Philip Rogers

I'd be cautious! I don't believe she can say whether or not you'll have you benefits reduced, especially since you probably don't have the 20yr protection. SSDI will give you a one year trial period to go back to work where they don't take away SSDI, until the end of that year. I don't believe VocRehab will help start a new business but I do believe the VA does have programs to help vets start business's, especially if they plan to do business w/the VA. I don't know what your disabilities are but there are jobs where you could work, as an RN, unless maybe blindness. Many will make concessions, especially if they have any Gov't contracts or receive Medicare/Medicaid monies. jmo pr

If you are within one year, of your original decision, I would file a NOD, and not request an increase. A request for an increase will start a new date, on the increase, and you'll lose any retro benefits you may be awarded. jmo pr

From what you've stated she sounded genuine. As to how long, I would guess 30 days - 6 months. jmo pr

Generally, yes. There was a recent(within the past couple of yrs) change as to what has to be listed as evidence. Years ago, the court ordered that they explain everything in their "reasons and bases" section but since that change they haven't been doing it. I feel it will probably end up back at the court one of these days. Also, if you had multiple claims and there is no mention of them, in the decision, you are supposed to assume they're denied. Seems to me it's a failure of "due process." jmo pr

Depending on your current income level, I would file for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is based on what you've paid in. If you were in the military for 10-11yrs, you should have received credit paid to SS for those yrs. SSI is like welfare and is paid to those who are disabled but don't meet the paid-in SSDI criteria. SSI is in the $700+ monthly range and is offset by any other income you may have, such as food stamps, heating assistance, etc.. You should file today, if not sooner. You should use the day after your discharge as your date of "disability onset." You are better off applying now, rather than waiting for the VA to approve your claim. jmo pr

Yup, I kinda agree w/them, John. A general overall malaise feeling could be cardiac related. You've got the insurance, so why not go, just to be on the safe side. Be safe and do it now! pr

And there you have it! pr

I just wish mine was younger. By the time we really have all the knowledge (not just think we know it all) we're too old! ;-) Every time I look in the mirror I see this old guy that resembles my father. pr

That's why I see a local doctor. The old surgery was a success but the patient died syndrome. At least w/my local doc I feel better. Stay well, John!!! pr

Berta - I think the 1/3/2015 deadline was for the form 9. The actual deadline was 01/02/2015, according to my calculations, because it's 60 days not two(2) months. And actually, they allow a day or two for mail delivery, so the date would probably be 01/04/2015. He should be okay. jmo pr

Sounds like you need a Medicare Supplement but chose not to make the purchase. I carry both Medicare A&B, plus a supplement and a drug plan. I use the annual COLA's to pay for them, as it allows me the freedom to use private physicians/hospitals, when needed. I still get my meds from the VA but on occasion, when I need them now, I can get them locally and then have the follow-up prescriptions issued by the VA. As to costs - Medicare will pay most of the hospital bill if you go to a private hospital. They also have reduced price services that you may qualify for. The VA won't bill Medicare. I have no idea what the co-payment would be at a VAMC. You might check w/them, to find out. jmo pr

The fax date does count. He should have a dated fax confirmation report, that the fax went thru. Also, any phone conversations don't count because "if it can't be read, it wasn't said." All correspondence should always be written and either date stamped received, by the VA or sent certified, return receipt requested. When send faxes be sure to keep the fax confirmation report, that the fax prints out, that the fax was received. Also, never trust any VSO, to do anything, for you!!! jmo pr

According to what you've stated you'll get retro for Oct, Nov and Dec, as BakerGeckos estimated. January's check will be paid Jan 30th, instead of Feb 1st, due to it being a weekend. I would pursue the earlier effective date of 02/01/2014. You still have until January 31, 2015, to file a NOD or you can file a CUE claim at any time. You have a better chance of winning that than any lottery! jmo pr

I always took them, every Monday. One of their side effects was "tinnitus." pr

First off, don't believe anything "Peggy" says!!! She's almost never correct. Her job is to get you off the phone as quickly as possible and say anything to do it! jmo You'll probably hear something sooner but in the meantime, you can continue to bitch, if it makes you feel better. Again, jmo ;-) pr

It should state it. It did with my peripheral neuropathy. It was just another 1.9%. pr

I don't use it, nor do I text, use a smart phone, or "like" any posts, as I just won't take the time for all that BS. I don't do selfies, either! jmo pr

bojack - jbasser got it right, as usual!! BakerGeckos gave you the estimated minimum amount you should receive. Since it's for an increase they can go back to when they can see it worsened. When was the original "0%" award dated??? It may be possible to have them go back to the original claim date. If they gave you 50% now, it appears to me they screwed you on the "0%" award. Don't get me wrong, a "0%" is a good win, because it establishes service-connection(SC), something that can be hard to prove/win, sometimes. jmo pr

Just another way the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) screws the veteran. It's like the military contracting out for food services, transportation (trucking), etc.. I have a good friend who hauls tanks, HumVees, etc., periodically. It's really ridiculous! They find they can do this stuff w/o effecting their budget(s). Don't even get me started!!! ;-) pr

Unfortunately, that's what "free care" gets you. I use my Medicare and my Medicare supplement plan. I may have to pay a little out of pocket but at least I have a "choice." I find the VAMC's often reschedule appointments. This is their way of appearing to see the veteran in a timely manner but not really doing it. Just another way of juggling to books, so they get their bonuses. jmo pr

The suggestion on parking sounds good. As to cost overruns, have the winning contractor post a bond, so that they complete the job within the amount bid. Any failure is covered by the bond. jmo pr

I, personally, don't like reconsiderations but prefer NOD's, as that way your protecting your claim date. I don't trust any VSO, having had a bad experience w/one and found that many vets, I've helped, have had problems, also. I would submit the documents myself, certified, return receipt requested. jmo pr

Almost any veteran can get glasses and hearing aids. They will replace glasses every yr or two, depending on vision changes or such things like I lost them, the dog ate them, they slipped off my head and fell in the river below, etc.. They do have a good selection and you can get tinted or bifocals, with line or without. Once the warranty, on the hearing aids, expire, they will replace them, if asked. One of the vets, in my group, had his dog eat them and they replaced them w/no problem. pr

Buck52 - judging by all the disabilities, you've stated your spouse has, it sounds like she should be receiving SSDI. If she was receiving SSDI, w/Medicare, her ChampVA would pickup the co-payments and Medicare would be the primary payer. Also, depending on how much her employment pays, she may be allowed to continue working. It might be worth checking into. If you call SSA remember that the lowest person on the pecking order answers the phone and therefore may not know what they are talking about. jmo pr

Buck52 - Yes I think you are mixing up the 10yr Chap 35 rule and ChampVA. ChampVA has no 10yr rule. The VA can't bill ChampVA because it's like Medicare, and the gov't doesn't bill another gov't agency. The decision to not treat your spouse is a decision made by "your individual VAMC" and is done to save money. A friend's wife, from my vet's group, still gets treated by our VAMC and they still refer her to Boston, when needed. It's up to each VAMC to decide what they want to do. You can contact ChampVA and they should be able to give you a list of doctors, in your area, that accept ChampVA. Also, you can see a doctor, who doesn't "accept assignment" of ChampVA and you pay the bill and get reimbursed whatever ChampVA allows. In other words, lets say your doctor charges $150 for a visit and ChampVA allows $100 - you would pay the doctor the $150, then you send ChampVA the receipt - ChampVA allows $100 and they reimburse you $75, which is 75% of the "allowed" rate. I think I've explained correctly. pr