OSC

Mine was originally claimed as “hypertension 0% Service Connected 07/18/2012” and then as “nephropathy with hypertension (also claimed as kidney disease condition, kidney disorder) (formerly DC 7101) 60% Service Connected 08/17/2014”

I don't check it as much now either, but a couple of months ago I also was having problems with the logon. It was taking me 3 or 4 tries before I could get on. When I checked it now, just a couple of minutes ago, they seemed to have that problem fixed and I got on first try. I'm sure there will be more problems with it later, but life will go on and I'll deal with it. OSC

My dependents claim was filed last year in October 2015 to add my new wife...and it was finally closed just a few days ago. I really wish that the "General" was still working at the VA. OSC

I would just ask the person you received that verbal approval from for the LOA. When I was hospitalized last time in the Philippines. the LOA was of course issued by the VA in Manila. Since you are in a country without a VAMC/VARO and dealing directly with the FMP side of the house, you probably should direct your request when you ask for their coverage. When I checked out of the hospital there was a split bill waiting for me which needed to be paid before they would allow me to leave. I paid for my NON-Service Connected portion of the bill in cash and the VA had authorized direct billing for the Service Connected portion. But, if you are satisfied and comfortable with a verbal agreement with the VA, then the LOA point is moot. OSC

Congrats on getting your claim taken care of. You are right in your statement of "renewed faith", I am glad that the VA paid instead of doing their normal foot drag. Other Vets reading this should also be happy that the system actually did work for you and not give up on their particular type of claim...again Congrats. LOA is Letter of Authorization which is the VA's permission (but as you stated above, the LOA was never issued). Don't party too much with the Baht you will get, causing any more heart problems...lol. OSC

You have a copy of the LOA listing what was being covered and the amounts that were authorized for payment don't you?? OSC

WHAT????? Only TWICE a day???? When I was waiting for my claim to finish, I was checking TWICE an hour.... And then finally, on one of those checkings you do , there will be a change to your account and your stomach will feel like it did as a kid on Christmas Day. You will then panic and start mashing buttons on your keyboard so you can see what they are saying. We have all been there, waiting and suffering from the eBenefits affliction....this I'm sorry to say is the norm, but in the end, worth the wait. Good luck with your claim. OSC

Well if and when they pay, then they will pay... The most important think is that it appears that the surgery was successful and you are on the road to recovery. Get well soon. OSC

I am not so sure, I would be messing around with a FDC as I would not want to chance having it convert to a standard claim. I did find this one reference http://www.benefits.va.gov/fdc/walkthrough.asp and scroll down to the verification section where you are certifying that you are sending in no additional evidence. Now whether the VA will consider sending in any evidence, even for a new claim as grounds for conversion, I'm not sure. But knowing the VA, I would not want to take that chance. OSC

It is called a "HAT". OSC

Yep…that’s normal eBenefits and the standard response they give the thousands of other Vets when they call requesting information. We have all been through the same thing as you. So all you can do is relax as NOTHING you do will make it go any faster. All you will do is frustrate yourself even more. You are lucky…At least you can see that someone is actually DOING something with your claim. As others have said in the past, get a hobby like knitting or underwater bowling; something that takes your mind off the snail pace movement of your claim; as it will be done when it is done. Best of luck. OSC

I think if this was me, I would take a copy of ALL of my evidence to an attorney and run it by them. I'm not sure if a VSO would really be helpful in your particular case. Good luck as it sounds like you might have a few bucks coming your way. OSC

11cvolley, Thanks to the questioning by TexasMarine, I can make a couple of recommendations to you. I have lived in the Philippines for the past year and half and can say that for the most part I have enjoyed myself and am very happy I made the decision to retire here. My VA Compensation more than covers everything along with my Social Security. My wife and I live in a western style apartment with rent at about $850 (including electric) per month. This is considered a very high lifestyle and comes at a lot higher price than what else is available. Rents depending upon how you want to live can be as low as $300 to $400 per month or sometimes even less. Eating regular PI street food can be as low as $250 per month, however we eat a lot better than that. Transportation can be as low as 25 cents depending upon distance. So the answer is yes you can definitely live on $3000 per month, it is very doable. Medical is an issue as only your Service Connected items are taken care of at the VA Clinic in Manila…and that is limited. All other medical is cash out of pocket and NOT equal to US standards. Before I moved over here, I made a few trips as a civilian plus MANY port visits, while I was in the Navy, in and out of Subic. I wanted to make sure this would be the correct move for me. I recommend you take a couple of weeks off to spend over here looking around to see if this move is what you REALLY want to do. Reading brochures about the Philippines and watching you-tube is a lot different than living here; you need to experience the life. This site is more for VA info and not about moving overseas, so you might want to check out http://www.expatforum.com for more travel information. OSC

I have a great relationship with my doctor's STAFF and if there is something I want to make sure to "add for the record", I will tell them also about that issue. Letting more ears know what is going on has always been good for me and I think they do most of the work anyway. OSC