, and they have cavitys.
I too have the same situation
Hi
you can be 90% with service releated to get dental work. It took me 10 years but I finally made the 90% and have had implants put in now.
Then why the VA keep saying that you must be 100pct. to get dental care? Also, every veterans should be able to get dental. Good dental care keep people healthy and a live, the brain at the VA should know this.
Unfortunately, the problem is they don’t have any brains.
You are correct.,Got to have 100% to qualify for lifetime dental. However, there are special exceptions on a time-limit basis.
Was your dental issues preexisting that they fixed for you. Or did the issues happen during boot camp? I’m not being mean but if it’s preexisting they did there job.
Here is a secret. If you served in a war zone and were honorably discharged. You are guaranteed a minimum income of $1400 plus per month. So say you get SS of $800 you will get paid another $600 in what they call VA pension. I know because I got paid several months of pension. This is not easy to find but this is true. You do not need to be disabled just low income.
WTF ! I like to know more !
It is true. Pension will be paid if you make less than $1400 per month. So if you are low income make sure to file for your pension. https://www.google.com/search?q=military+pension+for+low+income+veterans&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS933US933&oq=Military+pension+for+low+in&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j33i160l4j33i299j33i22i29i30l4.9930j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/
You Google Veterans pension to find out about it.
Jerry I would like to know more details regarding your post.
You don’t have to had served in a war zone.. You do have to have an honorable or medical discharge. Talk to a service rep at any service organization.
Pete is on point, I have a problem with the VA! Reevaluating Veterans for more Compensations, I just received a twenty page denial for my Agent Orange Diseases. I don’t believe nothing the VA Says!!!! .
The VA Compensation Laws, Rules, Regulations, Evaluating, Consists of about 10, 0000 or more pages. I mean it is so Complex! It will take Hundreds of Years to get a Justice Compensation Package.
How much did you have to pay for this help? You could have gone to one of the VA organizations and it would have cost you nothing.
Remember the Government and VA’s motto:
“Deny ’til they die!”
So true…bad water when father in service….bone cancer from it…received when he was 80
He died at 83
I’ve had the same negative assessment re my AGENT Orange exposure 1967-69 combat in the middle of the Mekong Delta. VA final stated they recognize exposure however their final was 10% and no financial benefits—WOW am I grateful!!! That did not move the crazy percentage formula!!
That’s not right
Get a v a comp
Lawyer
That’s not right
Get a v a comp
Lawyer
Hello Howard Bryant,
Please be aware on August 10, 2022 President Biden signed into law the PACT Act. Check out Vietnam Era Veteran Eligibility associated with Agent Orange exposure. Go to va.gov (The PACT Act and your VA benefits).
Call 1-800-698-2411 for questions & to find out how you can put in your claim. Please look into this immediately! I believe you only have 1 year to apply.
Families of veterans should also apply if their loved one has passed away from Toxic Exposure.
I served in Viet Nam between 1969 to 1970 and our unit was responsible for the spraying of Agent Orange in the southern I corp. I was exposed every day for 9 months from daylight to dark. I got some percentage for the exposure, but it took a few years to reach 100%. I have been lucky that they awarded me for PTSD because of my constant battle in helicopters. I have my demons like everybody else has but i fight my depression with laughter and remember that i had no choice in spraying Agent Orange. I was told i had to or go to a military Prison for refusing a direct order. So, my men and I had no choice to be exposed to the deadly chemicals. I have so many medical problems related to Agent Orange that I was told when I came back from Viet Nam, I would be dead of Cancer that would spread throughout my body. and I would be dead in 15 years but i am still alive so only the Lord knows when it is your time to go home to him. I wish that I could take back the things that I was ordered to do for the sake of the Army. Lots of my friends have passed on because of my actions and the actions of our unit. Please forgive us and i hope that each of you get the compensation that you deserve from your service in the Military.
Ty Ronald
I WAS IN THE COUNTRY AS WELL, AND OUR HEAVENLY ALLOWED ME TO RETURN. HOME TO WHOEVER READS THIS I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. AND FINALLY.
IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE HEAVENLY FATHER I WOULD NOT BE ALIVE.
HAND SALUTE !!!
The VA is spending a lot of
Money for transgender stuff, new buildings, and a bunch of other leftist BS. The VA is looking for a bill payer and see’s you as the that bill payer. I am rated 100 P&T, if the Va is allowed to short change future veterans it’s only a matter of time before they start reducing benefits to retirees. There is a reason so many veterans have sleep apnea that cannot be accounted for as a result of obesity or physical damage, same with Tinnitus (one of the more common traits in suicides). Don’t believe MORE people will see an increase in their ratings…. Same sort of lies dod told retirees, many who can no longer pay their copay’s to see a doctor. Time to call your elected representative and fight this lie being perpetuated. Future veterans will be screwed and soon after current veterans will be screwed…. It’s all about finding money to pay for programs that do nothing for the service connected veteran. I’m sorry love who you want but why would the Va pay for sex change, or “education” about “white privilege”…. This current plan is a ruse… time to fight back!!! 30 year service connected ground combat veteran, why would I deserve better care/compensation than the future veteran that is just like me???? Speak out,
Stand up for others!!!
I agree with the statement above. I have tinnitus let me tell you that is all I hear and let me tell you it alone drive you crazy.
I agree Randy every waking hour it dorsn’t stop I would give anything to get it to stop I worked on B52’s in the 60’s.
I’ve had tonight is four years you don’t expect the VA to pay 100% for that do you lol
I have had tinnitus since July 1968, I hear it as I type this, but I don’t let it bother me anymore. It’s called mind over matter!
Pete is Correct, most Accurate.
The VA wants to do away with P.T.S.D. and P&T, permanent and total disability, and the Rating Systems.
Where did you get that information I haven’t seen it nowhere they’re changing everything around and short changing us yes but not getting rid of PTSD or permanent and total
I agree with you that the new change will not help veterans. I also would like an explanation of why the VA thinks it needs to provide sex change surgery. I am ok with same sex marriage and being whatever gender you believe you are but not sure it is the VA’s responsibility to do sex changes. The VA cannot keep up with the work it has now. It is doing a mediocre job of serving veterans currently. I am retired Army 100% disabled and a retired Physician Assistant. I have seen how poorly they investigate claims by veterans with the pre-meditated intent to deny the claim. I have helped soldiers appeal those denials and have never lost an appeal but I do not do this for a living. I do not trust the VA as a whole but there are good individual providers and some devoted employees. I do not use the VA. I have Medicare and Tricare for Life so I have chosen my own physicians. I know them, their work and their reputation and long time experience. It is worth its weight in gold to know your physicians and choose them wisely. You cannot sue the government (VA). You can sue a private physician if you are a victim of malpractice or wrongful death. That should alert you as to why you need a private , experienced physician. They have a lot of skin in the game so to speak. I appreciate any good work the VA does and would like to hear some good stories from veterans who feel they get good care. It just so happens I hear more bad than good. God bless all veterans.
Yes, impossible to get redress from VA doctor malpractice. My VA doctor knew I had cancer level PSA for nearly 2 years before I was informed. When the civilian hospital tested me I found out the (normally slow growing) prostate cancer I had was a Gleason 9 (top of the aggression scale is a 10)…So my prognosis did not include survival.
I took the Government to court, the doctor lied and said..” I am pretty sure I told him about the cancer early.” so…lost my case.
For some reason, the good Lord has me alive still.
Overall, yep, the VA has some great people, but the overall system is one of deny, deny, deny. And, there are some few, really questionable physicians.
I felt betrayed by the country I love. After my service in Naval Special Forces and the wartime risks and danger we happily, and with gusto performed, I could not fathom how the system dumped me so readily.
Get a Va comp
Lawyer
Hello AJ,
Where can I get a reliable Nexus Letter? Who do you recommend? It seems like many VA physicians refuse to do this. Thank you.
I have been going to VA for over 20 years and I have never had a complaint against the VA. I am not saying that there is some that don’t care but all the doctors I have ever seen have been courteous and very helpful. but I can only share my experiences with everyone. Not all VA places are the same it depends on the people that work there. I go to Houston’s branch in Tomball Texas, and I have not heard of anyone not being taken care of. But to all of you that do have complaints about your service and doctors please know that I do hope that they do continue to improve. I also know that our Men and Women that served or will serve in the future need to be assured that they will be treated with the respect they deserve. Everyone that served I salute you for your bravery and for your belief that the USA is worth saving. especially now.
That is not the case, you can sue the government. I had a troop in my unit who told me he had a lawsuit against the hospital he was stationed previously at, and my response was the same as you said. His wife was having a baby and when the military Dr. was delivering it, broke the baby’s neck. When this individual went PCS I received a call from the legal office at the previous base and they told me he had won his lawsuit.
Pete, I served honorably for 21 years, 7 deployments. And I am now truly my self after I transitioned to male. The va provided me with no surgery but counseling, I paid out of pocket for my surgery and also I get my testosterone from them for now but switching over for my private doc to prescribe. We all served, we wore the uniform and boots on the ground. The Health Administration is under a different animal as it pertains to what is and not covered for whom. Dental, damn right we should have coverage but I am lucky enough to
Have private insurance and still working for the government I only use the va as needed. Don’t put all veterans who served just like you in a secular group. Would you complain if our African American brothers and sisters were subjugated to no benefits? Discrimination goes way beyond into politics. We all served, so the VA serves ALL of us. Well should. We borne the battle brother,…..
Kelly, do you really think African Americans receiving VA benefits for service connected injuries is the same as the VA paying for sex changes? I surely do not.
What does race have to do with VA disability? Your disability is based on things that happen to you during service not just because you served. If the VA had to pay just because you served does that mean all employers have to pay you forever just because you held a job with them no. It’s a job they paid you and you made the choice to serve.
What o am saying discrimination hits all corners. You think
About what the Tuskegee airmen went thru. Surrounded by all white racist polots who didn’t want them
around. Or the Korean
Americans who served during korea. The officers got treated like shit and we’re hardly saluted. Don’t believe me look it up Prime has a documentary on it. Discrimination is what I am referring too
The VA does not offer surgery for any transitioning. None. I work for the veterans Admistration.
And y’all the va is trying to get better. If you have issues filing reach out to DAV or the American legion,Amvets. Don’t just let one denial push you
Down. Plus if I can help you, I will try. I am a claims processor Leave a. Message and I will guide you in the right direction
i just read your comment to another vet on here. iam a ioo% disabled vet a m60 machine gunner in nam.i was drafted with a hearing loss in my right ear,i put in for a hearing loss in 1986 i ve been fighting them untill i won my claim in august 2022.they would only go backto 2010 with no back pay.they gave me 80% hearing loss and 10% tinninatis.shouldn,t they go back to 1967 when they drafted me with bad hearing,i have a copy of my test when i went in.but after getting blown up very load noise,and shooting the machine gun again very load noise.and rideing on choppers to and from missions,their a little load also.then when i get discharged with no hearing test,their hearing paper says hearing is excellent.,and on top of that i got my bladder removed ,because i got cancer from agent orangeand type two diabetes from agent orange. could you lead me somewhere to get my 55 years of back pay for hearing loss.i contacted my congresswomen but she just sends me a copy of what the va tells her.great isn,t it. if you can help my e-mail is [email protected] thanks
Hi Kelly I’m trying to get higher rating after trying for so long to get service connected for my thyroid. I’m finally connected with a 0% rating therefore I received zero compensation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I agree we should stand up for others, but it should not depend on whether they or liberal or conservative in their ideology. The only thing that matter should be they served, was injured and qualify under the Law.
Thank you
i am a marine i think that we all are special but with a active force of ninety thousand and doing the things that have to be done are responce is the best that can be taken. if you just look at the history and the actions that have been taken in the years of the corp and are opened minded you would agree with me I thank you all for your service and god bless you all SEMPER FI
Semper Fi Robert
Semper Fi
Semper Fi Brother
Semper Fi Brother
One other comment. This is the second time I’ve seen this. So far they’re all a bunch of word. When will this happen? When it comes to price of gas and food, it goes up too quick.
I am a former Infantry Marine, 66-72, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I spent 28 straight months in Korea and I also for a short period worked at a Correction Officer Specialist in the El Toro Brig in CA. I am 74 years old now, and I am forced to say, motivated out of pure honesty, love of country and love for my United States Marine Corps, that I have never ran into a more professional, intelligent, honorable and trustworthy group of men then the Marines. Secondly, I was the general manager for a Company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 3 years, I was employed by King Fahad and my wife, and I, lived in Riyadh, SA, for 3 years. During that time, I worked with just about all nationalities throughout the world; with that said about the thousands of men I worked with, I can still proclaim without fear of contradiction that Marines, especially combat trained Infantry Marines are the finest men that have ever walked this earth, Gods Marine’s! Hoooo Rahhhhhh my brothers, God Bless and Semper Fi Mac to you all!
I couldnt agree more! 8 years Army myself..and im blessed to have met so many amazing people . You infantry types are a very special breed indeed!
I was a proud member of Fox 2/7 and was wounded in Que Son Valley in the late summer of 69. Lost a leg there and I’ve had okay treatment from VA but I fear this new “reevaluation” stuff is just a cover for cuts to us who have borne the battle. We deserve better L.W Lance Corporal 0311
Semper Fi Robert, Once a Marine always a Marine.
If the Veterans reached 100% disability, and had tinnitus & sleep apnea and was being denied and still forced back over and over. Will there be anything or something at least in financial sense not just aid either for the machine or the earing aid which I haven’t had a hearing Test on the regular basis as the eye exam either on a yearly basis half yr I finally got a call and COVID -19 major issues!!!!??
You can’t go higher than 100%, it doesn’t matter what else you come down with. All it does is add more points. I have 100%, but I have some 230 points above that. In case for some reason the VA decided to reduce one coverage say by 20%, I still have that 230 points that can be used to bring me back to 100%.
You got a very great website, Sword lily I found it through yahoo.
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for!
I’ve been waiting 4 years for my appeal from the VA. All I get is the run around why is the happening I bet if it were the reps. Money it would have been done already. I seen on line that the VA. Is waiting for me to die before they pay me. Thats a damn shame. What sucks is that I did what was asked of me and was injured beyond rehab but they don’t want to help me or us at all. Why and how long must we have to wait. I’d like a response from the VA. If they can actually tell me instead of giving me a bunch of B.S.
I am not from the VA, but did you notice when you stated your complaint, this is NOT A VA WEBSITE. You need to go to the actual VA to state your complaint or call your local VA and make an appointment.
I don’t know how long ;you have been waiting, Myron, but that is what my husband had to do.
oops my husbabd was expised to Agent Orange that our Goverment sprayed while he was in Vietnam. He shakes, Can’t gear well and well you know the drill with our ass backwards government.
I’m there with you Jennifer
Same for my husband who has PTSD and we have filled out appeal after appeal to get his disability and nothiing. The DAV sucks.
I could not agree more, have many conditions due to agent orange and compounded by those conditions with not change to rating or turned down. VA is getting worse not better
Just a warning. They will kill you if you are costing them too much money….100% disability, need a lung transplant due to agent Orange, etc.
How can you sit there and say, it will cost them too much money. They give billions of dollars fo to aid other parts of the world, so why can’t the VA help the veterans better. Because the military and the veterans there wouldn’t be a USA
Brain, right now I’m on oxygen due to my lungs. Already had stents placed in my heart, trouble sleeping @ night. I have meds to go to sleep and another to stay asleep which equals about 4 hours.
Just so everyone knows… If the VA ever medically labels you with PTSD, you will never be able to buy a gun or firearm again. Just a heads-up.
DJ, please double check where you got that information from.
NOT TRUE
Stephen not getting a gun if you have PTSD not true! I had a recommendation letter from my psychiatrist who has treated me for 100% permanent and total . He gave it to me to to get my license to carry a concealed firearm in the state of Massachusetts! Not an easy state for gun owners.
Not true.
You’re sooo totally wrong… research before you post information and make a fool of yourself
yes you can
who told you that i have been labeled with ptsd from viet nam i have never had troble buying a gun.
EJ says, that’s BS. An Army friend Vietnam Rated with PTSD purchased an AR15 and a case load of ammo in Il. Several yrs ago.
Not true
nope wrong. I have several and labelled.
Interesting
I’m 100% PTSD and own a legal firearm since that designation.
Not true what so ever I am 100% P/T due to PTSD/TBI I still buy guns have concealed carry everything.
Not true.
I just bought 2. It’s up to you on the form
To list it or not
If you have PTSD there is no connection in being able to buy a gun or own a gun.. Thousands of Veterans who have PTSD have no trouble in gun ownership or purchasing a gun.
I am retired Army 22 years and waited for about 20 years after retirement to finally apply for disability, I was not comfortable with DAV so I went directly to VA and applied for benefits. within 5 months of the start I was approved for 100% disability. I thought the DAV had great intentions but they were just a middle man between me and the VA. sometimes too many cooks spoil the broth. Contact VA directly it worked for me.
Write to the VA Secretary tell him you situation.
The Honorable Denis R. McDonough
Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Washinglon , D.C.2A420
VIA EMAIL: Denls. [email protected]
I’was on codons for 15 years! It worked perfectly! Then in October of 2017 my Doctor said he will be stoping the oxycodon! I was referred to the pain specialist! Who said that they were going to take me off oxycodon! I then asked to see an outsider pain specialist! But he said he couldn’t give me oxycodon because of my record from the VA! Stating they weren’t going to give me oxycodon! He tried to burn my nerve in my back! But, he failed with his test. It made my back pain worst!
Jimmy
VA SHOULD DEFINITELY HELP. We’re in a opioid epidemic and those who need pain control can’t get it. We suffer because of the addicts out there. So wrong.
I got the same thing back in 2000. Get with your State or County VA Office for help. After I checked that box off, I hire a Pro-Bono (if that lawyer doesn’t win your case, you owe the lawyer nothing). I also had to do the same with SSA case. I had to wait for 2 denials, then the same with that lawyer. What a nightmare. Note: I didn’t wait after I retired, and it still took 2-years of the run-a-round. Good luck and whatever you do…don’t stop. You can also ask for a Congressional investigation as a last resort, and I do mean LAST!
Get a hold of your local chapter of American Legion. They can run liaison for you and get you taken care of!
Use nationa vet help.
Myron, I am upset for you. It sounds like you are not getting a fair deal. As I said earlier, I am a retired Physician Assistant with 38 years of varied and intense medical experience. I rarely offer to help anyone these days but your story bothers me and I think you need some professional medical help. If you want me to take a look at your claim and the denials I could possibly help you. Reply to me on this blog or at [email protected]. Obviously , I cannot promise you anything but I am sure I could help you understand it better.
Myron, I served with 3-3-3- Marines in Vietnam ’68-’70 as a grunt.
We worked out of I Dong Ha. Was at Mutter’s Ridge, C-2, Vandergrift, Rockpile, as well as several other outposts. Had malaria twice, wounded, doused with Agent Orange on four different occasions, and tried to get help from the VA for over the past 15 years. Every time, I was denied any compensation. Finally went to my County Veteran’s Advocate and they went to work for me. Within a year, I was awarded disabilities for tinnitus, hearing loss, PTSD, and we are working on getting compensation for the neuropathy in my feet.
Here is some advice: Don’t expect anything from the VA. Get outside help from your local county service advocate, the local American Legion and DAV reps who have offices at the VA.
Best of luck and “Welcome Home. Brother!! Semper fI!!!
Ask for a judicator from Wash DC, which I did for my pre-diabetes and won.
How many 52 D from 1987 to present (generator mechanics) deployed and non deployed are suffering from ringing in the ears and getting dizzy spells and losing hearing.
It’s called Menieres Disease. And yes loud noises could cause this as well as anxiety. I’m not a doctor. I suffer from tinnitus and Menieres Disease. My spelling is wrong but u can still find it. I’m not a veteran but have common “virus”.
I was evaluated for PTSD. I was on the Frank Cable when tye boiler exploded. I was supposed to be in the fire room for my last ESWS signature. Instead wrapping ship mates in sheets because their skin was coming off putting then in stretchers. A month later I was in the fire room inspecting the boilers for tube separation. I asked the boiler inspector who was cooking in the fire room……. he looked at I and said that is what your shipmates smell like when they got burned by steam. Now.. I smell pork cooking and flash backs begin. Oh 0 percent was the evaluation
VA will not help me because I’m a class 5 and it will give me glass needs hearing aids or anything else I’ll be diagnosed with asbestos in my lungs being in the Navy
Find a lawyer!
My husband has been denied 4 times. There are two good doctors that have put him as 100% disabled and homebound. Every time they told me a bunch of mu-larkey. My husband was in the Vietnam War for 4 years. All he asked them for was some dental work (teeth) and to please pay me to stay home and take care of him. Becaue we don’t get any compensation, I must work outside the home. He has falken several times and i feel guilty…for having to work…..My husband doesn’t trust the VA anymore……or the DAV…
As I have said before, ask for a judicator from Wash DC to come and review his case. I am sorry your husband doesn’t trust the DAV, I found them to be very helpful in getting my 100%. Don’t give up, I think that is part of the plan at the VA, I fought for 17 years to get my 100%, with the help of DAV, one of the VA doctors, and the judicator.
40 billion dollars went to ukraine passed congress. House of representatives, senators and the president hates veterans and the VA.. Just saying…
Not a creditable accusation. Who else has something creditable for dialogue?
The greatest amount of change we saw was under Trump. Before him it was ridiculous. Now this change? Oh it LOOKS great on the outside…it is spending billions of taxpayers dollars. It is all part of the coupe to destroy this country economically and force it into the new world order. It is not for our benefit trust me. If it wasn’t raising the debt ceiling it would not be happening. Or did you forget he left troops in Afghanistan?
You are joking, trump did nothing to help Veterans. Everyone talking about the changes, and no one knows how it’s going to really affect anyone. Why don’t you stop complaining until it goes into effect and see how it works before you start bitching.
You’re 100% right brother… is a disgrace
Obviously.
I lost all my great doctors due to mandatory vaccine. They refused and left
Your VA doctors resigned because they refuse to take the mandatory vaccine?
I highly doubt that!
Doctors know how important the Covid vaccine is.
Show me the proof!
I worked in the laboratory in a VA hospital for 11 years and I know how doctors think.
They trust in science and science says: “Get the vaccine!”
oh you can doubt it all you like. Many doctors resigned rather than take the clot shot experiment and they are thankful they did. Record numbers of heart issues, respiratory issues, and finally research coming out showing the vaccines are actually damaging people – especially pfizer and moderna.
https://www.statnews.com/2021/04/16/next-generation-covid-19-vaccines-are-supposed-to-be-better-some-experts-worry-they-could-be-worse/
You all bowed for an experiment that doesn’t end until 2024.
guess again i had 3 of the shots before i got covid and it helped and that is the extent of it. I just had the Covid and of course i can’t take the pills because they haven’t been tested long enough. So i ended up with an infusion (which amounted with an IV drip with meds put in it.) and got better. The only Doctors that could not refuse those shots were Military. I don’t know of any VA Doctor from the VA that quit because of the Shots. Most didn’t go to work they stayed home and talked to their patients either on line or on the phone. I talked to mine on the phone many times.
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What is and has been needed for decades to have congress approve for all disabled retirees to collect both the monetary award fron Veterans Affairs and their full Military Pension. Not just 50% and above but also include 5%-50%.
Daniel Bonyeau
U.S. Navy (Retired) 20% disabled Veteran
What is a kick in the groin is being a retired veteran and having your disability deducted from your retirement pay.. no actual increase until rated 50%…
Definitely a problem. I am rated at 40% and can’t seem to get past the hurdle to 50%. Call your senators and congressmen to push H.R. 303, which is to get the concurrent receipt for any percentage.
This was brought to congress in 2019 and referred to a subcommittee. NOTHING has been done on it since.
USCG (retired) 40% Disabled Veteran
I am 100% disabled and I have always drawn both my military retirement and my disability from day one. It depends on the classification you were given.
My husband put in to up his Va disability to 100 percent, he at 80 percent and put in for 20 percent more for tinnitus and vertigo? But sadly he died on Feb 06,2022 in bed next to me? Now they won’t give me extra 20 percent and they also cut his disability in half? Yet I been married to him 40+ years and been with him 45 yrs.And feel I been mentally to Vietnam ten times over? It’s not fair? I feel I’m getting Royal shaft? If I knew today what I would of years ago would never married Vietnam or postal mgr cause getting run around every which way? All alone family rots doctors here killed my son in 2015 at 43 and now husband dead at 67 also do to agent orange and post office and doctors and can’t find decent lawyer to sue? Not fair so all I do is cry and pray die or kill my self?
Keep fighting don’t give up. Get a hold of your Congress person and tell them everything you know and all paperwork you have. I am very sorry for your lost. Take care and NEVER GIVE UP. BE STRONG AND CARRYING ON.
Contact Veterans Guardian and explain the situation to them. There is a fee based on any increase but in the long run it;s worth it
Oh no, nothings worth your life, especially money wise. You keep going, it will get better with time.
Put in a substitute claim. You are entitled to continue his claim along as you file as a substitute claim on a VA Form 21P-0847. Hope this helps.
If you are a married vet with a 100% disability, your spouse gets compensated when you die?
Yes mam at a different rate but you get something.
Why is my Honorable Discharge from the marine Corp issued to me in my name not good enough 404-246-8518 The crap is I will die and not ever get a home on a VA loan cause I don’t exist in the VA system according to them!!!!! to get a COE letter to get a VA loan. It is because the VA doesn’t recognize my Honorable Discharge and there is nothing I can do about it .
Ask your U.S. Congressman/woman for help. The V.A. is just acting stupid.
Fine all paper work from time in service, DD214, medical records, any thing that has your ss # on it. If you’re having problems getting even a copy of your 201 file go to vetfriends.com. after singing up with them. Look in the menu it should be there to get copies of your 201 file. Just fill out the paperwork. Send it in. Hurry up and wait.
Also, yes go to your your representative, I had forgotten about that one. Good idea! Try and get with a vso or a vsr.. you have rights as a veteran. I still haven’t gotten all of my records due to having a tsc. To confidential . Under the do not disclose order, had to sign before I could separate from the military. Good luck, if I remember or come up with anything else I will let you know.
Hi Jerry…please call me as I am a VA benefits advisor and I can tell by your comment that you are not being cared for. my email address is below. I hope you see this comment so I can assist a fellow warrior/Veteran.
Do you have a DD 214?? They want that not a discharge certificate!!
You should only need your dd214.
Maybe i also registered with va.
Don’t you have a DD-214?
Do a FOIA for your C File. Its got everything you need. Send to the VA.
Do you have your DD-214’s??
I served in the Army from 1/17/1967 to 12/11/1970 was injured while in the Service I should have been on 70% disability from the day I was discharged but they at that time didn’t care. In 1971 I was also told I was not qualified and said they would not evaluate my service connected injury. Several times between then and May of 2015 was the same until I connected with the DAV since then I was evaluated for two service connected injuries which resulted in 70% Disability then in 2016 I was considered unable to work do to my service connected injuries now I am 100%. I was screwed out of several 100 thousands of dollars for the same Government that is paying Billions of Dollars to millions of unneeded BS so why do we have to suffer over the WARS that we spend trillions on and then just walk away.
First, don’t give up. Second, keep working with the DAV veterans’ service officer. And if all else fails, contact your local Bar Association for a referral to an attorney that specializes in veterans’ claims.
I think you should have been paid retroactively to the date of your first claim.
Try legal help for veterans, it is free to you and you pay nothing, they 20% after your paid..
The work wonders
The DAV here in Cleveland, Ohio never answer the phone. You leave a message they never return a call. I am a life member and I find it disgusting.
All BS a World War II Vet USN and Phil-Guerilla have been claiming for 73 yrs and Memorial Day was not able to get his disability benefits
Have been denied several and multiple times even the VA PCP for A and A. Application was denied when he was legally blind, wheelchairbond like bed redden, handicap, can’t stand on his on, spoon fed was denied by evaluator , a conspiracy, fraudulant co- evaluator VA are the same the government is truly fuck up. The irony he was dead now their sending a respond to the claims after 73 yrs is absolute negligence,discrimination with his illnesses got in Guam and USN RECSTA in 1946-1948
USN Service.. A discrimination w/his race besides being exposed to bikini Atolll ☢️ Nuclear testing. And according to GAO Guam was exposed to AO starting 1940 to present. I hope VA Chairman seen this, or any Senators, Congressman, Atty General and FBI . This should be a civil case now , but we’re waiting for Appeal to decide yet.
yes your right it took me 5 years they i got all my back pay 100%
Correct
They can and will do whatever they dam well please to do. NOT the current Director but the prior Director to the VA was quoted saying that the “caregiver” program costs too much. So, how do solve it? They rewrote the guilde-lines this past year and kicked out 90% of us Veterans. Many whom are bed ridden stuck in wheel chairs. But the VA says are conditions have “improved.” I am and have been 100% service-connected medically retired, and part of the caregiver program since my retirement from the Corps. I was one of the 90% booted. I have also seen plenty of spouse whom “lost” all benefits after their spouse passed! Most common reason, they were not married long enough. I am sorry when your spouse dies in a freak accident how in the world can the VA apply a timeline to your marriage and benefits? Think they give a crap about US and what we are going through? Not one bit. Believe they are doing “anything” to fix it? Not in this lifetime! You don’t need to waste your money on lawyers either, its your money, you earned it! You keep it! Just don’t quit and keep fighting! They can’t beat us all. But they can beat us one at a time. So we need to do what we do best, and give the hell together.
Totally agree with you! My husband is a 100% service connected disabled Vietnam combat vet and was denied the caregivers program. Five strokes two heart attacks triple bypass surgery six stents and now losing the use of finger dexterity and severe pain in his feet due to VA botched medical procedure. They made him incontinent at age 50! Veterans should only need to show a DD214 to get the care and compensation they deserve
Agreed! And the kick in the ass is that our government is giving 40 million dollars to another country, mothers can;t get baby formula and I cant even fill up the fuel tank in my truck. Most of us served honrorably and would do it again to presevere our way of life and Look at the thanks we get…….
I have been going through the same shit!!! I went on FB and told everyone that I was going to go on a hunger strike if the VA didn’t get their shit together on this problem. I even told my congressman who just happens to be on VA committee that I was going to go on that hunger strike. Shit started happening. But you have to try and keep up with the appointments that they bombard you with and then you have to go way way far away to get the help you need, it sucks.
Maybe if all us vets go on a hunger strike, do you think that the VA WOULD EVEN LISTEN TO US???
No
No, they’d wait until we die and close our cases. You know their motto is, “try until you die.”
YEAH, but the A*Sholes don’t tell you when the changes are to take effect, thus unless you file within a certain time frame given, you lose the ability to file a claim. This is the V.A.s way of getting around their responsibility. It’s government “DOUBLESPEAK”
I had to wait from 1983-2017 to just get a 70% rating which is a joke considering my health issues, and I wouldn’t have got that without paying an attorney 22 GRAND of my back pay which only went back to 2011. they will SCREW you if they can.
I so agree with you. When theysay they are standing up, it really means they are running the other way. And most likely with all the assistance they are suppose to use for us vets.
As a disable veteran does my spouse receive my disability once I meet my maker?
She does if you are 100%, but not the amount you made. Usually after your death at 100% disabled, your wife will receive anywhere from $1,200 To $1,400 a month, but that may change.
I am at 90% but is being paid at a 100% because I cannot work. Will my wife receive a monthly compensation after my death?
She can apply for DIC and will receive a one time death payment in the amount you are receiving. If your death is in the same month of payment is considered the death benefit. DIC payments will not be the full amount you received, for example your payments are $4800. spouse DIC payment would be only $1400. Not the amount you are receiving.
Copy and pasted from the VA.gov website on spouse Eligibility
You may be eligible for VA benefits or compensation if you meet these requirements.
One of these must be true:
You lived with the Veteran or service member without a break until their death, or
If you’re separated, you weren’t at fault for the separation
And one of these must be true:
You married the Veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse, or
You were married to the Veteran or service member for at least 1 year, or
You had a child with the Veteran or service member
Note: If you remarried, you can receive or continue to receive compensation if one of these describes you:
You remarried on or after December 16, 2003, and you were 57 years of age or older at the time you remarried, or
You remarried on or after January 5, 2021, and you were 55 years of age or older at the time you remarried
I think that the va appeal process should be a little quicker I’ve been waiting about 2 years
For a answer due to truck driver in the army
And my back I’ve had 2 surgeries my hip my knee is gone I’m looking to have to see operations later this year due to spring suspension which is a rough ride as well as real bad on body
i been waiting 5 years now, im 72,000 on the list and im a combat vet.good luck
5 years? Wait till they agree! Huge check all at once for when you started the claim. It took 2 years for mine, but I and my VA Doctors had everything needed for my claim in paperwork, proof of service in Marine Corps, Vietnam, Agent Orange (which gave me heart issues and cancer).. I am 100%, but received the funds from the time I started my claim. If others could see the amount and numbers of fake or false claims, they might understand why it takes so long. My suggestion, have all your records handy, and a Doctor from the VA that supports your claim.
Same here Lewis.
I have been fighting for the past 8+ years to get compensation for my back injury while on active duty. The VA said that because I was suing them that they would not evaluate me. Yes, I have an attorney helping me and the VA said that my case was in DC being evaluated and that was two years ago. So keep up the fight and let’s make them honor their pledges to us.
What about an increase in DIC for spouses that cared for their veteran, watched them suffer and slowly die. We lost not only our loved one but we also lost much of our income
I agree with you, what about survivors who watched their husband suffered and died fight for their benefits, just one month before he died they rated him 100%.
Yes. What about Survivor benefits for a disabled Vet? My husband was 50 percent disabled. I am receiving nothing, but he was. He died in December 2021.
My husband was 50% disabled and died in 2009 and his benefits stopped. I have had a hard time getting by. I am on a walker, can hardly walk.
Many comments concerning spousal compensation state that 100% is the key to spouse receiving the same amount of veteran’s monthly disability compensation. Death, alone, does NOT result in spousal (disability) compensation. Death has to be; “Service-connected”. In all cases, I recommend seeking assistance from Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Just today, I read an article that cited coming changes in the way disability compensation is calculated. Service members should begin their odyssey BEFORE leaving active duty. I was fortunate to have the help of a Medical Service Corps NCO who examined my entire medical paper file; page by page for my 28 years. I filed with the VA the day after retirement!. That was 39 years ago.
There is no excuse in my books for some thing like this to happen and it use to really upset me when for instance the Rating Techs would have to produce a certain amount of ratings before the end of the month to keep their production rates high so that when the bonuses come out, the VARO (Veterans Administration Regional Office) would get a higher bonus to split up between the workers and management.
How they would do this is that they would take the easy pending claims and get them done so that it gave them a higher production rate. It didn’t matter if the pending claim was only a few months old, it was the production point count that made the difference between how much of a bonus they received.
I’m not sure if they still do it or not since I have been retired from the VA for quite some time, but that was the way it was done back then when I was still there. That meant of course that the poor veteran who has been already waiting for months to years on a decision if the claim would take more time to complete due to number of conditions that the veteran claimed over the veteran who maybe only had a few claimed conditions meant to where the claim fell in the last two weeks of the month. Again, I’m sorry to hear that please accept my condolences.
Great answer.
I would also like to chime in. If they start this (when) what’s to stop the gov’t from slowly taking benefits ie money claiming our ratings have decreased.
After what happened with the last vote and all the crap we put up with,, I will not hold my breath.
Jamie Resh – Helps Veterans
(702) 483-7360
[email protected]
I have severe insomnia supported by four sleep apnea studies. A good night means four hours of sleep`interrupted by one night a week of no sleep at all. IT was bad enough that I retired early because of it which resulted in a significant loss of retirement income.. My job included daily auto travel and I was concerned that I would injure others and my self if I continued such travel. I doze off frequently for split seconds and have had come close many times to causing very bad accidents. The VA finally awarded me a 30% rating for insomnia which increased my overall rating from 50% to 60%. My early retirement resulted in a five digit loss of retirement income from my employer and the lack of sleep continues to disrupt my life. I don’t know what to do from this point. Any suggestions as to how i should proceed?
Will they re-evaluate veterans with a disability and if so how do we go about it?
I am service connected and appx 80 to 90% disabled. I am 74 yrs old, self employed, and am interested in re-evaluation of my benefits.
Jamie Resh – Helps Veterans
(702) 483-7360
[email protected]
I am rated 90 percent with 10 percent added for unemployability. Total rating 100 percent. No problem there. I have tried twice for the Housing Adaptability Grant since I use a wheelchair 90 percent of the time and use a walker all other times for short distances. I need a new ramp on the front of my house which is elevated 5 feet above ground level, I paid for the original ramp out of pocket and it is 19 years old. Its about to fall apart. I also 3 years ago paid 15K out of pocket to replace my back ramp for the same reason. If I am not eligible to receive this grant please tell me why. Also tried VA to give me a motorized wheelchair and scooter but denied when I see other vets with less walking difficulties receiving them, I have paid out of pocket around 5K for these items in the past 2 years. Can I get reimbursed for this?
First of all, you gave to get your primary care Dr to put in an order for what ever you need. It all starts there.
My rating is 70% but they are paying me at 100%, My rating should be 100% but they tell me to leave it alone and not pursue it Thoughts on this please???
Same exact thing with me and I would like to hear this answer also
As long as you getting loo% leave it along.
It should have been approved after 1 year of unemployment at 100%. Better check it out.
Over the years VA has managed to convince veterans that once you are rated at 100%, that’s it! NOT TRUE!! Many have disabilities that effect their lives in ways that do not get compensated fairly. If you are 100%, start looking into whether you would qualify for SMC. SMC is Special Monthly Compensation. These SMC’s can pay many times the rate in dollars for certain combinations that hinder your movement and/or your ability to cope with daily living. For instance, some combinations of physical and mental conditions can pay up to $9,000 monthly. Your best path to being compensated fairly is to talk to your State Dept of Veterans affairs. Not the Fed dept that we all call simply the VA. Unlike the Fed dept of VA, there is no conflict of interest when dealing with your state Dept of Veteran’s Affairs. They are very effective and the cost is Zero. The labels put on these special conditions are called L, L 1/2 M + M and 1/2 etc. The 100% level is the biggest rip-off on the list of compensible conditions.
Always send in new medical evidence to add to your file. St 70% you need to keep filing until you get your 100% only then should you stop
Because if you don’t stop trying to get the hundred percent evaluation they will maybe realize that they’re giving you a hundred percent disability money for a 70% problem you need to keep fighting for the hundred percent evaluation if not they may want the money back from you
All BS a World War II Vet USN and Phil-Guerilla have been claiming for 73 yrs and Memorial Day was not able to get his disability benefits
Have been denied several and multiple times even the VA PCP for A and A. Application was denied when he was legally blind, wheelchairbond like bed redden, handicap, can’t stand on his on, spoon fed was denied by evaluator , a conspiracy, fraudulant co- evaluator VA are the same the government is truly fuck up. The irony he was dead now their sending a respond to the claims after 73 yrs is absolute negligence,discrimination with his illnesses got in Guam and USN RECSTA in 1946-1948
USN Service.. A discrimination w/his race besides being exposed to bikini Atolll ☢️ Nuclear testing. And according to GAO Guam was exposed to AO starting 1940 to present. I hope VA Chairman seen this, or any Senators, Congressman, Atty General and FBI . This should be a civil case now , but we’re waiting for Appeal to decide yet. He receive $67 only.
Jamie Resh – Helps Veterans
(702) 483-7360
[email protected]
Leave it alone. I am in the same boat. I applied and got 10% for tinnitus but my original rating stayed at 70%. I would say that the only time it makes a difference is when you are not rated at 100% or receiving money at the 100% rating.
My only comment would be what would be the advantage if you pursue it and get 100%. Your current I would guess IU provides for the same benefits/compensation as 100% disabled.
I applied for PTSD, while I was in Viet Nam I saw my best friend killed by a 500 lb bomb exploding under his vehicle it was an event that has started to resurface in my reams at night. I wake up in night sweats, nightmares, and my wife says that I begin to talk in my sleep about the explosion. I had applied early for PTSD related to CRSC and was told I had to prove it happened in Viet Nam. Does anyone have any take or advice on this.
You just proved it by your statement of the event. Now just go to a private doctor with this info and get a nexus letter for what you know as a what happened to you.. don’t give up its all about t he wording. Visit VA.GOV it will provide you with the most informative route to take..
He’s right ! Half of the injuries aren’t documented. Who has time to put down on paper what happened in every situation especially on the battlefield.
Semper Fi
DJS
Amen. Each traumatic event is personal to that individual. Who puts all that down?
Unfortunately you have to bring yourself to put it all down or you won’t get approved. Start seeing a psychiatrist regularly and they will document it all. Then you will have a legitimate MD treating you for the PTSD and it is hard to deny a legitimate psychiatrists recommendations. Also start going to therapy.
Yes that’s right.we were proud of our squadron and just wanted to be number one. If we got sick or hert we didn’t run down to sick bay and cry out oh doc.it hurts.we carried on, limping, sore,herting and got the mission done.thats what was drilled into us.now years later that want documentation to prove you injured yourself on there watch.hell I could have been on light or no duty for months if I went to sick bay.now for being gunshot I get jack shit cause I have no proof.BULLSHIT.GO RED RIPPERS
They have to take your word for it since you were in Vietnam.
Get a disability lawyer.. you will have to pay them a certain amount AFTER u win but its worth it. They work really hard to get that money from you.
That’s right, after using, vfw, red cross, and everybody else I was turned down every time since 1987, and I had evidence, it was until I used the lawyers,took a while but it was worth it, 100%.
You have to get your primary doc to include this trauma in your permanent record first and ask him to put in for a shrink. Get the shrink to diagnose you with having PTSD. Very important. God Bless you.
Jamie Resh – Helps Veterans
(702) 483-7360
[email protected]
If that was the issue all you need is your DD 214 to prove boots on the ground in Vietnam.
Hellmy name is Edward Brickmathis VA DISABILITY IS DISHONORABLE SLAP IN THE FLAG TO REAL SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN OH HAVE A FOLDER FROM ACCIDENTS TO HOSTILE FIRE, TO INJURYS AND ON AVERAGE 11 DEATHS A YEAR. I WAS I HAD PTSD THE DRUGS YALL Gve me caused poor dissicions and complete and total Embarrassing dignity stripping and sorry to say BD .
I AM WISH TGE GOVERNMENT TOOK HALF AS GOOD CARE OF ME AND MY FAMILY AS I DID MY COUNTRY. ALL I GOT AGTER A MEDALING FIRST FOUR TO ADDICTION I BEG HALP FOR EVEN CACK LEVEL 3. You said wasn’t messed up enough only messed up enough to get OTH discharged. You’ll ruined my life you screwed my future and now I a veteran of foreign to war with a crypto flash clearance the same guy itwho attained one of the rarest medals is n our service and personal medal for valor honor courage a med selfless from the governor of Giam. Now I’m I’m still working hurt to pay for a shrink after screwing my wife and kids up through self medication. I have all the proof I doubt you’ll have the fortitude and courage to reach back out and help me. My service records are list I can’t better my education in college because the NAVY WONT SEND MY HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY Paperwork from Millington Tennessee. And I’ve wrote to get my total wrong doing OTH OVERTURNED
BUT HAVE BEEN DENIED I RECEIVED AN N HONORABLE DISCHARGE AND THATS THE FACTS THE GOVERNOR HIRT ME MENTALLY PHYSICALLY EMOTIONALLY AND 22000 DOLLARS FINANCIALLY FR AN SRB THAT YOU SHOULD GIVE NACK AND PAY TO FIX MY CREDIT EHICH HAS COST ME ON AVERAGE 122K SINCE 1995
I CAME I SRVED I GOT DESTROYED AND WAS NEVER HELPED OR ASKED THEN YOU TOOK MY GI BILL MONEY THAT I PAYED FOR A STOLE it and kept it my email address is [email protected] my phone # is 864 328 6731. By the way making me an alcoholiyall are bad for that tell if no g a 18 scared to death to drink constantly and pills for pain. I scratched up 3450000 for 11 rehabs God he graced me with I’ve been clean and sober for 6 years. You wouldn’t even give me health or the college I paid for. What to you did was worse than wrong. Mexacins get more including cash and housing education and I’ll healthcare in less than 24 hours of illegally entering MY COUNTRY EVEN THOUGH YOU DIDN’T LOVE OR RESPECT ME I ALWAYS DID YOU. P. S. THE AFFF, AND TGE SHITTY EARPLUGS AS ND THE NO uv protection screwed me to up
I’ve gotta limp dick, can’t see, bad liver heavy PTSD AND PARKINSON’S, YOUR REALLY RUINED MY LIFE . I HEAVE 17 COPIES OF THIS FROM Lyndsey Gram to CINCPAC FLEET, EVEN BIDEN (WOW)YOU OUGHTTA GIVE HIM A POOR DISHARGED BECAUSE LIEING IS NOT HONORABLE
AND ALL PARTIES KNOW YOU GOT ONE , SO PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING HELP ME HELP MYSELF.
WITH KIND REGARDS
EDWARD A. BRICKMAN.
Looking for VA discounts call 419.261.4289
my husband is a 100% disabled veteran. first let me say thank you men and women for your service. what i do know about ratings that they don’t tell you getting out is everything on the left side of your medical file is HOW THEY GOT YOU. and EVERYTHING ON THE RIGHT SIDE is TOTALLY CLAIMABLE. so please look at your medical file. I’ve helped many veterans in what they can and can’t file for you also and get 2 clothing allowances for braces and oinments because they damage your clothing. it used to be just one clothing allowance. was funny the day we went in to the va office i was reading the vangard mag.and it was on the last page stating you could get 2 clothing allowances a year. the service provider told me no you cn only have one i then showed him no you can get 2 allowance he was shocked. needless to say my husband got the 2 clothing allowances hehehe and the service provider got some information.
My husband is Vietnam vet. Had Valley fever when enlisted; now has dementia. How can VA help? What are your thoughts?
Please check VA.GOV they have new filing info about this issue.
How do you apply for the clothing allowance
Did not like hearing that Biden is thinking of sending Doctors from our VETRANS Hospital to our southern borders. Well again this administration must feeling that taking care of non Americans citizens is more important than VETRANS that service our country. These Americans in order to keep American Free paid at all cost which isn’t FREE. Yet you make the laws to give non citizens that come into our country illegally what we fought for and paid the price of being one hundred percent disability. You need to reconsider your priorities and not give illegals more than our VETRANS. Let me give you a law from the people that you are supposed to represent. Term limits, same healthcare that we have, can’t be lobbies for six years after their term in office and no vacation when not working in Congress.
I don’t understand how you in Congress made a law that states that widows of VETERANS that are one hundred percent disability with honorable discharge does not get their spouse disability? Yet Congress passed a bill for themselves that there’s spouses get half of their salary. Give me a break the spouse gets six fingers. How could the Congress that makes the law pay their spouses six fingers and don’t allow the people they work for have nothing to say about what we think you spouses should received? And you have the audacity to even quote, “ We must follow the rule of law”. You should have added all but POLITICIANS, “ POLITICIANS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO DOUBLE STANDARD”.
Congress is control of these. President powers can only do so much by pasting executive orders; they aren’t law only congress can Pasa laws that last
This will never end because people vote by party instead of common sense. People forget that our spouse not only took care of our homes while we were deployed, but now currently take care of us while we are now disabled. When we joined the service we were in our physical prime and some of us left the service with disabling disabilities, which now our spouses need to take care of us. And after all of our spouses service to our country, when we pass they get nothing more than a folded flag. I hope we Veterans, Service members and family members of Military members remind Politicianers that our service has a price that no dollar amount can ever cover, but at a minimum they should think of our Spouses. Our Spouses sacrificed more than their Political Spouse.
Please take into consideration the inflation rates that are going on across the country. For many years 100% disabled veteran were receiving substantial pay and enough to support a family. Now however the price increases have us struggling to make ends meet. Our annual raise is not enough to compensate for the increasing rates of everything. Jobs are paying more now to compensate for this and now veterans who have families are struggling on poverty level income.
I was a firefighter a
And riding behind fire engines open cab and sirens not to mention going into building s with alarms going off for 4 years without hearing protection they gave me a mere 10 percent. And said my hearing did not meat their criteria for loss of hear but the have me using hearing aids
Congress makes sure they get a big raise every year. We get barely a small one.
I was in the Army from 1966 – 1968. I agree, not a long time, but I did serve my country. I am retired and only bring in around $1000.00 per month. But that makes no difference to the VA. If I have to drive to Little Rock (100 miles) for to Fayetteville, AR ( 70 miles) for treatment, I have to pay for my own transportation. I had to have a sleep apnea test and they sent me to Springfield, MO. (200 miles) I had to pay for that myself. Twice I had to go to the hospital in Ft. Smith and was taken by ambulance both times. (46 miles). The first one cost me $960.00 the second one $1800.00. Why did I have to pay for my own transportation? Their excuse was because I make too much money to qualify for mileage transportation assistance. Someone explain to me how $1100.00 SSI is making too much money!
Are you service connected? Did you apply for travel? What your income is has nothing to do with travel reimbursement for medical. I would start asking more questions if it was required by the VA to travel for medical treatment. Service Connection will play a roll though SSI will not.
I agree with the other reply that when the VA sends you for a study they are on the hook for the mileage. Go thru your primary care doc for help and they should reimburse you. Good luck.
I don’t understand what’s happening here but every time I was sent to an evacuation setup by the VA I have always been reimbursed for my mileage to and from you need to get in touch with the VA find out why
Hi Joe,
I understand your frustration. You should have received reimbursement for all your travel expenses. When I lived in Texas, I took many trips to Oklahoma for VA care without any compensation. When I moved to NC, I had to drive about 70 miles to the nearest VA Clinic for dental care. It was then that I found out I was eligible for travel reimbursement, and it has ‘Zero’ to do with how much money you make. The dental tech asked me if I lived local or had to travel for this appointment. I responded I traveled and she handed me a clipboard with a Travel Reimbursement Form on it and told me to fill out the ‘highlighted areas’. Over time I found out that this entire VA Facility (I also see a specialist and primary care provider) takes the time to actually ask its’ patients about travel history when the patient checks-in or checks-out. They in-turn give all those forms to the Travel Office each day. The only hiccup is when the VA sends you to a Civilian Provider. The CP has zero to do with travel forms. In this instance, after contacting my ‘Local’ VA Travel Office, I had to download and fill out the form from the VA site, and mail the form to the given address (be sure to have the doctor’s address and phone number for the form). You can also ask for this form from the referring VA Provider’s Office on your next visit, (fill out form, hand it to receptionist, and let them send it to travel). You can also back-date forms and send them to travel. Joe, you and every Veteran deserves this benefit. I hope you and other Veterans find this info helpful. Remember, if you travelled from outside the VA Facility’s local area, and this Travel Form is not offered to you, surprise them and ASK for it.
I have had problems with both ears and Sleep APNEA for Over 10 years, without a ratings for, and only 10% for both ears.
Go to a Sleep Apnea Specialist (Doctor) and have him connect Sleep Apnea to when you were in the Service. VA Judge Awarded Veteran Sleep Apnea Due to Tinnitus.
Give me a call and I will send you the Award.
269-719-8797 Felton or email me [email protected] I will be more than delighted to HELP YOU!
When I retired in 1989, I made no claims for disability. I figured that I walked into the military in 1969 and walked out in 1989. For 15 1.2 years I played the Airborne game, and a few years later that came back at me in the form of bad knees and hips. Working around military helicopters during and after retirement did no favors for my hearing either. When I finally did apply to VA, I was pretty much told I was classified as such a low priority that I didn’t need to bother them anymore. Meanwhile, while working as a contractor I saw supply people who were claiming PTSD for just being in Iraq or Afghanistan. They never left a supply room in the time they were there and depending how well they put their stories together are now drawing up to 100%. And the ones who got lower ratings are sometimes chipping away piece by piece to increase as close as possible to that 100%. If the VA wants to save some money, they should go back and re-evaluate every claim of PTSD that has been made in the past 30 years. Maybe then there would be room for people who really need disability assistance.
Don’t hate on other soldiers just because you waited so long and were denied. Try to get your while not hating on other soldiers. You don’t know what their experiences were or what they were exposed to.
Agreed 💯!
No. You need to appeal. Your theory. Is such B.S. get a lawyer and APPEAL
Jamie Resh – Helps Veterans
(702) 483-7360
[email protected]
Just because those veterans worked in supply and didn’t see combat doesn’t mean that the reality of living in the middle of a war zone didn’t effect their mental health. You should really stop judging and comparing yourself to other veterans and start working on your own mental health claims through the VA. 🤷🏻♀️🇺🇸
I Dennis USMC, also like the solider who spent his tour in Vietnam, have been trying for Agent Orange now for 7 years, & hearing problems for 10 years. 1 year 1969, Cag unit in a village outside Hue city, also we would see them spraying, but had no idea what they were spraying. I had throat operating laser poylps removed from my throat, & now I have trouble talking & worst swallowing my food. The doctor who did the operation won’t right a prescription so I can file more information. I guess at 73 they wait for me to die. well my next physical at the VA, they might have to call the police, if I don’t get some disability payments. For my hearing also, they gave me hearing aids but not even 10%. Well wish me good luck. Good luck for all other veterans who are having the same issues.
I was having the same problem with the VA for some years, I lost my hearing in my left ear, and partially lost in my right ear. I was given hearing aids for both ears. I was rated 10% for my right ear but was told the loss of hearing in my left ear wasn’t service-connected. Later I was talking to my ENT doctor and told him what was happening. He checked my record and told me it was how the previous doctor that first reviewed my loss wrote the problem up. This doctor rewrote the problem and in less than two months my disability was increased.
To how much
My daughters had a friends father who was in Viet Nam and affected by Agent Orange. He died a horrible death in the 1990s. To the end the VA never acknowledged that his exposure the Agent Orange had anything to do with the cancer raging thru his body. Best wishes and good luck going forward. I served in 70-73 but never got deployed outside of the US.
In 1984 they had an Agent Orange registry.
The best reference is written by a former VA adjudicator named
John Roche
It’s titled :
The veterans survival guide to the VA.
Wrote another book:
Claim denied
How to apppeal.
Also:
Veterans PTSD guide
To VA.
This man was an VA adjudication counselor and got terminated after 9 years for helping veterans as a VA employee..
These publications are not regurgitation of VA regulations.The premise is if you present a robust and well grounded claim by following his suggestions, you will get your disability .
rating.
I know as I tried it on my own for 10 plus years with marginal success, if any.
Most service officers don’t have a clue and these books should be required reading for them.
Within 90 days I had my full Disabilty 100% rating. There’s not a lot of fluff in them. He outlines what the VA can and can’t do.. He lays out court decisions affecting VA disability claims.
One little known fact is that if you’re on 100% social security disability, that is prima face evidence the VA must award you same.
Get these books. Fairly cheap on Amazon.
Regards to my brother and sister warriors,
CW2 Michael Stanton
United States Army Aviation.
Alaska
Very good information. To get anywhere you must learn how the system works and the newer websites for v.a. are much greatly improved . Know your status ,where to obtain records of service, and bust your ass learning every thing you can so you can build your case off your healthcare and service records. Politeness is always helpful when asking for answers . Good written notes about issues is helpful keep you on point
I am suspicious about this re-evaluation of previously adjudicated veteran status. I think the purpose of the exercise is to down grade veteran benefits and administratively cut VA costs. I was told a few months ago that I was not exposed to Agent Orange during 19 moths as a combat infantryman in I Corps, IICorps, & III Corps – Dec 1965-66 & Dec 67- May 68. I cannot get a service rep to call me back. Covid seems to have paralyzed these guys advocacy for veterans. I ate, slept and fought in deforested area and was even in areas while they were being sprayed – and magically I was not exposed to AO – but guys out on the high seas were? What gives here?
I came down with pre-diabetes in 1973, and the VA kept turning me down saying I didn’t have pre-diabetes back then.. I was going to the DAV for help and my rep there requested an adjudicator for my case. When the judge saw me I gave him a note that the last civilian doctor I saw wrote the JAMMA, chapter, and paragraph that covered pre-diabetes. I already had four “letters” on file from previous doctors. One month later I received a letter from the adjudicator saying my diabetes pre-diabetes back in 1973, had been approved, and it was based on the “note” that the last doctor wrote.
A mi me pasaba lo mismo que a usted despues de estar luchando desde el 1982 fue akora en el 2022 que me disabilitaron por agent orange trata con la american legion que te representen
I’m a Vietnam vet.The VA in Rivera Beach,Florida has been a blessing to me.They have always been there when I needed them.THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!
(USMC combat vet; I Corps Vietnam 1/67 – 4/69. Now rated 100% with VA). It took years to get that rating. Had I been trying to accomplish that on my own, I would probably be fighting the Court of Appeals still. With that in mind, here’s what worked for me that might also help others: I used a Veterans Advocate, who was certified by the VA, to file and follow up on any and all claims on my behalf. Certification, or so I think, meant he was knowledgeable about what was necessary for the way information and the proper paperwork fit the VA protocols. He also employed an attorney to represent me in court when having an attorney was a requirement. Yes, there are different ways that work. There are law firms dedicated to helping vets. Bottom line: seek help filing all claims. It’ll cost you a few bucks but most reps will work for you on contingency.
How can I have access to my medical records
Depending on military unit but USAF ST LOUIS Records depository
If they received the records after their fire! Some of mine were lost.
I have been trying to upgrade my percentage for years. I have had both the American Legion and the DAV try and help, but nothing. What really peeves me that I know Officers who send no more a week or two in the field are getting 100% and none of them have a Purple Heart. Why gives?
Prior to going to the DAV and having a representative work my case I was having an uphill fight with the VA on my disability. In my first physical with the VA, I was awarded 10% non-compensatory, which lasted for more than 10 years. The first change came approx ten years later when I received 20%, in 2010, I received another 20%, In 2019, my ENT doctor I was seeing rewrote my hearing problem and my rating was increased to 100%. The name of the game by the VA is to wear you out so you give up – you just have to have plenty of tenacity. Another thing I found out it’s how the doctors write up your problem in the first place.
VA ain’t perfect. I’m a Nam vet. They did help some when I really needed it. We should be thankful for what we do get. Them Russian boys is all drafted, and I think they get nuthin. God bless America. At least we got the VA, DAV, VFW, and Legion. Here at least lots of folks try.
I couldn’t agree more with you. Before I became a VHA employee, I too had some issues with the VA which were resolved by a VFW rep who was working out of the VA Benefits office.
Every VA hospital has a Patient Advocate that does have some clout. I suggest that if you strongly believe that you have a medical problem that is not being resolved, that you first find them/contact them and speak with them..
Contacting your local congress man/women is fairly effective as well. Responding to Congressional Inquiries is a high priority at the VA.
The organizations you mentioned, the VFW, DAV and Amer Legion are good resources as well, whether you belong to their organizations or not.
I am a Vietnam combat veteran. I can’t say enough good about the VA and the great treatment I have received.
Amen Brother
🤗❤️🙏☝️☝️☝️
VFW never gave a rats ass about Vietnam vets……… until all their old WW2 vets started dying off. Then they needed us for dues money to stay open. I went to VFW with my Dad after I got out of Army in 1967. I wore my dress greens, with CIB earned in 25th Inf. We sat at the bar drinking a few beers. My Dad was a Guadalcanal Vet and a life member of the VFW. He introduced me to some of his Buddies and after a while, they started to harass me about not being in a REAL WAR. I was ready to fight, but my Dad stood up and told them all to go F themselves. He never went back. I never went to a VFW ever again.
i had both arms broken in the army and my left foot ,now i have newrophy in both feet feet and nerve damage i have to wear special shoes an braces on my feet and legs up to my knees full time 24 hours a day ,the v.a wont help me ,the people that sit in a chair at the v.a and give you a disability rating wont deal with me ,i wonder how many of them board member were ever in combat or in service they need to retired some of them people at the v.a. as well some one should be checking up on these people that run the disability boards how come ,C.,B.S OR N.BC or A.B.C CHECK up on things for us ., take care of what happening in this country .
Nailed it .Board members should be combat injured vets who understand what it’s like
Except they can’t because they’ll have to give up their VA rating to be on the board.
Yay government
WHEN I APPLIED FOR NEUROPHY OF THE LEGS AND FEET THEY DENIED ME SAYING YOU HAVE 18 MONTHS FROM TIME YOU LEAVE COUNTRY TO THE TIME YOU FILE A CLAIM…
Go to the DAV and see a representative or one of the other organizations. In most cases, they are a great help.
I’m a navy veteran with many documented injuries I’ve been fighting the VA for over 2 years to get a upgrade. But to no avail they just keep sending me back 8 trips to the vep for the same issues the system is broken and we are suffering for it.
I complained about ptsd in 1968 when I was discharged. But nothing was done for 30 some years.im now 100% with service connected ptsd. What about back pay?
If you had previously filed a PTSD disability claim that was initially denied, and then approved, I believe that you are eligible for back pay starting from the date of your initial filing at the amount commensurate to the disability percentage approved.
If that’s the case then I suggest that you contact the VA’s Compensation and Pension department.
I apply in 1999 where is my background pay
I am a Vietnam Veteran. In 1969 upon discharge I complained about PTSD symptoms to be told by the VA doctors that I was just a big baby. As the years went bye PTSD was finally acknowledged. Recently I diagnosed with Leukemia. The VA request proof the Leukemia was from toxin exposure. My own doctor would not give me a written report. All medical journals, every thing that I have read is verification of toxin exposure but always the burden proof is placed back on Veterans. I am 100% permanent disable veteran. Two years in combat, I have seen so much. So many friends killed and lives destroyed. The VA cannot care for veterans. How can VA doctors take care of Veteran when they there themselves are worry about there own jobs there bias, when they themselves fought in war so long ago that was so different.
I HAVE HAD A NON VET REP FOR THE VA DENY ME EVEN PUTTING IN A CLAIM…IT WAS A VETERN REP THAT WROTE UP AND FILED A CLAIM THAT GOT ME A HEARING FOR PTSD AND THEN OTHER ILLNESS GOT ME HIGHER…AS FOR ALL THE DOCTORS
AND NURSES I HAVE HAD TAKEN CARE OF ME I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS, THERE ARE KEEPING ME ALIVE BY TAKING CARE OF TWO CANCERS…
I have Agent Orange from Vietnam I tried to get help from the Va in 1966 was told Yooschu don’t get help your income is too high. I tried 3 more times in two states got the same answer. In 1987 I was told by the Va that there was no limit to what a bam vet could make. I have had 36 cancer’s taking off me. Spinal meningitis and only getting 30%.
When change comes to the VA from Biden you can bet we are all screwed and tatooed.
Take your political comment and stick it where the sun don’t shine. It’s not appropriate nor needed here.
I guess some of us are not “brothers and sisters” So much for Semper Fi for Russell!! Apparently he doe not need any VA assistance…so sad this kind of comment
First of all, I’m a US Army vet. Served as a SF Medic in Viet Nam from 69-70, have a 70% service connected rating and am sick & tired of political trolls who never miss an opportunity to spew their S*”T. I also retired from the VHA and know all to well that not every vet is a good person nor a good soldier.
In other words, not individuals that I would consider Bro’s.
BS. Biden doesnt give a crap anout veterans!!!
Russell get your head out of it!
Sounds like a brainwashed trump flunkie statement to me.
BS. Biden doesnt give a crap anout veterans!!!
Really??
Well at least he doesn’t refer to POW’s & KIA’s as “Losers”.
DAMN RIGHT!!!!
I was just getting ready to say the same thing. But I have to say this, when I retired from the AF in Sep 1981, the then-president Ronald Reagon sent a letter to the VA saying that retired military would no longer be treated as veterans, and we could only receive help for those illnesses we had while in service. His reason was retirees received a retirement check. So that meant someone who served at least 90 days could get all the help they needed regardless of when they got sick.
Russell — Based on all of your comments, you sound like you need help! You and everybody else that put the uniform on, did so for many reasons, one being, to enable the freedoms that we as Americans possess today. As such, everybody is gifted with Freedom of Speech to articulate what they see, feel and believe. Don’t be a tool!
Well said!
TOTALLY AGREE
From Biden?…fox much?
They may be changing but too late for my vet. He was waiting for an appt. for a simi;e chest xray to see what was wrong. He waited a month. Could not sleep anywhere but his chair for the whole month. Could not breate well. He was taken to nearest er which they tell you to do. No beds and oncologist at Va hospital so sent him to a downtown civilian hospital. He stayed for a week because he had developed pneumonia in both lungs. Barely over that they started chemo for multiple myilomia. Ok, here was a 78 year old man in bad health is given a standard, too strong made him very sick. Rushed to hospital again, released not a va hospital butgg the same civilian. Next treatment was lower but he still wasn’t able to take it. By then he had A fib and kidney problems. His death certificate says heart problems and kidney failure. It should have said chemo posioning
So instead of having a few more years with us, he has been gone two years. and I did not receive the tad of money because he did not die in a military hospital.
I appreciate your helping Military get good Home Warranties at good lower prices.
But I want to point out to you the Main problem is most have not been honest about HIVAC air conditioner coverage. They all that I have checked including CHOICE Home Warranty that is Rated at #1 in satisfaction.
I had coverage with them for many years concerned primarily with my AC and Heating system.
Mine finally failed this last May but it had been going bad for at least last three years. I had to have a new system installed for $12500.00. After much todo back and forth they only would rebate to me $500.00 which I refused the payment so after all the years paying into them I got ZERO dollars back. I found that they had a max limit of around $1500.00 whioch wouldn’t begin to pay for the required new system, building codes require new system installs use the new medioa fluid fluid.. I am now a part of a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT with the State of Arizona Attorney General but they didn’t give much hope of my receiviny the total cost to me.
I cancelled with them and although they almost all use ion their advertisement repair or replacement of the HIVAC system. They all have a maxpayout limit with the highest amount of only $2500.00 limit.
So I think the aid to military and Vets is not a solution unless you get an agreement that they will place no limits on replacement.
You are right about getting anywhere close to replacement cost, that applies to anything. Right now I have ServicePlus and my washing machine broke last July 2021, They said it was too old and would only award me $250, not the actual replacement cost. I have been waiting nine months and still have not received my money. My garage door opener went out in Aug 2021, they sent me the money two weeks ago.
Do you know you have any information on PTSD? I have a terrible time with that. I’ve been to many doctors and the one doctor who is treating me now is trying out anew(for me) drug called Ketamine witch he said that it has helped many people who have PTSD. Do you know about this drug; (injectable type)?
I am a Vietnam vet with a 60% disability, I also have hypertension which makes it difficult for me to work, because any type of stress at all (even driving) pushes my blood pressure up to 175 or more in no time.
When will this be addressed, (Unemployability?
You need to apply for IU on a 21-8940.
I believe that when you reach 60% from a single medical issue or 70% combined, you should be able to get your 100% for Individual Unemployability. You need only to file your claim.