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Snake Eyes

First Class Petty Officer
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Everything posted by Snake Eyes

  1. That makes sense. I wonder how many people have active YouTube channels that are not monetized for altruistic reasons. I know SubStack does not require you to monetize your publication, but I don’t see any way they could make money (no ads…. Maybe they gather info based on what you do on their platform).
  2. Excellent points. I wouldn’t even rely on case law or CVA decisions because VA is a bureaucracy like any other federal agency and their rules change to keep up with new developments. That said, the question of whether royalties from creative content applies to YouTube or other digital media the way it would for books or music. If that’s how the VA sees it, there’s nothing to stop them from saying royalties count as earned income if the content was created after the disability was discovered. Real lawyers are invited to chime in on this one. For example, I have copyrights from the 70s and 80s which could (theoretically) generate royalties that VA would not have an issue with, but what about songs I wrote after getting my rating? Could be a fun batch of billable hours for some lawyer
  3. I am 100% (TDIU) and am considering doing a YouTube channel that covers civics and the constitution for home based learners. In some cases, YouTube automatically monitizes channels with more than 1,000 subscribers. What impact would such proceeds have on VA benefits. I don’t want to get in trouble with the VA for doing something good.
  4. I was initially denied SA because on the same date I went in for the SA complaint, the doctor pointed out an unrelated issue. I told him that I always had that issue and he wrote "Says had all his life" and continued to examine me for a sleep study referral. Twenty years later, the claim was re-opened with buddy letters and a letter from my sister all attesting to the fact that I did not have sleep issues prior to the dates in question. That and a nexus letter from doctors helped get things turned around. In my case, I had more to overcome than what you described. Hopefully, a NOD will get you on the way to resolving this claim. Good luck, and thank you for your service.
  5. The VA does approve non-accredited programs. However, these approvals happen at the state level through something called a "State Approving Authority". My son is going to Calvary Chapel Bible College in the fall. They're currently not approved, but are willing to pursue it (they thought they had to be accredited). I was wondering how long it takes for a school to get approved. I realize it may vary from state to state, so I'm looking for a ballpark. Has anyone done GI Bill or Chap 32 through a school that had to be approved before you could start with VA benefits?
  6. Hey, JoeVet... Sorry I missed your message. It's probably no longer relevant, but your question about Dr. Bash hits home for me. Some on these forums swear by his knowledge and integrity. I can attest to his knowledge and understanding of VA policy and how to navigate the process from a medical POV. However, you need to do your homework. When I worked with Dr. Bash, he signed off on some points I wanted made in my claim, and in others, while they were valid in his medical opinion, he recommended a different approach based on his knowledge of the VA's mysteries. He is very expensive, but also very good at what he does. As for the "IU" question(s), I am rated 100% due to unemployability (90% schedular). That means, based on the information in my record -- and in my claim -- the VA agreed that I am unable to secure "substantially gainful employment." In addition to Dr. Bash's nexus letter and other documentation, the Vocational Rehab representative basically opined that while he did not have enough data to make a conclusive report, he did not believe I would be able to complete the VR program... Kind of like, you're approved if you insist, but chances are better that you won't complete the program than that you will. I hope this is helpful -- and that it works out for you... thank you for your service.
  7. The amount is based on BAH, which may be why some schools call it a housing allowance. :-)
  8. Wouldn't be a Fry. In conversations and online, the "housing allowance" seems to be what the Chap 35 payment is based on. Most schools give a week or two off in each term and sometimes between terms. One of my sons had those weeks deducted from his Chap 35 pay. I think the other one may have full terms reported because most U. S. students stay there during fall and spring breaks.
  9. When I originally filed for OSA, it was denied saying I stated I had it all my life. What I said I had all my life was a lump that the doctor was looking at while we were talking about sleep problems and symptoms he DX as possible OSA. Our VSO suggested I reopen the case after 20 years, and we did. And won. Long story short, I had statements from my wife, two of my adult children, my sister and my room mate from my first duty assignment in the army, all testifying I did NOT have OSA when I entered the army. The OSA was SC after about a year wait. If you have any medical records in service that mention sleep issues, panic attacks, snoring, etc. (symptoms), or were diagnosed within a year of leaving active duty, it may help to file with buddy letters before and after those symptoms appeared. Your sleep doctor may also be able to reasonably determine how advanced your OSA is (not sure of this, but if you haven't had it for decades, maybe a chance). Finally, some things are overturned on appeal unexpectedly. Good luck!
  10. I submitted a 21-4140 in January via mail and fax as a "routine" new year ritual. However, today I got a new one. I'm wondering if they only take these when THEY ask for them, if it just didn't get there or what. Is it safe to fax this document to the VA or should it be sent certified mail... or both? ALSO WONDERING... Does a veteran on TDIU P&T submit one of these every year for life? I'm turning 64 this year and I have not problem with the requirement to submit the form. Just thinking (hopefully, far) ahead to when I can't do such things anymore.
  11. My son will be attending a school in Hungary that is VA eligible next semester. Chapter 35 pays a "monthly housing allowance" in this case, by semester. Do they stop pay when classes break for a week? He still has to stay in the dorm since he can't just fly home whenever school breaks.
  12. I am entering my second year on SSDI after being rated 90% Schedular and 100% P&T TDIU. It is my understanding that after two years, SSA automatically puts disability recipients on Medicare. I am a military retiree, 63 yo soon to go on TRICARE for Life. Here are some questions for anyone who has been in this situation: If Social Security mandates I go on Medicare two years early, do I lose TRICARE? Do I pay TRICARE and MEDICARE premiums at the same time? What becomes of my dependants when I go on Medicare before TRICARE for LIFE kicks in? It seems odd that the SSA would want to bring someone onto Medicare before he or she needs it. True, they have higher premiums than TRICARE and that's money they need... but then again, it's healthcare premiums in a subsidized program, so they'd save money by letting military retirees continue with their TRICARE and/or private insurance until they age into Medicare.
  13. I piggy-backed my diabetes & complications claim on a TDIU claim I filed back in June. The VA awarded the TDIU -- P&T and gave a zero rating for hypertension (reopened) and denied the diabetes contentions. My VSO said I should accept the TDIU and not bother with contesting the claim for diabetes as there is no additional compensation likely. I had considered filing a NOD because I would want my family protected if I died of diabetes complications. Is the VSO's guidance appropriate in a case like this? How likely is it the VA would undo its decision for TDIU if I appealed the diabetes part of the claim?
  14. I was finally able to speak with the person who sent one of the letters. It turns out she works for all three clinics in the Palo Alto region and got me taken care of. When getting fee based services and a choice of doctors, it's a good idea to contact each and learn as much as possible about the providers (the doctors, practice, etc.). The doc I chose is "conservative" in his approach -- meaning no sedation. However, he's a 22 year veteran as an Airforce Dentist. Not sure how the treatment part will go as there is a lot of work to be done and the VA doesn't like to spend a lot on outside care.
  15. That's what I did today... That connects to a voicemail. I also discovered one of the hospitals has an operator with Down Syndrome. How cool is that?! She did a great job, but unfortunately the number went to voicemail when she connected me.
  16. The dental services for Livermore took my information to Menlo Park for an authorization for fee based dental. A few days later, I got an authorization from Palo Alto (the parent hospital of Livermore and Menlo Park VA dental clinics). Shortly after that, I got another authorization from Menlo Park's dental services. The one from Palo Alto came with a letter to the doctor explaining how fee based works and a blank VA form 10-2570D. The one from Menlo Park had the letter to me only and a computer printout that looks like an authorization. They authorized an exam and prophy and indicated they will approve up to a certain amount for treatment. Last Thursday I missed a call from the Menlo Park office and they left a message that said they needed to talk to me about a fee based authorization.... No details, just a callback number. The callback number is only a voicemail and I've left several messages Thursday, Friday and Monday in hopes of finding out why she called. QUESTION: Should I use the authorization without talking to the mystery lady first? IF so, do I take both letters and forms to the dentist, or if not, which one? I also tried contacting both campuses from which the letters came and nobody seems to know how to address the issue. As a last resort, I can wait till I visit my VSO and see if he can shake some trees on my behalf. But that takes time off the clock -- all work has to be done before June 15 and we'll be gone half of May. Is that deadline for initially seeing the dentist or for getting all the work done? If the latter, we also have the wait time for his exam report and the VA's final authorization for treatment. So you can see why I'd love for these folks to answer their phones. It's not like we're trying to talk to the president :-)
  17. I got the retro pay the other day -- based on amount, it looks like my IU is retro to August of 2012. out for pool & pizza to celebrate.
  18. Thanks for the info ForeverYoung. I believe it's 45 months now. I have one son who was still in college during the date span (my retro goes back to August of 2012) so I'm wondering if he should apply. I've been told the retro only helps in establishing they started before age 26). So the student submits the application and the vet submits the authorization to release to third party? I did a PDF of the AB8 letter and sent it to the kid who's in college now, which might make the authorization unnecessary.... but I don't want to give Murphy an opportunity to practice law here ;-)
  19. Hey, Mont36... Thanks for chiming in. Tou may have noticed over the years with the exception of some people who see a conspiracy behind dvery tree, we hold you guys in high regard. You're saddled with a flawed system, and lowest bidder projects like eBennies are a reflection on the political vlass and appointed leadership, not the rank and file in my opinion. I think it IS a scandal when good programs "turn brown" because some politician and somr appointee are working in their own interest. As I said earlier, eBennies is wsy better than before. But the past few months lead me to think it's a lipstick and pig problem for the forseeable future. Thanks again for all you and your colleagues put up with to help us out. Don't give up on trying to improve things from within. :-)
  20. Funny, Navy.... when I got the AB8 letter I texted my wife to see if she wanted to celebrate. I probably WILL take the family to Dead Lobster :-) Biggest concern is an article where Jim Strickland explained that different branches of the VA speak different languages... Hopefully, I won't have any surprises when I go to schedule a dental appointment or when my college kid applies for Chapter 35. Updates forthcoming once I get the BBE.
  21. Looks like all my contentions except TDIU were denied (as far as I can tell from AB8 letter). I'll know more when I get the BBE. For now, my question has to do with the new AB8 letter. It says outright that I am considered totally and permanently disabled at 90% but paid at 100% rate because of unemployability. It is my understanding my dependents qualify for Chapter 35 at 100% P&T, but I can't find a letter that verifies this. Any suggestions? Is that something that only comes with the decision letter and is not available to print out from eBeneies (Inquiring college students want to know :-) )
  22. Just checked again... eBenefits is partially up -- claim status/filing still gets "Internal Server Error" but benefits letters is now working. I downloaded my AB8 before the next crash :-)
  23. I've been fortunate in the benefits system (denied... denied within year of evidence submission period and then approved). I always expect the worst and have done the math on the likely worst case scenario (not including being reduced for everything ;-) ). But I DO think something like ebenefits or healthcare.gov is probably designed to fail or at least need long term maintenance and improvement. In fairness to the VA this go around, they got their server back online and they are claiming the current outage is planned for "upgrades". I'm thinking an "upgrade" is a VA euphemism for "make it work temporarily".
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