Tango India Mike

Nope, but I will. Thanks.

I guess I'm still a little confused about P&T. I had the understanding or impression that once a veteran is rated P&T, they could not be reduced. Am I wrong on that point, or Is there an exception for TDIU? I realize there could be a reduction or revocation if I become gainfully employed for a year or more, or if fraud is discovered, but outside those two caveats, I thought P&T meant no further exams and no reductions. EDIT TO ADD: I just found this at a website called VA Claims Insider. "Total and Permanent Disability VA, also known as 100 percent P&T, applies to veterans whose disabilities are Total (any impairment of mind or body which is sufficient to render it impossible for the average person to follow a substantially gainful occupation) AND Permanent (impairment is reasonably certain to continue throughout the life of the disabled person). Many veterans mistakenly interchange “Permanent” and “Total,” when, in fact, they have very different meanings. For example, a veteran can have a Total disability that’s temporary, such as a total knee replacement OR a Permanent disability rated less than 100 percent, such as Sleep Apnea that’s been rated at 50 percent for the past 10 years. Veterans can also be BOTH Permanent and Total, not just one or the other. The major benefit of being deemed both “Permanent and Total” or 100 P&T is that veterans are protected from a VA ratings reduction. This means the VA can NEVER reduce your VA rating! Furthermore, being rated 100 percent P&T entitles you or your family to a host of additional VA benefits, which are highlighted in this post below."

Great points. I'll be taking my summary letter to the means office tomorrow.

I am now TDIU P&T and my summary letter says I will be paid at the 100% rate. But it shows my payment will be $3,303.49 instead of the current 100% amount of $3,332.06. Why am I being shorted $28.57 on my monthly payments?

Office Depot in Johnson City, Tennessee offers a 20% discount to veterans. I'm not sure if this discount is location specific or across the board at all locations.

That doesn't sound right. It says my TOTAL DISABILITY cannot start before the EFFECTIVE date of the policy...NOT a CLAIM date...or DEATH date. My Total disability has started, but if I sign up for S-DVI and apply for NO PREMIUMS due to my TOTAL disability, I am already disqualified because I was TOTALLY disabled before the EFFECTIVE date of the policy. It just doesn't make sense.

I'm confused about the eligibility for premium waivers on the S-DVI. The rules say you may be eligible for no premiums if your disability prevents you from substantially gainful employment. This can only be substantiated by approval of TDIU, but then it contradicts it's self by saying that your Total disability cannot be effective PRIOR to your insurance coverage start date. How the heck can anyone possibly be eligible? Once you've been granted TDIU and they call it "totally disabled", you're disqualified as soon as you qualify. What am I missing here? Is this benefit only for those who started a policy before being rated Totally Disabled? Eligibility Requirements: You have a mental or physical disability which prevents you from performing substantially gainful employment. Your total disability must begin before your 65th birthday, and must continue for at least six consecutive months. Your total disability may not begin prior to the effective date of the policy. What do I need to do to apply for premium waiver? Once you submit your Application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI), our Insurance Claims Division can begin reviewing your information. If your application for insurance is approved, you will automatically be considered for waiver of premiums. Please understand that eligibility for premium waiver is based on information from your local VA Regional Office, and health and employment information concerning your non-service-connected impairments. What if I'm not approved for waiver of premiums? If you are not approved for waiver of premiums you will have to continue paying premiums for this insurance. If you do not want to pay the premiums you may cancel your coverage by sending a request to: Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center (RH), P.O. Box 7327, Philadelphia, PA 19101.

I just found my benefits summary letter on VA.gov has been updated. My combined schedular rating remains at 80%. My letter says that I will be compensated at the 100% rate due to my TDIU. It goes on to say that I am considered Totally and Permanently disabled. Two questions, actually...does this make me eligible for ALL of the 100% benefits in addition to the compensation?...and does Permanent & Total mean that it's locked in for life with no future exams or possibility of reduction or withdrawal? I understand that it can be revoked if I become substantially and gainfully employed, so we don't need to discuss that aspect. If I remain unemployed for the rest of my life, am I locked in for 100% compensation without being re-evaluated?

From my understanding, social security can only be taxed if you have "Earned Income". Retirement income is not earned income, but military retirement IS taxed and not considered earned income. If you get a 1099R for it, it does not count as earned income. So, it is not totally accurate to simply say "taxable Income". It must be taxable EARNED income. Someone smarter than me may correct me on this, but this is how I understand it.