Philip Rogers

I think Berta is correct. Since he didn't serve in-country, the 1964 date applies and he was discharged by then. pr

He only needs to have served on active duty anywhere, for one day, during the war period, not the actual combat (war). You should be entitled to the widows pension but a widows pension is means based, so it is offset by other income. It's kinda like welfare for service members and their families. For 2008 it looks like it'll pay $661 a month. Any other income you receive reduces that amount. If you already earn or receive more than $661 you'll get nothing. Here's a link to the VA's site w/the answers: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/spousepen.htm#1 pr

rentalguy1 - thanks and sorry for the delay in getting back to ya. Been busy trying to buy a house. I appreciate you finding the form and the rules. I've never minded the VA bending the rules when it's in "my favor." I'll keep ya posted as to how I make out. Thanks again! pr

Personally, I would, especially if you have a spouse and have been TDIU less than 10 yrs. They'll probably deny the claim or postpone the decision until they've finally resolved the "boots on the ground" issue, permanently. jmo pr

rentalguy1, I'll check on the smiley face things and see if I can correct it. It only happens w/the letter "bee." Here's the link: http://www.houston.va.gov/Patient_Travel.asp#3 pr

rentalguy, sorry, I disagree. That info is from a VARO website. Either way I'll pursue my claim. BTW, the smiley faces are always unchecked when I post. It appears to be a flaw in the programing and was first noted by pete53 when posting 38 CFR 4.16( B) . Thanks! pr

Will, if it says "no future exam will be scheduled" you are P&T. You should get this for the rest of your life, with annual COLA increases. No application for P&T should be necessary. pr

Mobie, here's the rules: Also note that the smiley face w/sunglasses is supposed to be the capital letter "bee" § 17.126 Timely filing. Claims for payment or reimbursement of the expenses of medical care or services not previously authorized must be filed within the following time limits: (a) A claim must be filed within 2 years after the date the care or services were rendered (and in the case of continuous care, payment will not be made for any part of the care rendered more than 2 years prior to filing claim), or ( B) In the case of case or services rendered prior to a VA adjudication allowing service-connection: (1) The claim must be filed within 2 years of the date the veteran was notified by VA of the allowance of the award of service-connection. (2) VA payment may be made for care related to the service-connected disability received only within a 2-year period prior to the date the veteran filed the original or reopened claim which resulted in the award of service-connection but never prior to the effective date of the award of service-connection within that 2-year period. (3) VA payment will never be made for any care received beyond this 2-year period whether service connected or not. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 7304) [33 FR 19012, Dec. 20, 1968, as amended at 39 FR 1844, Jan. 15, 1974; 45 FR 53807, Aug. 13, 1980; 51 FR 8673, Mar. 13, 1986. Redesignated at 61 FR 21966, May 13, 1996

Mobie, I just read where you can get paid for mileage up to 2 yrs after the appointment, so I'm going after it. Thanks, tho! pr

Can't find one. Not even at the VA's site. I wanna turn in mileage for the past 2 yrs. Thanks! pr

Yes, when did you last work?? How old were you then? SSDI/SSI often lie. You need to appeal decision given by them. You can email me @ vaslayer2002@yahoo.com pr (aka: Flip)

Rockhound - sorry you can't receive both. You can receive one in lieu of the other but not both. pr

It shouldn't be, it's unearned income. Are they going to reduce your unemployment cuz you get interest on your savings!!! Sorry, don't think they can do that. They might want to but no can do. pr

Yup, like I said, rating. ;-) Thanks Carla, for the info! I won an extra schedular rating, for a VN vet, who had a 50% rating for a skin condition, the max allowed by the "Ratings Schedule" but was unemployable, back about 7-8 yrs ago. Took just over a yr to get processed and he won about 3 yrs retro. He didn't want to appeal, even tho, we could've probably won another 10 yrs retro. He ended up broke and w/a DWI/DUI within about 6 months but at least he has TDIU now and a comfortable monthly check. pr

Extra schedular ratings are generally only done by the VA Central Office and are referred there by the RO. I think Carlie misspoke and meant "rating" rather than "evaluation." pr

You should be safe, since VA comp is not earned income. It's like collecting rent. pr

As long as a claim is "continually prosecuted" the ED, or EED, is protected. pr

Wings, wouldn't letting a claim die lose the EED! pr

Jason, what did your award letter say about future exams?? Even if you are not P&T you should still be eligible for the ID cards, for MWR, they will just have an expiration date, on them, not indefinite like those for P&T vets. I believe you should get all privileges on base. What is the "PH VSP" office? pr

Yup, I remember the place we had. It was called "Sin City" and was located in An Khe, 65/66/67. Yup, it had government inspected employees. I guess you didn't go there cuz you got gonorrhea. Good luck w/your claim, tho, but I sorta doubt you'll be successful. jmo pr

Here's my problem w/it. An example: I'm on active duty - I rob a bank and get shot in the commission of the crime - I now claim service connection for my wounds, cuz I was on active duty. Give me a break! Whatever!!!! jmo pr

I may be wrong but I think the VA considers "gonorrhea" willful misconduct, unless you caught it from your spouse. pr

I'm with Berta on this. The only way she can get Chapter 35 benefits is if you can establish 100% P&T back to 1998, or whenever she started school. The only way I see that being done is to put in a CUE for an EED. It's a long shot but you might be to do it. pr

Okay, but don't know if I'll still be around, in 10 yrs, but will try hard. Been working w/personal trainer since 9/1/08. Expensive but well worth it. Nighty, night!! pr

I forget where I was, but they auctioned off a lobster like that and the high bidder sent it to a Boston aquarium, for the remander of it's life. Nice, tho!!!!!!