Philip Rogers

The NVLSP has a new DVD out to help train lawyers and advocates, that I'm considering purchasing, and I want to know if anyone has purchased it yet? Some yrs back I purchased their basic training course and was very disappointed because my level of knowledge had already surpassed that course. I don't want the same thing to happen. I'm sure I would gain some knowledge, however my ability to sit thru the basic stuff again is extremely limited, as I get bored very easily. I already subscribe to The Advocate. Below is a link to the DVD. Thanks, pr http://www.lexisnexis.com/veteranslaw/

Technically C&P's don't expire but the VA won't usually rate w/a C&P over a yr old. pr

I have - have for the past 5 yrs and just arrived at one last night, in Hilton Head, SC, for 2 wks. I plan on 3 more wks, at either Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, SC, in January. You are using time share properties, w/o having to purchase a time share membership, w/maintenance. When I started 5 yrs ago they were $249 a wk and are now $329, a wk, but are well worth the money. I use them about 3 times a yr. My current one is a 3 bdrm that sleeps 10. Over the past 5 yrs I've stayed in PA, NH, ME, VT, MT, ID, FL and SC. I think they are well worth the money. Any questions about them, just ask. pr

Florida law on tape recording shouldn't apply as the VA is federal property. Also, state sales tax rules do not apply on purchases made at the VA. pr

If you are TDIU be careful the VA doesn't consider the ability to picket as the ability to "work." lol pr

If VA gave you 100% P&T you should be a shoe-in. Let your lawyer handle it. pr

Robert51, I'm not sure. I recall seeing, a few yrs back, a ruling (I believe CAVC) that denied an appeal on a rating that requested an increase from 70% TDIU to 100% schedular. Their logic was that the benefits were the same and therefore they denied the claim. Moving your c-file to another state opens the door to complete case reviews and possible reductions. jmo pr

Showed what the military/VA was doing to drug/alcohol abusing active duty soldiers/marines who probably have PTSD. Yup, screwing 'em over, business as usual!!!! jmo pr

I'm going to disagree w/Ricky. Although they "fail" to show what you were seen for, they do show that you were not on duty but excused to been seen for a medical condition. Any affirming evidence that shows what you are trying to prove helps. Additionally, if a subsequent MR shows a limited return to duty it could help also. jmo pr

I recommend going to www.nosscr.org and requesting Attorneys names, in your area, that specialize in SSD law. pr

Forgot to mention that if you move and transfer your claims file the new VARO will review the c-file and could request exams and re-rate your conditions. pr

You can ask Medicare for a list of physicians that accept Medicare in your area. Physicians in my area require me to pay the co-ins at the time of the visit but I feel it's worth it rather than to have the VA care for me. jmo pr

Personally I think you'd be nuts to drop Medicare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jmo pr

Your benefits should remain the same in US dollars. pr

The blacking out or cutting out of the raters name is a fairly recent change (couple of years max). Their logic is that it's protection for VA employees from retaliation by angry veterans who are denied benefits. Earlier record requests resulted in all signatures being present. pr

I'm not sure whether it's 20 or 40. I think it's 20 for disability and 40 for retirement but can't swear to it. And right now I can't look it up because I'm leaving for GA in an hour. pr

Ricky, SS doesn't follow the rules/laws. If they did they wouldn't deny 60-70% of claims on initial application. A claimant needs 20 credits within the preceeding 10 yrs, prior to the date they became disabled, not the date of application. Many claimants don't know about SSDI and therefore don't apply for a few years after becoming disabled. When they do apply they are denied and told they don't meet the 20 credit requirement and then they abandon their claim. It is important for claimants to use the earliest disability onset date possible and then appeal, appeal, appeal. Also, a claim for SSI is a claim for SSDI unless the SS claims rep talks the claimant into dropping either, which they do. jmo pr

This link should cover it. 38 CFR 3.57 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-....41&idno=38 pr

Good luck! Most SO's state they won't accept you if you're changing Service orgs mid-stream. pr

They lied about too much income. I'd file a formal complaint against the person who gave you that info. Income only affects SSI, a welfare type program for those w/a limited work history. I would file for SSDI, ASAP, using the date you were medically retired, from the USPS, as your disability date, especially if you haven't worked or had very limited work since then. Social security requires a claimant to be able to work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. If you can't do that you are disabled. jmo pr

The DL stuff is BS. They can't do that because many people don't have DL's. Many times the "teller's" (aka: CSA's) make up stuff. I had trouble w/BOA because I had to order my cash in advance, when cashing a check for over a couple of thousand dollars. Best to close the acct. jmo pr

Thanks Pete, I hadn't realized the "B" sunglasses thing. pr

Chances are the lab didn't code them properly and will recode them and refile the claim. If the lab accepted "assignment" of the medicare payment and medicare denied the claim you are "not" responsible for the debt. pr

Thanks, Berta. He'll probably die secondary to the infection, so it may help assure her DIC, if nothing else. They don't give him a year. Lotsa problems due to the staph. pr

Vet had bypass surgery and developed staph infection from surgery? pr