Philip Rogers

john - Anyone under the age of 22yo, not meeting the number of required quarters, receives benefits against their father's SS account. I should have clarified that in my previous post. Thanks for mentioning the quarters requirement, thereby reminding me. pr

scscrewed - what makes you believe they are there to help you?? To me, they are looking out for the branch of service. I sincerely doubt you have any recourse, as w/military doctors. Again, that's jmo. Sometimes, free services are worth just what you pay for them, meaning zero. I get free care at the VA but I won't bet my life on it. I'll stick w/my opinion. When I was in, I had 2 article 15's and a summary court martial. Was I guilty - yes, but I should have fought them, especially the summary court, as I probably could have won. It was recommended I plead guilty. Duh - I was young, dumb and full of something I can't remember these days. jmo pr

I personally have no knowledge of the TDRL system but I don't believe I would ever use an atty employed by the military to represent me. To me it's like asking the VA to represent you in a claim against themselves. What makes you believe you'll get fair representation??? Remember any severence pay must be recovered, first, before receiving any actual money, from the VA. jmo pr

You were eligible but would have collected against your father's SS benefit rate at the time. Until age 22yrs a claimant collects against the father's benefit. Sound's like they made an error. Whether you could win is another matter. If it were me I'd certainly try. Generally decisions become final w/SS after 4yrs. This sounds like a CUE, if SS has such a thing and if so should be appealable. jmo pr

Papa - I see you're 70%. If you've applied for TDIU, the VA considers this a request for an increase. pr

Sweet!!! Good on you! pr

Who told you that's not good enough? That should be enough, provided he was there. Sharon's correct. pr

I think you can win but only if you "don't" give up. It may take yrs but you can definitely win!!! jmo pr

It shouldn't, as the ability to successfully attend school does not equate to the ability to work. pr

You'll need a letter from the VA and can go to any military or reserve base that issues military ID cards. It is a tan Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. My current card is DD Form 2765 (Apr 1998) and was issued to me in 1999. There may be a newer card now. pr

Yes, you will/do have base privileges, now. You'll need to get an ID and base auto pass to get on base. This also means you can use the gym, movie theater, gas stations and all MWR services, etc. As for ChampVA and DEA benefits, they include your spouse, if you have one or should you marry. pr

I agree w/you, Slowlane. pr

If you're 100%, just for larynx cancer, I'd leave it alone. Generally when they've treated a patient they do another C&P, for residuals, within 6 mos to a yr, which generally reduces their benefit. If you're not scheduled for 2 yrs I'd just wait. jmo pr

You are certainly entitled to do as you wish. There is no requirement for treatment, meds, counseling or any type of care. I take no psych meds but I've been attending my group for over 15 yrs. While I don't necessarily feel I still need it, I go to help others. That being said, sometime the VA may do a review of your records and with little or no treatment feel you are "cured" and move to reduce your benefit. Just a thought! I personally feel the Vet Centers do more for the Vets than the VA does. jmo pr

I tried it. I put in 11b and it came back with a civilian job title of "intern." Now I can tell everyone I was an intern. pr

Both SS and VA pay after the qualifying month has passed. Neither pay advance benefits. An VA cola increase for December will show up on 12/30/11, which is January's payment date due to the New Years Holiday. SS will show up on the 1/3/2012, for those on the old schedule and your regular date for others. pr

Actually, it should be deposited on 12/30/11, as January 1st is always a holiday. pr

I don't know how many of you now subscribe but it's worth looking into. For yrs I subscribed, back when they had a hardcopy, but when they switched to online subscription, rather than hardcopy, I let it expire. The publication costs $80 for one yr or $120 for 2 yrs, and includes past issue access. Much of what is written in there is what's published in the annual updated VBM but by subscribing you get access prior to the newer VBM's publication. Well worth the money!!! http://nvlsp.org/Publications/Bookstore/Journal/veteransadvocate.htm#1_year_subscription_ jmo pr

I'm soooooooooooo happy for ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pr

I don't know. The retro will depend on the date they determined the increase was effective on. Meanwhile, just enjoy the rest of your vacation! pr

I agree, w/sharon, as I believe TDIU gets dental benefits, so you must have won. jmo pr

This is good! Remember, as we age, "movements" become important! ;-) pr

Just a reminder for those who may have missed it at 0620hrs, this morning. I suggest recording it, as it is very emotional, at least it is for me. pr

This is just my personal opinion and you are free to do as you please, but I'd continue to pay privately. On the other hand you can use the VA, thereby saving some out-of-pocket expense, that your family can put towards a really nice casket or a really great party after your passing. The choice is all yours. Don't take it personally but the VA(not the personnel) doesn't care about any of us, except to keep them employed. Again, jmo pr

If your daughter becomes disabled she can seek, and receive, forgiveness. Your disability has nothing to do w/her loan, even tho you may be a co-gaurantor. pr