Philip Rogers

I think you've got it nailed, perfectly. It appears to protect your rights. I feel anytime the VA uses the line, or a similar line, ie; "this decision addresses any and all issues before the VA," that it should be appealed, to protect that issue, plus any others that may be pending. jmo pr

Contact the lawyer, who represented you for your SSDI claim, for advice on handling your SSDI re-exam. I'd also continue to appeal the 30% award, for PTSD, the VA gave you. I was originally awarded 30%, in '89, for PTSD and appealed, appealed, appealed, eventually winning 100% back to day one. jmo pr

You need to call and schedule an appointment to view your c-file. As for your C&P report, just file a request w/the release of info office, at your VAMC. pr

Time for an attorney. At least they didn't use "chicken sexer" or laundry sorter/folder, or security screen watcher. I think they even have jobs that comatose persons and the deceased can do! jmo pr

reddog - I repeat what I stated previously. jmo pr

It appears they gave you the NSC rate. I would appeal it, now, for when you win your DIC case. The SC rate is about $2,000. pr

Hollis - hospital records are generally kept separately by hospital, in St Louis, and you'll need to get those records. The VA doesn't routinely request them. If he was in before 1974 and in the Army, he can request copies his company's "Morning Reports," which will show him being absent the day was hospitalized and returning to duty when discharged. It'll show he went to the hospital. pr

Fill out a travel pay form and mail it to the travel pay office at your VAMC, within 30 days of your appointment. In the future, they generally have the forms in outpatient/emergency room for visits when the travel office is closed, for you to sign then. You should be able to download the form online. pr

broncovet - great post!!! pr

As of 12/1/11, the "k" award rate is $99 per month. pr

strykergrunt - why do you say you are temporary?? Are you calling it temporary because of the future exam(s) or did the VA call it temporary, in your award letter?? I believe, as long as your ratings aren't convalescent, as when recovering from knee replacement or like a 100% rating for prostate cancer and continued temporarily, until after treatment, you should get dental. The best thing to do is apply for dental services, in writing, and if they tell you "no" request a written denial that you can appeal. If you do that they'll probably give you the services, then. jmo pr

No mention of future exams usually means P&T status. pr

Generally, it's two yrs but you can call, ask, and they will tell you. You don't state your age or disability, which may or may not, directly relate to the next exam. Perhaps you should be P&T already??? jmo pr

strykergrunt - never ever believe anything a VA employee "tells" you, as many times they are wrong, and they cannot be held responsible. You need to apply and get a "written" denial, and if denied, you need to appeal. jmo pr

That would be up to the two of you. They probably wouldn't allow you to sit in but may. jmo pr

Yup, carla, that's what I'm saying. They need to follow their rules, and if they don't, explain "like hell" why. jmo pr

JOHN1 - you've been told to apply and haven't. If you wait until the first of the year you will have lost another month of award, when they award P&T. We can lead a horse to water but it's up to him if he'll drown. Apply today!!!!!!! My last comment on this topic. pr

Good post, Berta! Most people believe whatever the VA says and therefore never get what they or their family member(s) EARNED!!! Never, ever, ever, accept the VA's decision and give up. The VA is often wrong. pr

I see your problem. You last worked and paid into the SSDI system back in 1995. Tho you are 260% thru VA, those are current ratings. You'll need to prove you qualified back between 1995 - 2000, when your SSDI eligibility was in effect. Just let the lawyer run w/it. They know how to win. jmo pr

There is no waiting period. The sooner you file the earlier your effective date will be, should you win. Even better than filing for an increase is to appeal the current award. pr

John - think of how much they save. The whole system needs revamping but we'll never see it in our lifespan. jmo pr

If I were you, I'd follow up w/upgrading that info to the Veterans Service Center(VSC), as it could get "lost" between the hospital and the claims office(VSC). jmo pr

I would not feel bad, if I were you, as most of those benefits are given "to you" in thanks for your sacrifice, both prior and on-going! Just appreciate them!!! You may want to up-grade your profile disability status, from "0%" to "60%," to reflect your current disability rating(s). jmo pr

Enjoy your holiday(s)!!! pr

Under ChampVA, I believe they get none, however you stated you were under tri-care and here's the link I found thru bing: http://www.tricaredentalprogram.com/tdptws/enrollees/benefits/benefits.jsp pr