paulstrgn

I write maybe 1 - 2 checks a year, in fact the checks I use still have my old Texas address on them and I have not lived in Texas in over 11 years. I pay my bills through my bank, it is either electronic or they write the check and send it. Either way I love it for it shows me exactly how much is in my bank account, I don't need to wait for a check to clear.

I always enjoy meeting and talking to vets like this. They always tell such an amazing story.

Thank Buck I will. As everyone does I am hoping for an increase at least till 40% but we will see what the C&P determines. I wish I knew of a good doctor who would be willing to write an IMO for my back but they can be hard to find. I want a local doctor so that they can do an accurate measurement for ROM. I know that is one part of the criteria. I am hoping I can show the VA when they do the C&P how I am able to bend and do less because of my back. I wish they took pain into consideration which I know they don't, as I have been told pain is not a disability. I say that is a bunch of BS for pain does impact our quality of life. I could do a hell of a lot more if it was not for this pain!!!

For C&Ps I don't mind going there but I am thankful I don't need to use them for medical care. JMO

I am actually surprised that the VA still sends out paper checks. I know the military and the federal government (when employed with them)requires direct deposit. I know you are correct Buck that there are vets that still want the paper checks. Me I want it as quick as possible so I am all for direct deposit. I would think one would be hard pressed to find someone to cash that check, but I could be wrong.

My wife will drive me there but I was not planning on having her go in with me. I will take my MRI and x-ray results for my back, I will also see if they will annotate the DBQ that scoliosis does not get better, I won't count on them adding it but I will ask. I have been to the Hampton VA twice before and I do not like it, it is too big and does not look like it is ran very well. At the end of 2018 they were given 2 out of 5 stars. I will go for C&Ps but nothing else!

I think most of the problem is when they VA schedules you for a C&P they don't just send the relevant documentation, instead they send everything so it is easier for them. But I will take my documents and offer it to them after all the worse they can do is say they don't want them.

So very true, I will take them. I know when I go to QTC or LHI they always appreciate it, they tell me they are sent the entire VA file so they have to search for these records.

GB you are too funny...I feel so much better now! I know the VA has all my records but should I go ahead and take a copy of my last MRI? I usually do this when I see the contractors but this is a little different.

I will take it slow and let them know my issues on my worse day, as we know we do have our good days and bad days. I will make sure they know I will stop bending as soon as it starts to hurt (which does not take much). As long as they do the ROM after the three repetitions they will find out I am in an unfavorable position. I am a little nervous but will be calm for the exam. Unfortunately I am cynical when it comes to the VA.

I do like that. Actually this is from a complaint from a bad QTC exam (I had posted this under a different post). I had called QTC and complained about the exam and the person from QTC requested a new exam. QTC thought they would be doing the exam but obliviously the VA is going to re-exam me. I will make sure they perform the exam the correct way, I want them to perform the repetition to see how after words my ROM is reduced even more. (I may be naive with what I am thinking). This all started when I had asked for an increase. I am currently rated at 20% for IVDS.

I have been scheduled for a C&P exam with the VA. I have never had a C&P with the VA itself. My question is what should I expect? I am concerned that they will be more arbitrary than seeing QTC or other contractor. What should I expect? It is a re-exam for my back.

GB I believe ShilohLee is referring to SMC (s) Housebound which is an additional $347. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. Always remember because of your service to our country by serving in the military has caused you these disabilities. This is a very true statement, so apply and don't give up for you and your family deserve it. Good luck

I found this on the VA website about whether the VA mails checks: https://www.va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings/after-you-get-a-rating/ "If your decision notice shows at least a 10% disability rating, you’ll get your first payment within 15 days. We’ll pay you either by direct deposit or check. If you don’t get a payment after 15 days, please call the Veterans help line at 800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET." I would suggest setting up a bank account and have direct deposit, it is faster and more secure. JMO

I do not know the effective date for your 60%, so depending on when it was it might take a little longer. Plus if it crosses different tax years that might slow it down.. Call DFAS again and ask.

If you had the knee replacement and then receive 30%, does having the 30% instead of 40% drop you below 100%? If it doesn't drop you below 100% then it should not matter. JMO

Congratulations on your win.

First make sure you have all dependents listed, spouse and children. When you are below 50% for disabilities with the VA and you are retired you still receive the same dollar amount. You are technically paid by VA and DOD even though you are below 50%, as you stated above it is tax free. Now that you are at 60% you can receive your full military retirement and also receive a VA check. You will get back pay form DOD for your military pay and an additional one from the VA. I am a little confused by this statement, I assume that this is an entirely different disability and not any part of your 60% rating. Congratulations on hitting the 60% mark but I encourage you to keep applying as you disabilities come up.

I just checked and its down for me as well.

Keep in mind if the buyer puts money down that only the loan portion needs to meet the appraised value plus it might appraise a little high now. I agree 500 - 1500 is a lot better. Good luck and I hope the house sells quickly.

As GB and seminoles state above your friend does not know what he is talking about. Like seminoles my first claim did not have everything I should have claimed. SInce then I have filed for several disabilities since then, Some have been secondary to the original disability and some were just some I had never filed for. Ranmic I would suggest going through your medical file and marking anything that may be considered a disability. After you have done this look at what you marked and decide if they could be considered a disability, use Google if in doubt and see what medical websites say. Just keep filing and never give up.

The realtor who sells the house if other than your realtor will only get 3% and no more. The way buyers get around the 20% down is they can actually take a second loan out for the 20% for the down payment. So in reality they will have two loans against the house, the big one for 30 years and the smaller one for 10 years. Bronco has a good suggestion about building in an incentive for the buyer. If your house would appraise for $285,000 you could actually offer the buyer $10,000 towards closing costs. In reality they are paying it themselves but it looks like you are helping them. On the house I am currently in I used VA for the second time but because of my disability being over 30% I was not charged a lot of the VA loan origination fee when you use VA the second time. I wish you luck on selling your house, I know I will be going through that next year when we sell and move to another state.

Buck her is a link that gives a breakdown of cost when you sell a house. They say in addition to realtor fees the seller pays between 1% - 3% for closing costs. https://www.opendoor.com/w/blog/how-much-are-closing-costs-for-seller#what-are-closing-costs I hope this helps.

Your realtor may only charge 1% but most homes are sold by another realtor who will want their 3% (3% for sailing realtor and 3% for buyers realtor) so unless your realtor sales the house with no other realtor then you will pay at least 4%. When I bought my current house I paid for the title insurance not the seller. I would ask your realtor for a breakdown of all fees. Keep in mind a lot of the fees will depend on what you sell the house for.

Buck if these are other fees besides the 6% realtor fee then that is too high for the price of your home.