[Preparation For Notification Back To Pending Decision Approval]

The state benefits are enormous in Florida! I just received over $6,000.00 in back property taxes. I renewed my license plate for  $4.50. Now I have full access to any base commissary or exchange. And, my wife has a pass also. She has free Rx through CHAMPVA Meds by Mail program! Also coordinates with Medicare, so you don't have to buy an expensive Medicare supplement policy. There are probably more benefits that I have forgotten. Great news for you! Congratulations! 

[NEW LAW PASSED! Property Tax Exemption]

In Florida,  this has been in effect for several years. However, my 90% plus Unemployability at 100% still did not qualify me because they stated that your disability had to show it was combat related. I am PTSD disabled because of things experienced in Vietnam. They would not take my DD214 info because it did not say I was in a combat role. I was Signal Corps. So, I had to write to the Dept of the Army, and have them rule on the combat connection. They added specific info about naming Vietnam duty on the new DD214. Their letter also stated that the very fact that I served in Vietnam, whether or not I had seen combat, did not matter. My feet on the ground was proof enough that I served in a combat zone. This Dept of the Army letter was also proof enough for the property appaisers office to grant me a 100% tax exemption. Not only that, they went retro several years and granted me 50%, 80% and 100%, respectively for 2013, 2014 and 2015 based on my percentage disability rating in those years. The retro check for $6800.00+ arrived last week!!!! Yes, there is a Santa Claus,  but you have to do your homework. They won't come to you offering this money! There are only about 3-4 states offering 100% exemption. Most are for property values under $250,000.00. Some, way less! Even more have NO EXEMPTION!!!!

[2 retro checks??]

On 3/19/2016 at 11:08 AM, Tommyb44 said:

The last part helped, but telling a guy with ptsd, who is losing his job, that he may wait years for his money isn't wonderful.   You were just being honest though,  so thanks.  Anyone more recent?  I'm hoping the system has improved 

It took 2 years to get the additional spousal amount (About $95.00/month). The disability lump sum payment was almost immediate after the decision was made. 

[How To Service Connect Sleep Apnea And Other Sleeping Disorders]

I was recently turned down for Sleep Apnea, secondary to my PTSD. My wife of 45 years wrote a "buddy letter", explaining how bad it has been for those early years forward. It wasn't until about 1998 that the VA did a sleep study and issued a CPAP machine. I have bad nightmares and very restless sleep. I have had 2 more sleep studies since and all the documentation was there, showing Obstructive Apnea.  I am currently 68 and have a scheduler disability of 90%. Ischemic heart disease and diabetes, both added per Agent Orange. The PTSD and Unemployability allowed them to give me the special award and now I am 100% Total and Permanent. (I forget what that extra is called, but you all know).

After the recent denial for the Sleep Apnea, my local service officer (he has been great!) told me to leave it alone. Said you're already getting 100% plus the special award. Why appeal and upset the apple cart. I said I was worried that when I die, my wife gets full spousal benefits for anything service connected. He told me that I am not going to die from Sleep Apnea, per se. You will more that likely be affected by your Ischemic Heart Disease or the Diabetes. He said they are not going to touch me and reduce my 100%+. My age helps. Should I leave it alone? And just be glad I am getting a high award right now.

[TDIU P&T and Dental Care]

I am 90% and 100% TDUI. I stopped at my Dental Dept. desk while there for another appointment. They set me up within 3 weeks for a 1st exam with full panoramic xrays, Next exam was 2 weeks later to get an upper impression for a night guard. One week later, the device was complete and they gave it to me after examining it's fit. So yes, the Dental works just fine! Next month I have a teeth cleaning. Just had to ask once!

[2 retro checks??]

Several years ago, I too, forgot to add my wife to my claim info. After filling out the form to add her, it took 2 years to get the additional lump sum deposit. They said it had a low priority.  Also, don't forget to claim for your past Rx copays. They will send another lump sum payment,  going back to your claim date.  Hope this helps.

[VA System/Ratings Assistance]

As others will tell you, go for the unemployability benefit. Not only does it get you 100%, you get exchange and commissary privileges, special additional $ compensation.  Someone with more knowledge can give you more information. 

[VA System/Ratings Assistance]

To whom it may concern:

 

I came here to get some assistance, after doing 2 combat tours in the middle east, enduring an IED blast, losing some of my brothers, and the list goes on.  I've been on a battle for benefits since upon my return in late 2005/6 first rating was 30% then it has been an uphill battle since then I am currently at 90%.  However, it's almost next to impossible to get your 100%, I swear sometimes that the VA wants you to be dead instead of providing you with the benefits and entitlements that you deserved.  It's frustrating to say the least, personnel at the VA have the worst attitudes, and the thing is that they are there to provide us with a service but they don't care and these people have a job because of those who served their country.  But anyway, enough of my ranting.  How do I figure or calculate where I am as far as rating goes? These are my ratings 50% PTSD, 50% Headaches associated with TBI, 40% Residual from brain injury, 10% for wrist fracture.  I've been fighting to upgrade my rating for PTSD to max it out at 70%, I have lost my wife since I came back from combat, I have suffered from erectile dysfunction, upset stomach, pains in all of my joints, indigestion problems, weird rashes on my skin and red marks.  I have a terrible insomnia, the worst nightmares, I am prone to get extremely angry and upset, depressed, etc etc indulged in heavy drinking, suffer from panic attacks, and I tend to be loner.  My family doesn't understand me let alone my friends, well, not that I have that many friends to begin with anyway.  I get the worst migraines that I end up in the hospital, well I don't want to get too descriptive because I am not looking for a pity party nor do I want anyone to feel sorry for me.  That's not the case, I am just a fellow brother that's looking for assistance, I have lost my family due to my issues and its truly been a struggle.  I am sure that most whom I here share my same experience but I need help.  The American Legion assisted me with my claims process, now at this moment I am working with DAV.  So I am looking for guidance, suggestions.  To all of my fellow brothers and sisters who have served in combat, thank you for your understanding and support.

 

 

[Retroactive Pay?]

You should have your retro to June 2014 any day now. Congratz!

[Retroactive Pay?]

You should have your retro to June 2014 any day now. Congratz!

[Award Changed To 90% + Other Benefits]

IU can be added to just about any rating. IU automatically puts your "other benefits" at what a person with a 100% rating gets. You have to look up the your rating scale for special monthly compensation benefits. Mine is SMC (S-1). if you go to the Ebenefits website you would click on Additional Benefits. there you will see the special monthly compensation benefit. click on that and you'll see the effective date and the type of special benefit you're receiving click on that and It will tell you how you got it. Otherwise man don't try to over analyze it! You're good!

[Award Changed To 90% + Other Benefits]

IU can be added to just about any rating. IU automatically puts your "other benefits" at what a person with a 100% rating gets. You have to look up the your rating scale for special monthly compensation benefits. Mine is SMC (S-1). if you go to the EC benefits website you would click on Additional Benefits. there you will see the special monthly compensation benefit. click on that and you'll see the effective date and the type of special benefit you're receiving click on that and I'll tell you how you got it. Otherwise man don't try to over analyze it! You're good!

[Award Changed To 90% + Other Benefits]

That's great news! You are getting the 3415.15/MO as I am. The IU puts you in a special payment scale. I think mine was called SM1. You automatically are considered 100% total & permanent. You qualify for a ton of additional benefits now. I now has access to any commissary in the world. My wife can (did) get Medical & Rx coverage. Up to 30k Extra life insurance. Premium is waived if you are under 65. It's all good! Wife can also get college paid for.Congratz.

[Success Is Out There If You Keep At It!]

A couple of you have suggested that I apply now for Social Security disability because I got 100% P & T. I am 67 and took reduced early SS benefits. Besides, the VA and SS have different qualifications to be approved for benefits.

[Success Is Out There If You Keep At It!]

AskNod, you are right. Everyone works for money. I apologize for the not so nice reference to attorneys. They do good for many. I was fortunate to get through it myself.

[Success Is Out There If You Keep At It!]

I first enrolled on the Agent Orange Registry in about 2008. No real reason then, except others said it was a good idea to get on the list. I was in-country in Vietnam from 1968-69.

In 2012, I saw that Ischemic Heart Disease was added as a covered Agent Orange disease as of September, 2010. I had a heart attack in 2006. So, I applied and got a 60% rating and was paid retro to September 2010. That 2-year lump sum deposit was sweet!

In 2013, I applied for PTSD and was denied because of a doctor filling out his report wrong. I appealed and was granted 50% only 6 weeks later! Now, my rating increased to 80%.

In December, 2014 I applied for a rating because the VA said I was a diabetic and put me on an RX. They rated me 20% for that, but not enough to change the 80% rating I already had.

In February 2015, I asked to have the PTSD rating increased and that I had left my job 2 months earlier because of the PTSD. In April 2015, they increased my PTSD to 70%, for a new rating of 90% overall.

However, they also put the added benefit of Unemployability on the claim, which boosted the claim way up there. With a spouse, I went from getting $1688 to $3415 per month! They now put me at 100% Total and Permanent disability!

When that rating came in, I immediately went to my Motor Vehicle Dept and got a Disabled Veteran plate for my car. Cost: only $4.50/yr! Then to the county appraiser's office here in florida to file for my exemption. At 100% total and permanent, they waive 100% of your property taxes on your home! ($3600/yr savings!) If you are under 65, which I wasn't, you can also apply for a waiver of your monthly premium for some types of Servicemen's Group Life you may have.

Also, but not the least, I went to a somewhat (75 mi. away) local Naval base and applied for a ID card that gives me 100% privileges at any commissary or exchange anywhere in the world, at any military base. I went to an Air Force one yesterday! I can even book a campsite or room at any base that offers it. Disney, Universal, etc are on the discount list too!

The gist of all this, it's that you can do it yourself! Everything you need is available online .Sign up for Ebenefits online today! If you feel you need assistance, see your local VFW, American Legion, of VA Officer. Most states also have service officers that are paid by the state itself. They are usually disabled vets themselves and are there to be on your side. Stay away from the attorneys! They are in it for the money only!

[Florida Tax Benefits For 100% T&p Disabled]

Florida is pretty generous in their benefits to veterans, especially those with 100% total and permanent status. No taxes on your homesteaded property for 100%. Free DAV License tag. Rated 10%, you get a $5,000 property tax exemption. If over 65, you get whatever percentage rating you have as a tax exemption. You do not pay for notary fees, any permitting fees,occupational fees, etc. Check their benefits out today.