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callover007
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Posts posted by callover007
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Callover
If you think you get such great treatment at the VA why don't you drop your BC/BS? Do you get all your treatment at the VA? If you were going in for triple by-pass surgery would you use your local VAMC, or would you look around your city for the best doctor to do it even if it meant using your insurance and having some co-pay? I use the VA primarily to document my treatment for SC conditions. For that I get a bill sent to my insurance. Your VAMC is a teaching hospital. I hope you are so optimistic when a medical student at the VA cuts your chest open, and slices through your aorta.
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To answer some of your replies. They do not bill Medicare because it is also a Gov agency, sort of robbing Peter to pay Paul. I have BC/BS and my rates go up yearly but I pay no deductible because of VA charges. It does, in my opinion, help ALL vets, something I would hope you would agree is a good thing. There are plenty of homeless and vets earning below the average income level that VA cares for that may otherwise not receive treatment. I have been on this board for more than 5 years and moniter it daily. There are some people here that hate the VA and would not say they are doing as good as they can with what a got. IF it offends you it is because your are the ones constantly berating VA regardless of what they do. If you have an open mind about the VA then you won't take offense to my statement. Try volunteering at your local VA and you will see good and bad workers. Why blame the good for some bad. Finally, if you don't want the VA to bill your insurance, cancel it!
Callover,
(Quote)
"It definalty help the vets, all vets, because it helps defray their cost and allows the VA to provide better and more services their budget might not have quite enough mone otherwise."
We are not helping to get better treatment for our fellow vets, we are just getting screwed.
The VA jerks get paid a bonus for saving the government money.
When you get shorted, nobody else, no other veterans will benefit.
All of the benefit goes toward paying jerks to screw you even more.
It's their perceived job and primary function.
The jerks receive more money in relation to how much they keep you from getting.
The secretary of the VA is supposed to tell congress if and when the budget does not cover all of the health care that veterans need.
Then congress is supposed to give more money to the VA.
I understand where you are coming from.
But, keeping one veteran from receiving proper medical care under the notion that another veteran will receive better care is just wrong.
It's morally and legally wrong.
It does not work that way.
If the health care system is overcrowded or overworked the secretary has, as part of his JOB, the responsibility of telling congress that the system needs more resources, NOW.
Then congress HAS TO make more resources available so no vet slips through the cracks.
If the secretary says nothing, the secretary has succeeded in saving the government's interest without waking up from his nap.
Making vets pay co-pays and keeping part of our travel pay is just wrong.
Nothing that we give up is going to help another vet get better treatment from the VA.
But it does lower the budget speculated for the next year.
When we buy into political rhetoric and feel good about giving something to another vet, keep in mind that the system is broken if they need to keep our earned benefits.
We deserve everything that we earned defending our country.
By figuring out how to keep it from us the VA jerks are simply screwing us and not helping any other vet as the result of screwing us.
We 'MAY' have just lowered the budget request for next year by receiving less than we earned.
A lower budget request means that even more of us will have to go without something so another vet will get something.
OOPS, I forgot, it doesn't work that way.
When a veteran does not receive everything that he earned, it is directly the fault of congress and the secretary and it has absolutely nothing to do with anything that another veteran gets or thinks he is giving up to help another veteran.
We have no control, none, zip.
The VA and congress are running the VA like they want it to run.
It's not going to get better.
Any politician that supports overhauling the VA is a liar.
If getting screwed makes you feel better and lets you sleep more peacefully, go for it.
sledge
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This is the "signature page" from your application for VA Healthcare Benefits:
SECTION XII - ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS
VETERAN'S NAME (Last, First, Middle) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
VA FORM
NOV 2009 10-10EZ PAGE 3
I understand that pursuant to 38 U.S.C. Section 1729, VA is authorized to recover or collect from my health plan (HP) for
the reasonable charges of nonservice-connected VA medical care or services furnished or provided to me. I hereby
authorize payment directly to VA from any HP under which I am covered (including coverage provided under my spouse's
HP) that is responsible for payment of the charges for my medical care, including benefits otherwise payable to me or my
spouse.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST SIGN AND DATE THIS FORM. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS WHICH DEFINE WHO CAN SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE VETERAN
Just try to imagine the number of vets that the VA treats daily and then think of the cost. Congress allows the VA to collect from your insurance or health care. This ssupplements for the cost. It cost you nothing extra as the VA settles full payment from the insurance and you have no co payment. As a matter of fact I get a bill showing what the insurance paid--no co-charge to me and it also goes to count for your yearly charges you would otherwise pay. It definalty help the vets, all vets, because it helps defray their cost and allows the VA to provide better and more services their budget might not have quite enough mone otherwise. I am IU-PT and don't mind the insurance helping the VA yearly cost.
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David,
Exactly what does your drinking have to do with IU. Sounds to me it is more of personal conduct than SC illness. Are you drawing compensation from the VA? For what if so? If your not VA comped your wasting time and resources of an already over worked system.
Thanks to all. Hadit is the best support group I have. I go to AA but you guys let me vent and tell me like it is. Working hard to pull it back together thanks. -
In you denial letter what were you denied for---SSI or SSDI??????? What was reason for denial.
I am tdiu service connected at 100%, but the ssdi denied me, I seemed to get a generic letter from them denying me, Im not even sure what they looked at, I dont think they looked at my full va medical records, should I just get a lawyer for the appeal, any good lawyers out there? -
Rotorhead-- Don't know what you'll get for the neuropathy but you will probably only get 10% for DMII on oral only.
Hello brother and sisters on hadit.com these are the results from last weeks C&P for DM II.Problem; Diabetes II
Age at onset; 58
Circumstances and Initial Manifestations; The veteran began having high blood sugar readings in 2005.
He has developed Htn, severe CAD, and Peripheral Neuropathy and ED.
Course since onset; Stable.
Current Treatment; Oral Medication, (metformin 250mg) ADA Diet, and Exercise.
Does the veteran have Diabetes; Yes
Type of Diabetes; Type II
Potential Diabetes Complications Found: CAD, Htn, Kidney Disease, Neurologic Disease, "Other" Diabetic Conditions.
DIAGNOSTIC DETAILS OF POTENTIAL DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS:
Microalbuminuria
Is this a complication of Diabetes: Yes
Peripheral Polyneuropathy: L&R Feet, L&R Hands.
Is this a complication of Diabetes: Yes
The veteran has developed the gradual onset of moderate to severe numbness, tingling, and burning pain in bilateral hands, toes and feet and medial aspect of mid-thighs.
He has failed two medications used for this condition and is currently on a third medication.
Course since onset: Progressively worse.
Hypertension
Is this a complication of Diabetes: Yes
Erectile Dysfunction: Contributing cause, Diabetic Neuropathy due to Type II DM
The veteran has developed the gradual onset of progressive ED. This condition is now almost complete. He has failed oral medications.
This has moderate effect on relations with wife.
Effects of Diabetes on daily activities:
Chores: Moderate
Sports: Prevents
Exercise: Severe
Travel: Moderate
Recreation: Moderate
Diet: Moderate
All in all I think I had a good evaluation from the C&P Examiner. My first impression was that I was deep dodo, so just goes to show you that you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Appointment in AM at private eye Doc for Retinopathy.
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I am tdiu service connected at 100%, but the ssdi denied me, I seemed to get a generic letter from them denying me, Im not even sure what they looked at, I dont think they looked at my full va medical records, should I just get a lawyer for the appeal, any good lawyers out there?
Did you get denied for SSDI or SSI?--? As far as Acesup his statement is bull!!! There is no "Quota" or automatic tundown for the first time. Why so many are turned down is lack of presentation. I'n not saying you in particular cause I have not seen your packet. Many people think VA automaticly qualifies you. SSA decides on its own information sent in by you and their examinations. They don't know YOU. They just know you from what you send them.
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cherie,
I know SS and VA are seperate but one does have an impact on the other. I work with alot of vets and have worked for social security and the office of hearing & appeals (oha). SS like VA can re-exam in different stages. IE 1,3, or 5 years. You have to be disabled at least 1 year for SSDI, VA not for any certin time period. I have found through personal experience if your SSDI is 5 years or over that your chance of VA PT are much better. You must also consider age and education for SS's decision. Older and less educated workers have a slimer chance of "improving" or being retrained than a younger person. This is kind of what alot of the judges at OHA use in their decision. I have worked with and talked to over a dozen OHA judges and what they look for when considering re-exam time. Talk to alot of vets on SSDI and you should find this to be true in alot of case though not all. Don't forget age is a big factor also.
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A permanent rating can be given without it being total. Say you lose an arm and they rate that at 50%( not sure of actual rating). You will not get yor arm back so it will never get better (or worse) making it permanent.
jerr,You posted,
"70% could be considered permanent after a disabled veteran hits that mark."
How about explaining what you're saying above as it makes no
sense at all to me. Personally I would not want any SC'd percentage
of 70% to be "considered permanent" as that would limit me to
no more chance of an increase.
Since you made a choice to bring up rules
for protection, here they are.
This is a copy & paste from elsewhere.
jmho,
carlie
The 10 year mark for is for service connection. A condition that has been service connected for 10 years can not be severed unless fraud is involved. The clock starts ticking for conditions based on the effective date(s). This does not mean compensation can't be reduced.
The 20 year mark protects ratings. Absent fraud, disability ratings can not be reduced after they have been going 20 years. See your award letter for effective dates on each disability. Combined ratings are also protected after a 20 year period.
Example: You have been rated 50% for Condition A since 1990. You apply for SC for 4 more conditions and VA grants them in 2007. Because of VA granting them your new combined rating is 100% as of 2007. Condition A is protected from severance in the year 2000 and protected from reduction in the year 2010. The new service connected conditions would be protected from severance in 2017 and reduction in 2027. The clock started ticking on your combined 100% in the year 2007 so it would be protected from reduction in the year 2027.
If you apply for an increase for Condition A and are bumped from 50% to 70%, the 50% number is still protected from 1990 but the new 70% would start a new clock ticking (using the dates above). Meaning until you have held that 70% rating for 20 years, the lowest they can reduce you is back to 50% based on the fact that it was in effect for 20 years.
Even if a rater plugged the wrong numbers and wrongly awarded a combined 100%, they still can't reduce. Again, this is all assuming no fraud is involved. You can do the math by using the effective dates on your award letters.
"P&T" can be established at any time regardless of how long ratings have been held (via 100% scheduler or TDIU). If VA plugs all of your conditions and there are no future exams scheduled, then entitlement to Ch. 35 and ChampVA will be granted. If VA determines that there is a chance of improvement, there will be a future exam scheduled and "P&T" will not be established.
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Awhile back I asked posters that have used Bash to post their success stories. Many, many defend him but cite examples of his "winning" case at the BVA. All the case cited that "he" won list numerous additional sources the BVA made their decision on. The replies from people who used Bash and actually "won" was limited to 3 or 4. He is well liked on this board and defended by people who have never even used him. I have used Bash for Lung cancer and back injuries well documented in my sservice records. He charged me $2000 for his "report." I am boots on ground Viet vet (3/9 marines 66-67). In his report he mentioned smoking and AO were to blame. I did not know that Lung cancer was presumed for AO. Bash should have known this. My back was denied as his little write up saying it probably was from the service. MY OPINION is still that Bash is overpriced, overrated, and is more interested in his fee than helping fellow Vets. His reports are usually 1-3 pages with his attached resume is 7-8 pages. I myself would never use him again and advise with all my heart no vet use him. I do not feel he is worth half of what he charges. Mind you, this is my opinion based on my facts and info I have collected. It is an opinion which I am entitled to share, and to the one long time poster who threatened to have Bash sue me for slander---help yourself!
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I believe she is only entitled to 5 point preference???
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Not to hyjack the post but Cowgirl and others are doing the Hokey-Pokey. For those that remember the dance I have sad news. The guy who came up with the Hokey-pokey dance passed away recently and they had a real hard time when they went to put him in the casket. Seems they put his right leg, in-he put his right leg out, they put his left leg in he out his left leg out. They put his-----well, ya'all know the rest.
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The VA is allowed by law to bill the insurance companies. It makes no difference if a Cat 3 has insurance or not. You will still pay $8 co-pay. The VA recomps the rest from insurance. This helps defray their cost, allowing them to provide services for other Vets. If you did not have insurance your cost and VA's remain the same. Really it is to your benifit as the deductible from your insurance work in your favor the rest of the year. If VA could not collect from insurance companies imagine the services that they would not provide because of budget restraints.
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Jim,
Just wondering what DR. Bash charged you. Did the VA refer to his statement in your SOCC? Were you denied even with his letter?
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My SO and others have told me to file for 10,000 free life insurance.
My first claim was 50% for panic attacks with depression accepted June 2006. I was just given 70%(100% Tdiu) april 2008. So that is within the two years, right? When I called the 800 life insurance number I was so confused when I got off the phone with the lady. I then went down to talk to someone about this $10,000 life insurance and the lady said she did not know if I qualified. So now I am asking you guys and gals how this works. And also what kind of forms would I fill out.
Thank you
Kris
Kris, I believe you are close to running out of time. You can file on the Jun 06. I don't believe you can file on an increase, it has to be a new SC. I also believe you have to be 100% to be waived the $10,000 but I am not positive. Someone will clarify. Better get going.
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Hey Otoe,
Been a while. How did your other claim come out. Drop me an e-mail and I'll update you on mine.
I'm not positive but I think 1151 award is offset by comp award.
Callover007
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I am rated at 94.5% paid 100% TDIU P&T. since April 2004. I am an elected official and am paid $650.00 per month. There is no physical activity to the position. I have been in this position since 1995. I believe the decision Berta posted is the reason I was allowed the TDIU.
But, I do get reviewed yearly. I simply send in copies of my Federal Income tax forms. It's kinda like living on the edge. Terry Sturgis
Terry,
If you are rated at 94.5% that would round to 95% which would round up to 100%. Aren't you 100% schedular? They would not grant IU at the 100% rate.
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CHERIe33,
It means it went to the state office. Explaination: SSA does all the paperwork, checks if u have proper earnings,gathers med reports and other reports as needed, and make sure you meet other requirements and all evidence needed is collected. They then send to the state DDS ( Disibilites Determination Services). They are the ones who determine if you meet the medical portion for disibilty. This is the same for each state, that's why some states are easier than others but SSA does not actually determine until it goes to ALJ.
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Leatherbill,
You say Viet Nam ere---were you in country or on a ship. Are you currently service connected? Do you have a nexus, something in your service record showing these conditions? Sometimes--but rarely the VA will send you for outside test they can't do but it is rare.
I used the Marion VA for about 3 years and felt they were very-very good, polite people and took excellant care of me and I was only 10% at the time.
I am 54yrs ogf age and Vietnam Era Veteran>I have a claim for PTSD and an Eye Injury.The last year i have been having Chest pains along with Numdness an aches on my left side.
Well the VA in Marion Illinois has run all kinds of test an x-rays >All they say is i am just old.
But now i am wondering if they are just railroading me. This VA hospital has had some very serious
issues concerning treatment....So i am feeling that thier credibilty is a serious question.
So i was wondering if the VA pays for outside Diagnosis.
I am also wondering if there are any other Veterans familiar with the VA Hospital in Marion Illinois
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AMMODAD,
If I am not mistaken you need to know about 2 disibilities adding up. If it is what it means is: say you had sc lung surgery and get 30%. during surgery thay have to cut one of your ribs to remove lung, so they award you 10%. During surgery they cut you open and upon sewing you back together they leave a big scar and grant you 10% for that.
Percent =
30%+10+10 to make 43%, rounded to 40$, thus qualifing the requirment of 40% for one.
Same for DMII, perfiphal neuropthy- the DMII caused the PN so its is one condition to meet VA requirements.
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Donewsome,
I also have periphial neuropathy due to DMII. My codes are 8521 for lower-8515 for upper.
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Does anyone take this Med? What are the side effects?
John
I took for about 30 days. It gave me diarhia(?) and musle cramps. My PCP changed to Glipizide(?). No problems with the new.
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I come up with 45% rounded to 50% total award.
The form used for calculating my benefit percentage was very useful except it lacked a way to calculate for Bi Lateral conditions.I currently have 20 /10 /10 and was just informed that it will be changed to
20 / 20 /10 (which is still being challanged under a letter of disagreement).
However, I understand that there is a Bi Lateral adjustment the VA uses in their calculations
(10 /20 for knees and 20 for my back).
Does anyone happen to know what it is so I can properly calculate my disability percentage. Just wondering if I now went for 40% to 50%.
Thank you for your assistance.
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Boy, this is a subject I love. You asked for an opinion and I will offer mine. I used Bash and (in my opinion) you would waste money by using him. His opinions are not worth the price, in my opinon. This board and one person in particular swear by him, saying his opinions are ignored by the VA. They are are still fighting the VA. What a bunch of one-sided bull.
My opinion is that he does not write a good opinion. SOME folks says he is a hired gun and that is what they, the claiment needs, but his opinions have to match fact. In my opinion he says what you want to hear, not what the VA needs to substanitate a nexus. My opinon is he is a waste of the Vets money and his main concern is his profit.; and to a certain person who "love her baby" send him all my e-mails. You should feel ashamed for promoting a man who charges this price and will not help a Veteran without up front money.
People have been swearing by him but have been in dispute for years counting on his opinion and there are very few success stories where he helped a claiment ask for reconsideration or a NOD. His success is VA appleate where other medical evidence is subbmited and not his opinion alone.
You asked for an opinion and I gave one. It will disagree with most opinions on THIS board but I have paid the $2000 for him and feel it a COMPLETE WASTE of money. This is from personal experience and not hearsay. Your choice.
Can The Va Bill My Insurance Company For My Nsc Healthcare?
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
To Sledge and John: Sledge, an opinion is just that, " an opinion". No proof is needed. You make statements. Have you ever had a course in Economics about cost and expenditures. Gotta take money in to stay in business. Wasn't it just a while back the VA big wigs under estimated their budget and congress bailed them out.Explain VA'a version of math. Help you volunteer. Get real!!! Why don't you quit whining and go to your local VA ans ask " how can I volunteer", very simple. Try it. John. I never whinned about my insurance paying VA. My cost goes up like everybodys as it is through OPM and there is a yearly increase, as in most insurance. Your interests state "fighting with the VA and my neighbors." Sounds like your just a delight to be around. You must be a barrel of fun. I keep my insurance because I have a choice of who I want to perform my surgery. I have never said the VA is perfect but what is?