Philip Rogers

The best way to avoid waiting in line is to mail in the mileage claim forms. I have weekly counseling sessions, so once a month I mail in the four(sometimes 5) forms. I make a master form and just date & sign each one, before mailing. About 4-8 wks later I get my payment checks, in the mail. No waiting in line. The travel office "will" go back more than 30 days but it is not considered an approved claim and they'll make you go thru the appeal process to get your money. Unfortunately, the travel pay program is run at each RO's discretion(sp) and there is no uniformity. pr

Here we go again, the sky is falling, the sky is falling! They shouldn't be allowed to print this garbage. There's not much we can do about it, right now, so why start people worrying! jmo pr

deanbrt - hey guy, man-up. Of course it's unfair!! When has life or the VA ever been fair???? You should have a decision within about 90 days. Whether it'll be the decision you want, I can't even guess but just in case prepare for an appeal, if necessary. The fact that the RO sent it to the CO is a positive event. And just so you know, sorry but the VA doesn't care about your sense of urgency!! jmo pr

Yes, it is a hoot but all of us, here, who know you, know you gotta a lotta b*lls, so it is good you are helping. As for the measurement, I believe the "1 cm" is a measurement and would be a factual basis for an SMC decision. The only issue I see is what SMC rules were in effect at the time. Other than that I see a CUE and if they argue the measurement thing, then I'd CUE it for an improper/faulty exam. jmo pr

Sounds like it is to me. File the claim!!! jmo pr

You should request a hardship waiver. If denied, you should appeal. As with any VA decision, you have the right to an appeal and it must go thru the appeal process. You don't state how long ago you sent your request. They may be backed up. Remember the VA moves more like the tortoise than the hare!! jmo pr

It should. You should just apply but you may be asked to provide evidence. jmo pr

I agree w/Pete but this has been an ongoing event, so there is probably no statute of limitations. Not to be hard on you but it was your obligation to check, on this, and I find it hard to believe you haven't checked, at some point, to verify you are/were getting the correct amount. Chapter 7 won't discharge your debt. Government debts aren't dischargable(sp). Actually you should be kinda happy they aren't charging you with fraud. That being said, I'd request a copy of your c-file, just to be sure there isn't evidence, in there, that you notified them, if you really did. The VA does make errors. jmo pr

Told you all not to worry!!!!! Mine shows in my acct, 8/1/11. pr

A NOD if won will use the original claim date. If you request an increase, they will use the new date as thhe date for the increase. I always recommend a NOD, as it could offer retro funds. jmo pr

SSDI and DIC have no effect on each other. I know of no additional benefits due draftees or their families. pr

Not to be a wet blanket but VA payments are electronically sent about 3-4 days before the first of the month, so there's no reason they shouldn't be there. But you folks can continue to worry, as it gives you something to do and helps cause others to worry. Wouldn't it be better to try and get a life??? The sky is falling, the sky is falling . . . . jmo pr

Pete - I'd definitely apply, if I were you, with those conditions!!! pr

I'm still not understanding why you feel ED should be rated 100%?? Ratings are based on the loss of income they may cause. If you've had your prostate removed you should get an SMC "k" award, because ED is the result of the prostate removal. I know of no jobs that ED can interfere(sp) with, unless you are a male prostitute and that's illegal, in most places. I have ED secondary to PTSD and DM-II. I now get the the $97 "k" award, myself. Sorry, I'm just not understanding the 100% thing. Thanks! pr

Am I missing something here??? Why do you feel ED should be 100%???????? pr

I googled it and it came up "for whatever it's worth." Many times these abbreviations can be googled or whatever, unless they are VA specific. jmo pr

It shouldn't have any effect. Pending charges are not necessarily "guilty" ones and we are all innocent until "proven" guilty, as shown by the Casey Anthony case. pr

You can choose any VAMC you want but can only receive travel pay to your nearest one. You merely need to go to the new VAMC and go thru the eligibility process there. pr

That's great news!!! Now, I personally feel, you should request a complete copy of his c-file and see if there were any CUE's made back when he was awarded 70% and if he should have been considered for SMC, then, also. It could be a considerable amount and could help your Mom. jmo pr

This question doesn't even warrant an answer. jmo pr

Thanks, Berta!!! We'll just wait and see. pr

OMG - the sky is falling, the sky is falling!!!! jmo pr ;-)

The month of August's compensation will be paid on September 1, 2011. pr

Berta, the award stated she was entitled to Chap 35, ChampVA and MWR card. He was over 10yrs, P&T, w/TDIU. I almost believe this starts a new Chap 35 award. Not sure but should she decide to use it, we sure will find out. I am very pleased they processed it so quickly. Kudos to them!!!! John, they should pay his funeral expenses up to around $2300, I think. We'll find out soon enough. Thanks, all! pr

The new rule is just another way to screw the claimant. I think the court will correct it. Besides, it's the rule of law that when a rule changes during a claim process, the VA must use the rule that favors the claimant. The VA is sooooo wrong on this!!! jmo pr