VA Scandals
Shreddergate and other scandals
On the 13th of October, 2008, VA Watchdog dot Org broke the story about documents found in shredder bins at the VA's Detroit Regional Office.
A number of those documents were critical to veterans' disability claims.
As the story unfolded, VA finally began to release information on the incident and we learned that more than one Regional Office was involved in this shredder scandal.
The VA's Office of Inspector General (VAOIG) is investigating.
VA has instituted new guidelines regarding handling of documents.
362 topics in this forum
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This really sucks!!! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100729/ap_on_go_co/us_arlington_cemetery
Last reply by *Bergie*, -
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In 2021, military fraudsters stole $257 million from service members and Veterans. In recent testimony to the House Oversight and Reform Committee on National Security, the Federal Trade Commission stated that this number is a 162% increase from the previous year. Further, the data indicates that the average amount of money lost by military scam victims is a 20% increase from non-military scam victims. You won't believe how much money fraudsters have stolen from Veterans - VA News
Last reply by MilvetHD, -
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Not sure where to post this. Please feel free to move or delete if inappropriate here. it explains why I have struggled so much with my claim this time. Hope it’s a sign for change on the current one. A few of my old claims they closed are now listed as currently being appealed in the issue tab. Hopefully that just means they will change the effective date. https://www.va.gov/oig/publications/report-summary.asp?id=5194
Last reply by Mr cue, -
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You know, for several years I wondered where all the records were going that I was sending to the Seattle RO. I had signature required mailings and they were being signed for at the address they were sent to, but the VA continued to deny they received them. Three different mailings before they admitted receipt of. When I would say John Doe signed for the packages they would deny that person existed. Then I found out in 2010 that Seattle RO was one of those found shredding documents in the mail room. Disgusting, and the IG should have investigated further and criminal charges should have been filed against those who ordered this action
Last reply by broncovet, -
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"Two Arkansas Men Indicted on Fraud Charges 3/3/2022 9:00 AM EDT Hunter Matthew Burroughs and Stephen Keith Andrews were indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for their roles in three separate conspiracies to defraud the US government and private workers’ compensation insurers. Their alleged crimes include a billing and kickback fraud scheme with multiple physicians and medical clinics and separate fraud schemes involving the shipment of medications from Arkansas to two Louisiana physicians, who then distributed those medications from their clinics in violation of Louisiana laws. Additionally, Burroughs was charged with wire fraud for allegedly …
Last reply by Whodat, -
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"10 Feb 2022 Military.com | By Patricia Kime "Roughly 4,000 patients at a Georgia Veterans Affairs hospital have been advised to get tested for several blood-borne viruses following concerns over the facility's sterilization procedures for reusable medical devices. Veterans at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center are being notified that they need to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV following a discovery that the durable medical equipment used during their procedures "may not have received all the necessary steps for complete and safe reprocessing," according to press release sent to WMAZ-TV of Macon, Georgia.The medical center halted all…
Last reply by Berta, -
Vet's need to be aware of this info. It could mean the difference between healing and living a healthy life -vs- dying at the hands of an unqualified quack. Benjamin Krause usually helps a lot in the VR&E arena, but he does keep his eyes open to some good info. A government investigation showed many providers were ineligible to participate in the VA community care program. Ineligible providers are not supposed to be included in the referral system and are therefore unqualified for the role for some reason or another. But they were included, anyway. An estimated 1,600 ineligible providers were identified. This problem of VA improperly …
Last reply by Berta, -
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https://nffe.org/nffe_news/triumph-va-agrees-to-rescind-patient-recording-policy-after-nffe-takes-action-to-protect-employee-and-patient-privacy-patient-privacy/ This might be old, but I just found it, because I was wondering if I could record VA employees. Well, it seems the VA is really all about the fox guarding the hen house. Just look at the wording from the NFFE. “I am very proud that NFFE was able to stop this harmful and short-sighted policy change that would have opened a Pandora’s Box of problems at the VA.” This is a clear argument that they don't want VA problems to come to court, voter view, or to government inspection. Ask yourself, "why wo…
Last reply by InfantryAndIntel, -
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Hello I know some of you have already dealt with this. I have dealt with some extremely bad VA employees from nurses, to doctors, to counter workers, to psychologists. Just wanted to pick everyone's brains on what's the best method to expose and get bad employees out of the VA. We all know, it's been well documented, the VA protects bad employees. We also know that the VA does not have the proper funding to attract good people. Does anyone have any concrete ways to get bad VA employees out? You know the ones I'm talking about, no concern for Veterans, but love that paycheck! Bad attitudes, ignoring problems, protecting VA corruption, etc. Patient advocate won…
Last reply by Berta, -
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Looks like Alabama is trying to get the VA to do something about the hazardous chemical and radiation exposure for those who served at Fort McClellan, Alabama... https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2021-10-18/fort-mcclellan-chemicals-veterans-illnesses-3287557.html?utm_source=Stars+and+Stripes+Emails&utm_campaign=de84a0aca8-Newsletter+-+Veterans+news&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0ab8697a7f-de84a0aca8-296777442
Last reply by Vync, -
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News outlets are reporting what appears to be efforts by the VA to keep vets from leveraging care benefits via community care/mission act. https://nypost.com/2021/12/01/vet-affairs-keeping-vets-from-using-health-care-outside-its-system/ https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2021/11/01/mission-act-aid-veterans-healthcare-va-isnt-letting-it/8561618002/ In the second article, one veteran was trying to get into see dermatology, but the VA refused to refer him to the community in a timely manner. Instead, he sought treatment elsewhere, was diagnosed with cancer, and ended up with some hefty medical bills. Sounds like the Phoenix VAMC's secret wai…
Last reply by Vync, -
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Regulation updates go into effect this February 7th.Major changes:- 4 new codes- 31 revised codes- 3 removed codes- knee stability ratings major change- joint replacement/resurfacing major change, including, — replacement revisions will require all parts to be replaced to qualify for subsequent temp 100s — 12 months of temp 100 for convalescence now reduced to 4 (total now 5 months vs 13) Link======> Federal Register __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Final rule. SU…
Last reply by Rattler, -
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https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-veterans-affairs-doctor-pleads-guilty-three-civil-rights-offenses In Part: Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, September 17, 2020 Former Veterans Affairs Doctor Pleads Guilty to Three Civil Rights Offenses A doctor of osteopathic medicine who formerly worked at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Beckley, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to three counts of depriving veterans of their civil rights under color of law by sexually abusing them. Jonathan Yates, 51, of Bluefield, Virginia, was previou…
Last reply by Berta, -
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Mabuhay! Josh Hicks has an article https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2014/06/27/investigators-va-clinic-in-philippines-used-unapproved-drugs/ - Manila OPC was apparently dispensing controlled drugs (dangerous drugs like Schedule III/IV) from 1991 until 2013 - the drugs were purchased locally in the Philippines and were not FDA approved. Important: Please can anyone let me know if you were affected? Help Others Who Should Receive Compensation: Or do you know anyone who had new conditions or died after being treated with those unapproved controlled meds by Manila OPC? Thanks if you can help - God Bless.
Last reply by MabuhayGuy, -
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How do I submit a Comp. Claim when the VA doesn't recognize Ft. McClellan, AL as an Agent Orange site or Toxic Chemical Super Site
Last reply by Berta, -
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A lawyer says a lawsuit against a Veterans Affairs hospital in Kansas where a former physician assistant molested countless patients involves “the largest sexual abuse scandal in the history of the VA.” https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/suit-sex-abuse-kansas-va-hospital-trial-71654471
Last reply by broncovet, -
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"Fayetteville Man Pleads Guilty to Obtaining VA Benefits through Fraud WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, announced today that WILLIE DOSHER CAIN pleaded guilty to a felony count of theft of government funds related to healthcare fraud. CAIN, age 73, of Fayetteville, N.C., pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder in federal court in Winston-Salem, to one count of theft of government funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. CAIN also agreed to the forfeiture of $155,041.30, a condominium located in Carolina Beach, a Toyota Sienna van, and a mobility scooter. …
Last reply by Berta, -
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In brief, 15 year Marine with 100% PTSD due to MST has rating reduced to 0% with no warning and was facing eviction. Even though the VA had the correct address on file, they sent her C&P appointment letter, rating reduction proposal, and decision letter to the wrong city. One day, her compensation benefit payments just stopped arriving. She contacted a lawyer, obtained her claims folder, and verified the VA made a serious error. The VA, they claimed to have done nothing wrong. Thankfully, her eviction was canceled due to the circumstances. It did not say if the VA reversed the decision, but seeing what happened, I assume they will. I just hope they treat her cas…
Last reply by Vync, -
Dr. Ho, was my Pancreas and Liver doctor while I was an inpatient for 6 months at the va
by retiredat44- 15 replies
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Dr. Ho, was my Pancreas and Liver doctor while I was an inpatient for 6 months at the va https://inewsource.org/2019/10/01/veterans-affairs-investigation-san-diego/?fbclid=IwAR3dIVQi4xECowjvEJpaaJYKBdq7M-hK9_mCCgw-6wWLrs7xkzTAl8-KjKg meanwhile the bva still jerking me and my appeals
Last reply by retiredat44, -
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https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Death-of-veteran-at-WV-VA-hospital-ruled-homicide-Lawsuit-claims-at-least-9-others-at-hospital-died-the-same-way-558198661.html
Last reply by Buck52, -
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https://www.breitbart.com/border/2019/08/12/veteran-dead-for-four-days-found-in-california-assisted-living-home/ You can't make this shit up, Just sayin, Hamslice
Last reply by Holllie Greene, -
This news is very startling, and I hope it isn’t too prevalent. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article232443717.html In part: “The Kansas City Police Department is investigating the death of a veteran who had a fatal brain hemorrhage after a confrontation with Veterans Affairs Police last year. Department spokesman Jacob Becchina said the case of Dale Farhner has been assigned to Sgt. Richard Sharp, a longtime homicide detective. “The results of our investigation will ultimately be compiled and forwarded on to the prosecutor’s office for their decision as to what if any applicable charges may apply,” Becchina said. “There is little info that can be rele…
Last reply by Berta,
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Post in Imo done by telephone or via video does it have any credit
Tbird posted an answer to a question,
Further Reading from VA.gov
How do I upload evidence online to support my disability claim?
If you’ve filed a claim for disability compensation, you can continue uploading more evidence for up to one year to support your claim. Evidence may include supporting documents like medical test results, doctor’s reports, and other records. Upload your evidence online now.
If you’re waiting for a decision on your disability claim, you can upload evidence to support that claim using our claim status tool.
Upload evidence using our claim status tool
Note: For any other type of document you’d like to submit online to us, please use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA.
If I filed a standard disability claim, when should I upload evidence?
Upload your evidence as soon as you can.
You can continue uploading documents for up to 1 year from the date we receive your claim. But, if you don’t provide any evidence or give us the information we need to help you get evidence within 30 days, we may make a decision on your claim earlier.
If we decide your claim early, you’ll still have the rest of the 1-year period to provide more information or evidence.
What happens if I upload more evidence after I’ve submitted a fully developed claim?
We’ll remove your disability claim from the Fully Developed Claims program and process it as a standard claim.
If we decide your claim earlier than 1 year from the date we received the claim, you’ll still have the rest of the year to provide any additional information or evidence.
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Help HadIt.com Stay Online
Tbird posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum,
If HadIt.com has helped you, please consider helping HadIt.com if you can.
When the site was gifted to Rattler it became a nonprofit. A nonprofit cannot use some of the previous items I used to help finance the site.
Now it all comes out of Rattler's pocket. He will not be able to continue financing the site on his own.
If HadIt.com has helped you or you want to be part of the future of helping veterans like yourself, please consider
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VA C and P Exam Do's and Don'ts
Tbird posted an answer to a question,
you may find this post helpful
A Guideline for your VA compensation and pension exam
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Tbird, -
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Some facts and reference on CUE (CLEAR UNMISTAKABLE ERROR)
broncovet posted a question in VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims Research Forum,
Let's begin with the regulation on CUE:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/20.1403#:~:text=Clear and unmistakable error is,different but for the error.
The Cue error, therefore, needs to be all these things:
1. Undebatable.
2. Outcome determinative.
3. Based on the records VA has in their possession at the time of the decision. If VA was/is missing critical evidence, consider filing a 38 CFR 3.156 (new evidence) instead of CUE.
4. May be filed at any time, such as after the one year appeal period expired.
___________________________________________
What CUE is NOT:
...- 9 replies
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Tbird, -
Post in Missed filing a VA claim within one year presumptive...
Rattler posted an answer to a question,
Let me give you some guidance. But first I have to ask some questions.
Did you file an "intent to file" with the VA. What this means is you filed with the VA saying I want to file a claim for XX. An "intent to file" claim basically says you are going to provide the VA with more information with in one years time. (Service Medical Records, Doctors Reports outside of the VA Etc.)
If you did not do an "intent to file" you filed a direct claim and you have started the claims process. Each can be time sensitive.
Hopefully I can give you a step by step on how to do this.
1. If you have not done so you will need to get your military records including you military medical records.
You need to do this now. You military records can take 1 to 3 Mo.
Your VA records can take 8 to 9 Mo.
Without them you are kind of shooting in the dark.
You need to sign-up with the VA at https://www.va.gov/?next=loginModal .
I recommend you use Login.gov to get your login above the others as it seems to work better than the others
https://secure.login.gov/sign_up/enter_email
This way you can track you claims, apply for other VA benefits'.
2. Go to the Non-VA doctors that have diagnosed you with XXX and get there medical records. Go through the records and pull out ONLY the ones that say you have XXX and submit ONLY THE RECORS THAT PROVE YOUR CLAIM. I can not stress this enough. The VA people who review your claim do not have the time to read through 500 pages of your medical history to pick out the 2 pages that says you have XXX. This will hopefully speed up your claim.
3. The quickest way to submit stuff to the VA is at this address. https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/#forVeterans . This is why you need to get the VA access through Login.gov.
Use the Quick Submit button and follow the instructions.
This should get you going in the right direction.
Two words to the wise.
1. Do not rely on Youtube or other videos on the internet. There is a lot of misinformation out there. There is a lot of old information that doesn't work in today's VA.
2. When seeking a VSO with a veterans service veterans service organization the first words out of your mouth should be, "Do you have VBMS access." VBMS access is real time access to your VA claims file. There are a lot veterans service organization that have suto VSO that kind of only do intake for veterans service organization. What I mean by this is they are not "VA Certified Claims Agents." they are only trained by the veterans service organization to fill out forms and submit them via fax or mail. Only "VA Certified Claims Agents" have VBMS access.
Please don't hesitate to come hear and ask your questions at Hadit.com
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