Omg-Sue

Last year Kirvy had his bowel problem & we asked the ship's pharmacy for some Imodium AD. They picked him up from the cabin, had the Dr examine him, gave him meds & he was quarantined 2 days. Well, he got out of all that tourist stuff he dont like anyway, got room service, free movies of his choice, all the juices, waters, Sprites in the mini-bar free. Mostly he sat on the balcony & enjoyed the sea. Said that was the best vacation ever! The Dr checked on him twice a day, room steward made sure he was there frequently, & a nurse came several times. Guest Svcs called on the phone to see if he needed anything. Everything was at their expense & he was refunded all his prepaid shore excursions. I understand the close-quarters health threat with diahrea and he loved all the attention. Thanks Carlie, I had not called them to ask 'cause I am broke right now.....so DD214 is easy. We have been on 4 CCL cruises & had never even asked for discount except for past guest discount.

Carnival tells me they give a discount for S/C disabled Veterans......will post more as I find out, Sue

Mt Vernon, Mo was the smoothest clinic operation we have experienced. Appointments arranged on same day; instant food voucher without asking. Cafeteria was outstanding in quality and cleanliness. We were on first name basis with our team, and they with us. Parking was a problem sometime, but usually sufficient except for handicap spots. Drawbacks include extremely long trips to VAMC hospitals at either St Louis or Fayetteville Ar. Travel pay helped that, and cost of living there is super-low. Quaint town of Mt Vernon has unique country events and festivals. 'Apple Butter Makin Days' for example. This is REALLY country life, 4 hours from St Louis. Homes are ridiculously low cost & weather not too bad (except 2011). We moved to Waco, Tx last Dec, and while housing cost is reasonable, the clinic is 'ok', but nowhere near the quality we were accustomed to. We are still trying to find out exactly who the VIST coordinator is, and there is a Blind Center on campus! The VARO here has handled everything in a speedy manner for us. However, we've had a couple of rude counselors. The in-house DAV has been great for paper-moving, nice guys, but not much information. (That comes from HADITand). Very nice VA hospital in Temple, about 30 miles. Waco has 2 large civilian hospitals as well. Locally, there are lots of river activities (Brazos River), local park concerts, great restaurants, and Baylor University, TSTC, and a large McLennan County Community College. Most any commute in town to anywhere is no more than 10-15 minutes; not a really big town. Oh yes, the locals are real friendly.

Along with everyone else's great advise, may I add our experience---- When that 70% retro came, we had a super-happy dance and stayed so busy enjoying it, that we goofed off a long time to apply for TDIU. When we did apply & was awarded (They just changed it to 30% more instead--same $$), we realize how many months of that increase we missed. (I speak for my husband who is 100% now). Anyhow, we were there like you, and still doing fine on the increase. However, as Carlie mentioned, there are people who would never ordinarily ask you for money but now figure you are rich, and they do ask. They may really be needy too! But blink twice and all that retro will be gone. My Dad's favorite quote "Never loan anything you don't want to give away". And about kids, " I will invest that amount for you and when I die, you will have lots more in interest."Just be wise and careful. We all want you to have the best 'rest of the story'. CONGRATS from us!!

Even if you never expect to have to know anything about this incompetency situation, please read the information. Knowledge is power and you never know when you might help someone else jump thru the VA hoops.

Hey Casper, I printed your posted list before daughter & I went on a 6 day trip last week. Here's the story: Got an oil change, bought a tool at NAPA, shoes for the trip. On the road we selected only restaurants from the list. On arrival at destination we had to buy some repair supplies for the house there. I am still adding up our savings! Thanks!

Update: on the 13th we went to RO & spoke with DAV NSO. He wrote the letter for us requesting A & A as well as home modification. Our Field Examiner had said to put his name on the letter as recommending it, so we did. I guess when they actually SEE you trying very hard to make it, this all is more real to them? It was already real to me! We already paid out $10,000 for some home improvements. Hadit educated me, then I read their book 'Federal Benefits for Veterans' so it finally made sense. I recommend that book, as well as reviewing Hadit help, archives, members Forums. You guys are the best!

Just hearing such nice positive news makes my day. Thank you for letting us know your good news; that kind is meant to be shared. Congrats!

All of you are appreciated so much for kindness & encouragement, and helpful guidance, and words of congrats. Tanker2, I loved your post!!! Good lol. Sidney, Your case will be smooth as well. I believe all this publicity lately as well as a bad Fed budget, etc, they all want to be nice for a while so their job dont get cut. I DID tell this F.E. that we are aware of many lawsuits against the VA for fraud, etc and hope this does not happen here. He played that down of course. It would be nice if they all just play by the rules as this program is needed in some cases. Sue

Today the VARO, Waco, came for the dreaded home visit'. This guy was a very decent fellow and we all were able to keep up with the info he gave and he answered all questions. He worked with us and after seeing us in the home environment, said that we need to ask for SMC because I already pay out of pocket for household help, cooking, grocery shopping, and taking K to his appointments. He observed my difficulty walking & said I should not have to be sole caregiver for K. WOW! Now get this, he said to go to the DAV rep, fill out the forms, And have him write on the request that Field Examiner D.C. thinks this should be given! There are circumstances where it is awarded when a particular non-SC condition aggravates the SC condition. So K is 100% SC for PS. After he got out of the Army he had not been given a DX or meds there so he was in bad shape, sometimes homeless. As indirect result, long story, his eyes were shot out by a St Louis cop. Also, when K has a hard time getting around the house, it stirs his PS and he is agitated. Solution: a VA grant to modify the bathroom & the small doorways, put up rails some inside, some outside such as porch railing & intercom. Thats all I can think of right now. This guy broke everything down very well. After talking with me (spouse) he said I was fully competent to be my husband's fiduciary, and that K was obviously very well cared for. Daughter & I carefully examined the paperwork & there appeared to be no sneaky business. So now I will be able to do my job as well or better than before. (Ya there is some accountability so we might actually wind up with savings). Our plan to use all the retro to pay off debts & cut up some credit cards was fine, as long as I advised them and I just did. What happens next ( those going thru VA incompetency finding might like to know); Direct deposit will go on as usual until sometime within 90 days a paper check will be sent to ME for K. This should be the retro they are holding as well as a regular check , maybe seperate checks.. I am to take that to the bank and open a new account in my name as custodian for K. Set up direct deposit to that new account. K can keep his other checking account for his Social Sec direct deposit check & whatever. I have listed exactly what bills he will be paying out of his VA money and we have to stick to that. Questioning the gifting clause, he said of course K can gift his children & grands or whoever. He just cant go gamble it away, etc, or support someone else out of it. On leaving he said we should go ASAP to apply for those other benefits he mentioned. He is a retired First Sgt and has a disabled daughter. He seemed to love his work & used the time to find more help for us. So I guess that was not so bad after all. I told him I cleaned house because he was coming (I thought it was funny) and he just said 'thank you'. My heart is full of gratitude for all you Hadit members and the support you provide, encouragement, information; all the above. I hope we can help others who have this problem. Hugs to all, Sue & K Note: results may not be typical. Luck of the draw for F.E. you get.

Awwwww Papa! Just suck out some paste & then TRY to brush, lol. And I bet you'd look good with a beard; forget the shave!

Carlie, while I appreciate your posting this information, this report seems to show VA BS as usual. Pertinent to our case (Fiduciary practices) the report indicates exactly what has already been stated on Hadit & VaWatchdog. Every VARO has their own interpretation of what the process & procedure means. So what the heck? Why have policy then? They did slip on one statement supposedly not true "incompetent to manage financial affairs INCLUDING Va benefits". So now they intend on taking K's Social Security check too? Not what we were told; all subject to change I see. Really Carlie, I am glad you post these articles and I read every one. They just need a new bunch of bureaucrats at the VA so they Can bumble-F a whole bunch of newer laws & procedures to keep us on our toes!

Lots here but it might have changed since Jim posted this topic some time ago: http://www.vawatchdo.../nf080910-1.htm and this lawyer has a link to the NY Times story: http://www.legalhelp...ary-challenges/

No discount at Cracker Barrel in Waco, Tx

Way to go John999. Be careful if you are in a hurry Cooter. Yes, K went from 70% to 100% in 8 months. Then they advised we are both incompetent to handle "VA MONEY" and they have kept it, pending their appointing a fiduciary. So about 6 months later we got the letter today making an appt for home visit. So you might get money but it's not always over with the VA

Hi Berta, I read this Fast Letter with great interest; the only pertinent info was how they proceed with the different phases of the whole process. Our rights were already there before; the Fast Letter was probably due to the court decision and the outrageous behavior of "Hi, we are from the VA and we are here to help you" persons. Lawsuits also. By the time the recipient of this F.L. reads (at the beginning) nothing changed, their brain will relax & FAST SKIM the rest. Nobody reads these like we do I think. Sidney is correct, they may choose to ignore these rights as usual, but at least the legal community is aware of how incompetent ??? Veterans are treated by the VA. In addition, the media is alerted now and soon as they get Osama off the front page, some of us should contact the networks investigative producers. That was your suggestion Berta, and I think it's a great idea. In addition, the rules in the F.L. show different rules for amounts under $25,000 retro being held. Less restrictive as I read it. The minute accounting only applies to SOME fiduciaries, and just during the temporary phase. That accounting is NOT to the Vet. That violated right should be changed. Gee, as I read over Sidneys letter and mine, I have to scratch my head. We sure don't sound incompetent do we?

Letter from K to the VA, hand carried today to our DAV NSO: This is in response to your letter of------2011 informing me of your intention to appoint a Fiduciary for me. I do not want a Fiduciary appointed in my behalf by the VA. It is my desire for you to appoint a fiduciary of my choice, information to follow. If this primary choice is deemed unsuitable by the VA for my Fiduciary, I am also including an alternate, as well as their employment references and contact information.. HH, 39 yoa SC, 57 yoa employed 21 yrs HBMC Radiology TSTC Staff Assistant 20 years contact----- etc contact---------------------etc Of course this was K's decision, as advised by his NSO who said that if they refuse, we will NOD, and appeal appeal appeal if we wish. He wants to appear before 'humans' for an inperson appeal if they refuse to appoint either choice. Berta, K doesnt have the fight in him that you do, and I was leaning toward the NOD myself about being called incompetent. NSO was surprised they decided this issue without an interview, tests, or any other info than the seat of their pants.

Well thank you Capt C! I do know a vet who was a volunteer at Edgewood who will be keenly interested in this case, especially because it mentions Edgewood in the transcript. He has no claim, but should have one! Your post may catch his interest enough to inspire him to research his situation. Thanks again

Berta, K just said that if he is incompetent due to schizophrenia, he needs retro back to 1974 because he was deemed to have this while in service. Woo hoo! He dont sound too 'off' to me. JMO

Thank you Pete53, K & I have no vices; he's clean & sober 22 years now. Not even cigarettes. But we do like to make our home nice & that was our biggest "Sin" with the last retro money. We didnt fritter it away but did buy new washing machines for both daughters, and helped them with house payments twice.....thats it. And they didnt ask for this, it was gifts. We both have good credit & we pay all our bills on the 1st every month, with Billpay and auto-pay. This is not that difficult! Looking back, I can see where we could have been more frugal, but at the time it seemed right. Maybe they are correct, we do need some advice, just not theirs!. Carlie always says 'spend wisely' and if you arent that wise, then help is needed. JMHO My inheritance came first and then K got his retro from 2003. In 2 years it was pretty much all gone, and our savings account is pitiful. That was over $150,000 together. We have lots to show for it, but was it needed? How would VA know we blew it? I have read on Hadit or from Jim Strickland an opinion: that any Vet who has a mental diagnosis or PTSD, they look at him for incompetency. dear God I hope not! NBC news blasted the incompetence of VA on tonights news due to recent court decisions. Wow, hows that for the kettle to the pot? Now who's incompetent?

Thanks guys, Hadit members know how we feel, not too sure anyone else does tho. Except daughter of course. In this envelope I found Form #21-4138 Statement in support of Claim. Being blank, i suppose this is where we request the alternates? You know I could submit 2 letters from other Neurologists who say I AM competent, subject to change, but whats the use? This way Holly gets a part time job and we get her help with paperwork! Thats the bright side, huh? We really are in the pits today; VA doesnt know what this stuff does to K with schizophrenia. Poor guy. Hugs to the good ones, ________to the others, Hadit being the good guys, you know the others Sue & K

DECISION '.......The claimant is not competent to handle disbursements of funds' K does not dispute that EVIDENCE 'Letter dated Jan 6, 2011, from Dr Cheryl............ of Family health care in Mt Vernon, Mo states that you have schizophrenia. The letter from Dr............also states that your spouse ------Sue, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.' K does not dispute that either, altho I do have a very mild case, managed well right now. 'You have requested that your spouse A. Sue S .... be named as your fiduciary to control and manage your affairs including disbursement of funds' 'Since there is a definitive finding of incompetency by a physician in this case (OF SUE) , and you are not shown to be able to manage your personal affairs to include disbursement of funds, we have determined that you are incompetent for the purpose of managing VA payments.' 38 CFR 3.353 NOTE A decision as to who your fiduciary will be, will be made by our Fiduciary Unit and you will be informed by them as to their decision' Why couldnt the dumb... VA just ask if we have an alternate? We still have no rights except to file NOD, and technically we do not disagree. The DAV NSO is out today, as well as the Blinded Veterans attorney, so we get to stew all weekend. Daughter is capable; 16 years at Hillcrest hospital, 6 as a phlebotamist and 10 in registration in the imaging center. Married 20 years (still), own their home, vehicles, etc. Average American family. She is our alternate choice. How the h.... do I get word to them? What to file or just sit tight as usual? Can she make an application to the VA? You know, to stop all this stress & frustration, if they are going to take all we have, then go ahead. We prefer a shack in the hills with outdoor toilet to this misery. Yall help us out PLEASE!

I am a spouse of a Vet on 5 different kinds of psych meds. All of us spouses are blessed to have our men (and Josephine) who educate themselves about their meds and situations. You guys keep checking up on your Dr's....you seem to be doing great. Oh, BTW, K checks the door locks several times and tweets than d--- truck lock a couple of times every pm. So far, no more perimeter checks, but every noise outside, he's up, no matter how many pills he's on. No one else knows how it is because they havent worn a Vet's shoes.