Loose Cannon

I totally agree with the previous posts! My VSO doesn't return calls or mails going on months despite many efforts. I can understand being busy for a few days helping others or even some personal issue they may be attending to but there really isn't a good reason why it drags on for weeks in my book. Didn't even bother to call to tell me when my claim came back approved or if there was anything wrong with the VA's decision. I don't feel I could recommend them as a VSO. I base this on my experiences of giving them "the benefit of doubt" but they have proven to be unresponsive at best. Wish I could've saved the $$ I spent on a lifetime membership...just sayin' LC

Yes...its down. There's a message on the homepage that says they are having tech difficulties and login is down. No estimate for fixing.

Raleigh, N.C. One of six U.S. service members killed when a helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan Tuesday was originally from Johnston County. U.S. defense officials have not released the identities of those who died when the Black Hawk UH-60 went down in the remote district of Shajau, but a source tells WRAL News that Chris Bohler, an Army helicopter crew chief from Willow Spring, was among the victims. The crash is under investigation, but according to initial reports to The Associated Press, the troops had mechanical problems and came under fire after the crash. It was unclear whether any of the casualties were the result of enemy fire. Family members of Bohler did not want to comment about their loss Wednesday, but his mother, Deborah Bohler, posted to Facebook that her heart "shattered into a million pieces. Dear God gives us strength through this pain." Bohler's mother works in Raleigh at the Wake County District Attorney's Office, where staff and officials were shocked and devastated by the loss. "It's affected people in this office and throughout this courthouse," District Attorney Colon Willoughby said Wednesday afternoon. "We watch each other's children grow up ... we help each other bury each other's parents, and we feel the pains of what has happened. It's a close-knit group." According to Bohler's Facebook page, he graduated in 2003 from South Johnston High School in Four Oaks and attended Johnston Community College. In 2007, he joined the Army and was based in Fort Riley, Kansas. Stephen Sanders worked with Bohler at Lowe's Home Improvement store in Clayton several years ago and said he remembered him as a good man who was always smiling. "When that young man wanted something, he went for it," Sanders said. "I'm very proud of that young man. I can take off my hat (to him), and I hope his mom and dad feel the same way." Rest in peace Chris...Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! LC full article at http://www.wral.com

Still going to call them tomorrow to verify if my wife is eligible. Kind of makes no sense because I am eligible for both...why not her? I guess I find out tomorrow! LC

Unfortunately, here's what I'm seeing from the CHAMPVA website: Eligibility To be eligible for CHAMPVA, you cannot be eligible for TRICARE, and you must be in one of these categories: The spouse or child of a Veteran who has been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office. The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability. The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability. The surviving spouse or child of a military member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA).

No...PR, I don't consider your comments as ranting at all. In fact, I appreciate you sharing your experiences! As for my wife...I have never had a problem with Tricare Prime. The only thing difficult is at times getting her referrals for specialized care docs. She had cervical cancer at a young age, during surgery they took too many lymph nodes out, and the result is that she now has lymphadema in her leg). But as far as I know, she doesn't qualify for CHAMPVA, only Tricare. I'll re-visit to see if I misread something. Thanks for your replies. I wish you the best this holiday season! LC

Understood, however, some of us believe it is equally important to work together to prevent CUTS to vet's benefits. As you wish...enough said...I will not comment any further. LC

Wow...thank you all so much for the insight and valuable info!! Much to consider but happy to hear from people who have "been there...done that" as the old saying goes. It is because of you that I can now make a much better informed decision. You guys rock!!! LC

I hear you loud and clear Hamslice. I have been let down by the DAV and I am quickly learning that many of the other "big" groups are nothing more than money making organizations that are more interrested in serving their own interests than the common vet. Yes, I know there are always exceptions and don't want to badmouth or lump everyone in that category. People will make their own decisions on what "group" they choose to align themselves with. Senator Kay Hagen from NC claims to have voted for the "compromise agreement" only because she was contacted by an active duty General who claims the current sequestion takes away from supplying our deployed forces what they need to do their mission in Afghanistan. The whole "sequestion" cuts are a result of disfunctional govt not being able to pass a budget in the first place! So we have spent our way into massive national debt. Wouldn't it make more sense then to say that we cannot AFFORD to be in Afghanistan anymore and apply that $$ to our debt?? Then there's the million $$ parking garage that gets funding without question under this budget agreement but military retirees, wounded vets, etc. must have their promised COLA reduced?? Seems like we, as a Nation, need to re-examine our PRIORITIES. Despite the craziness of it all I am still proud to have served my Country but feel very let down. Just my thoughts...not a political endorsement or condemnation of any political party. LC

Hamslice is correct. Another sad piece about the details and its affect on wounded warriors ran tonight on Megyn Kelly's show. It's just disgusting & disheartening to see.

Hi Everyone...I did the same thing you did (claim with the VA and SSDI application with SS) at the same time and I agree it can be an emotional roller-coaster. I think you did the right thing so hang tough! I just want to add that as soon as you get an approval from the VA, I would IMMEDIATELY notify the SS office by sending a copy of the decision AND a brief statement signed by you stating that you want them to consider this new evidence. I did that and in a matter of days SS found in my favor. Not saying this was the reason but I 'gotta believe it didn't hurt. Additionally, when I put in my claim with the VA, there was no such thing as a FDC so...if you are granted SSDI before your VA claim comes back, you will have to make a tough decision. Again, I think sending them a copy of the SSDI decision would help solidify your case but it will not have the "FDC priority" if such exists (still open to debate). Even if they need to get the info sent directly to them from SS, at least you will have it "on the record" that such evidence exists. Depends on how solid your case is I imagine. But getting denied by the VA will cost you more time & waiting if you file a NOD or go some other route...Tough choices but I wish you the best and hope to see your posting in "Success Stories" soon! Sorry, didn't mean to ramble on but just trying to help. LC

No problem ;-) Figured I better put in a "disclaimer" of my own as well...thanks, Carlie!

My posting of this link was not meant to be an attack on ANY political party or view. If you simply view the short 5 minute interview with this veteran's wife you can see that this is an important issue that could affect our pocketbooks...and it will be decided by our elected officials, currently Republican & Democrats alike. LC

John- I may have to reconsider and sign up for Part B. I agree with your thinking! LC

Thanks for replying PR...We're both late 40's...She's covered under Tricare Prime which has covered her while I was active duty and continues to date. Not CHAMPVA. Is your VA healthcare opinion based on some past bad experiences? I have found the VA's healthcare to be 180 degrees different than the VA's claim process but that's only based upon my own experience. I've heard horror stories about both VA and private doctors alike. For the extra $100 a month, I would have the option of getting private care if the VA wasn't up to my standards so that alone might be worth the piece of mind. Q: What age does TFL take over and what is the cost? Also, would TFL be primary or secondary to medicare? Sorry...just trying to set a course for my so called "golden years" ...LOL! LC

Seeking some opinions: I am a military retiree who is 90% but also TDIU P&T so I'm paid at the 100% level. I get ALL OF MY healthcare through the VA and to be honest, they have always provided me excellent care. Recently I was awarded SSDI so that entitled me to MEDICARE Part A cost free. I got the letter from Tricare stating that in order for me to remain in Tricare I would have to enroll in MEDICARE Part B. My wife remains covered under TRICARE Prime. Well...after doing some research and racking my brain I decided to decline Medicare Part B since I never go anywhere but the VA for care. Did I make a mistake? I am confused as to any long term benefits I may be screwing myself out of by going that route...such as (TFL) Tricare for Life. I figured that I would be paying approx 100 bucks each month if I accepted Part B. Am I wrong?? My "savings" amounts to about $20 a month less that I pay to Tricare since I am off their rolls. I pay only to keep my wife insured so their cost was reduced. Can anyone tell me if I am doing the right thing, based on my situation or if I missed considering any facts? As usual, I turn to you for answers...Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have! LC

All milirary retirees should watch this interview: http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/the-kelly-file/index.html#/v/2940858504001 Hope it opens your eyes to what may be coming down the road. LC

Good question! I see this in the claims completed section and there are three completed "authorization reviews" usually a year apart...Is this perhaps done after they receive the yearly form sent in for TDIU or something else?? Anyone have any ideas for us? LC

Rilenator, Please allow me to make a few comments...on your comments: You said..."They are two separate injuries, I do not like being lumped into the PTSD crowd, told to take useless medications, and attend the weekly pity party...been there done that....doesn't do it for me" 1) Like you, I suffer from PTSD & TBI so I agree about them being 2 sep injuries. I don't enjoy the stigma PTSD carries and there are days I really wish I lost a leg instead so my disability would be obvious to others. It took me several years to realize I needed help with the symptoms and I still attend monthly CPT sessions with RVN, OIF, and OEF vets and they are anything but pity parties. Do I feel cured by continuing the treatment? Absolutely not, but WTF else can I do except go live off in the woods somewhere by myself and hide from feeling shitty all the time? You said..."PTSD research has made many advances over the past few years, The VA could easily claim that PTSD can get better, therefore, the future tens of thousands of PTSD afflicted could have benefit reductions. As far as I know there is no magic pill or procedure that can regrow damaged brain tissue." 2) IMHO, the VA cannot arbitrarily decide someone's PTSD (or any other disorder) has been cured WITHOUT medical proof to back that up. Just like when a vet claims an increased rating, he/she must produce solid evidence. All one has to do is look around and see that after some 40+ years, there are still Vietnam vets suffering badly with PTSD. It is my belief that my experiences in combat will affect me for the rest of my life...just learning how to cope with it a wee bit better, that's all. If there was a magic pill that could cure me I would've found it by now...It 'aint out there. Not for PTSD and not for TBI either. My TBI was diagnosed, not with an MRI, but through extensive cognitive testing at a VAMC. I would encourage anyone to undergo an MRI but it alone cannot and will not preclude you from successfully winning a TBI claim injury. A good neurologist already knows that a lack of "damage" revealed by an MRI doesn't mean a TBI injury doesn't exist. Look, I don't mean to pick apart what you opined in this thread 'cause we're on the same team here! I hope you get what you believe is justice with your rating. I also hope you don't dismiss the PTSD diagnosis and be open to therapy, if not now, in the future. Best Regards, LC

So glad to hear you tried to get help...So sorry to hear it went the way it did, yet it's only over if you let it be. Dude, you endured combat tours and service to our country and you EARNED the right to get care for the issues you are feeling. I would not waste any time and effort complaining to some receptionist's boss about the way you were forgotten about in their waiting room. At best, it may give you temp satisfaction but one thing I learned is to pick my battles. Go to the VA Medical Center ER and tell them you're in need of seeing the Psych on duty. Trust me, they will have someone THAT DAY OR NIGHT come to see you. Sure, nobody likes to wait in an emergency room and you may be there a couple hours so bring a full pack of smokes! But they are equipped to handle and help you nowadays when it comes to PTSD. It's your decision but one I truly hope you consider. Keep in touch with us and feel free to ask-away...You'll always get an opinion and you're much more than a "number" to us... LC

Yeah, 71M10, I agree with you. They can call it what they want to try to deceive the public or "pad" their improvement numbers to make it look better when called out by Congress, etc., but we all no better...a backlog is a backlog. Just because a claim is catagorized as "non-rating" makes it even worse in my opinion. Many such cases have the hard work already done yet they sit because someone at the top of the chain deems them less of a priority...I bet the 38,000 awaiting action by the Winston Salem VARO don't think THEIR issues are any less important than a new FDC claim. We all have hardships in life...guess we either choose to accept the way the process runs or we rise to the challange of improving things for those who will need it in the future. If it were not for the persistance of the Vietnam vets vs. the VA over the past years, us OIF/OEF vets would not be getting the benefits we get. Hope my efforts will go a long way to help future vets down the road too. LC

Makes me put things in proper perspective when I see others who have waited longer than me. In your case...a lot longer. Very sorry anyone has to be put through this but In the big picture of life there is still much to be thankful for. I want to aploogize to all my brothers and sisters out there for what some might consider an "attitude of entitlement" 'cause that's not who I am or how I was taught. I will continue to try to seek the opinions & ideas of everyone and will do my best to remain positive. Life's not fair but it's how one faces adversity that gets remembered...I always learn something valuable when I come to HadIt and today is no exception! LC

If your C&P exam was done at the VA, you are entitled to request a copy by going to the Release of Information (ROI) office at that facility/hospital. Sometimes, they will print out a copy on the spot and hand it to you but most likely if it deals with mental health treatment and/or info they will mail it to you which should only take a week or so. They do this for reasons that 'stillhere' stated. My C&P was done by a VA contracted agency (QTC) and it was a struggle to get a copy but I finally did...AFTER I sent in a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Waiting 6 months is BS and an attempt to gaff you off. Just another hurdle but sometimes they make us fight for our rights...Good luck brother. Lc

Thanks for finding that. I already got the green return receipt card back from sending my stuff in via the USPS but that is great to know for any future items if needed. Glad you cleared that up for me! Best of luck with your appeal. LC

I think the retro claim sat at WS for 14 months collecting dust. Pretty obvious that's what happened since they had the DFAS error audit report that whole time The other claims are for dependency & the compensation for it. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'd love to send that IRIS response from the VA to have my Senator (Sen Kay Hagen) look at to see her reaction. She just sent out a mailing to all her constituants saying how the VA has taken positive steps to reduce the backlog! Really?...Really?! LC