TiredVeteran

Do not know the answer. Sorry! Can say that I have not a clue how the VAMC even knew Jimmy had the supplement. Have tried to call but after hours on hold, no answer.

Thanks : ) Yes, that is what we pay for the old red/white/blue Medicare. We also purchased a supplement plan through AARP, I think option F which costs a lot more. With the high costs of Jimmy's care, it was to sorta fix a medical cost per month in a fixed budget. The plan we have covers no prescription drugs. Most meds are through the Va with no charge. About 70 or so dollars a month, maybe more goes to buy meds that are not furnished through VA. Much of his medical care is in home now, as he is too compromised to travel, even to and from appointments. Even his xrays are done at home. I try and spend his care dollars wisely while providing him with the best care I can access. When the VAMC billed for the appointments there for his care, it shocked me!! I have never even been asked about additional insurance. I always thought that the VAMC covered in full his care at the VAMC, due to his rating. There are very occasional appointments at the VA we have to travel to. With his having home care, we can call 24/7 anytime for nurses. That beats the heck out of trying to get through to the VAMC and get help. Right now, there are up to 9 in home visits per week. Costly, but a blessing!! Just concerned about the VA using up whatever limitations we have. He was in a rehab setting for a while. They wanted to keep him. But he was declining fast mentally and physically. He is diagnosed with PTSD from combat and from the care at the VAMC. Along with s/c heart, spinal cord injuries (2), agent orange cancer took his vocal chords, strokes (4) and a host of other serious illnesses. I feel sad for some of the docs at the VA, they are way overtasked.

That is what we purchased. A Plan F I think? But, when Jimmy's medicare ran out, the VA refused to pay one penny even though they were full. I think if we have to pay for what they should cover anyway, they should stay OUT of our private insurance. I worry about increased premiums, using up benefits, etc. which was one of the reason for buying the private coverage.

Thank you!! It just bothers me that we pay two high premiums monthly for private care so we don't have to depend on the VAMC as much. Jimmy spent a long time hospitalized at OUR expense. VA would not help. Their initial offer was to ship him to another state. Miami or Richmond I told them he was not a package and his needs could be met here. In all the years we have had this coverage, this is the first time I have had an EOB where VA billed for his SC injuries or any treatment. We are also paying for intensive in home care with zero offer to help from VA. He is rated r1 with another increase likely. They wanted him in a nursing home but I am determined to give him the best possible quality of life. VA provides 15 caregiver hours a week. When Jimmy was in the hospital, I had to be there 24/7 due to complex care. After 8 days, I was wiped out and hired people to sit with him. Prayers appreciated : )

Hi all! Sorry if this is wrongly posted. Just got a summary in the mail from Medicare Supplement that we pay DEARLY for...........and the VAMC is getting paid by our insurance for Jimmy's Service Connected Disabilities, etc. This is care provided at the VAMC. Have I missed something? Haven't been able to keep in due to his condition. Thanks to anyone who answers or messages. God Bless all of you!!

Hi, Sorry if this is the wrong area to post. Mods, please move if needed. Hubby got the grant for SAH a few years back. Now, it appears he also qualifies for the other grant of around 15k, for loss of use of hands. Plus the initial grant has increased. We had to go in debt to abide by the VA regs. Since then, have noticed a few things done literally backwards, like the doors opening the wrong way and making it harder to navigate. Has anyone used both grants since this is a new thing, at least to me? If so, any help on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. The one time we tried to use the grant increase it turned into an 18 month saga. He simply doesn't have that much time. The last time we had asked for a security fence which was denied, then approved after 18 months. By that time, we just had the money paid on what we owed. We did a partial security fence with our money, but since the neighbors have a german shepherd now that seems intent on climbing their chain link fence to get to us, hoping to use the money to extend what we had built. And to correct building mistakes made the first time. My sincere apology for the rambling. He now has nighttime dementia and we are both sleep deprived. All the best to everyone! Thank you Gastone for your down to earth and honest reply. I think I may have even misinterpreted the article I had read. My heart just keeps saying...........give Jimmy something to look forward to. My mind knows what I considered is not doable. Please remember Jimmy in your prayers! Love all of you!!!!!!!!

Local news station WJHL has numerous recent articles regarding the pain meds for veterans. One is the standard actual guidelines by the American Pain Association (?) which totally goes against the stopping of meds for veterans. Clearly states meds are to be considered on a case by case basis and not everyone should be cut off!!!!! It is all worth reading. I can't link it, but if you google WJHL Johnson City TN, you will be amazed at the information!!! The VAMC is certainly not following the standard of care in the community. I think it is mostly by the investigative community watchdog reporter Nate Maribito who is amazing!

Wow is right!! Hubby had type 2 diabetes for years. Also was on crestor. His AIC was so high, the VA doc ordered insulin. Private doc said it would likely kill him as he can't communicate his physical symptoms, like dangerously low blood sugar. I came across a similar article and just took a chance, took him off the statin. IMMEDIATE lowering of his AIC to optimal with regular meds, no insulin. It has stayed under control for the past few years.

In the past, my hubby's meds have went missing three times. Once by UPS, we tracked it, and an arrest was made of a UPS employee who was stealing controlled meds by the bagful. Next was with the postal service. An investigator was called into find out how the meds just went off the radar. Surprise, meds showed up a few days later. Third time, the meds were totally missing. The VAMC can and should be actively tracking this FOR YOU. Turned out that time, the shipping label had came off the the meds went back to the pharmacy. Each time the meds WERE replaced. Stay on this for as long as it takes to figure out the last tracked location of the meds. You know the VA can and will use this in the future against you :( Do you have to sign for your meds?? Make them prove to YOU where the meds were last and don't give up.

Buck, sorry you are having such a frustrating day. I don't have a lot of answers, but totally understand about how your wife feels about sexual activity being private. Hubby used to have Sex Therapy yearly with Dr. Finger (no joke) after he became a quad due to malpractice at VAMC. We both were so embarrassed I used to cry before we went. Just tell that doctor that it is too personal and private to discuss with your wife. Hubby and I would just attend and say nothing. Actually it was nearly a cruel joke to play on my husband, he is paralyzed. Sorry you are having a difficult day. Seems to me lately the VAMC is just getting ruder? At least that is how it is when I have to deal with them.

The VAMC here in TN does offer a bed bath program. We declined, my husband is very modest, so I do it. He also gets 3 days of 5 hours each when a caregiver comes in. She is amazing! There is one social worker assigned to managing this program. It was not easy to get, but worth every second spent trying. I try and set my doctors appointments during the time she is here. She gives quality companionship, does light housekeeping and is totally awesome. We also hire private caregivers to help.

Just read this post. Hopefully the veteran is ok. My strong suggestion is ANYTIME you have a potentially serious medical problem, please go outside the VA for a second medical opinion. The life you save may be your own. Second opinions are common in the private field. Yes, you may spend money. It is just smart to get a second opinion.

You might consider asking for another CP exam. Jimmy has had those exams with him not present. Usually didn't turn out favorably. That letter from Vocational Rehab, does it clarify which disabilities are blocking rehab? You are already deemed medically disabled, not suitable for rehab, so apply for Independent Living through Voc Rehab. I am not an expert in anything, but do empathize with your situation. If the reason for your medical retirement is your SC conditions, that might help as well.

Hey RUREADY, hoping you are feeling better. Thanks for your input. I have googled every possible way and read the link to the handout. My thinking is the rule is different now, but you know how people interpret things at the VA. If you ever need a friend, message me. Broncovet. Wow. Blown away here. Even as sick as my husband is, I can see the light in his eyes when I talk about Jordan. Jimmy says he can't be the Dad Jordan deserves. Hey, he can be his DAD! Jimmy is an amazing person who inspires everyone who meets him. DCS is not really interested in Jordan now. The only response is when I have called a media outlet in TN and had them call. Researchers say PTSD is very likely a thing with these young people. This board is the only place that has not told me to leave this alone. Those of us who know PTSD, know that that also means there is a person who has a unique capacity to care more deeply than words can describe. Your responses prove this. I thank you. So, the journey to Jordan will continue. Thank all of you again.

Hi! I called the benefits for education line and was told he could be adopted at 18 and get the benefits. But we all KNOW how accurate a call can be. The verbiage in the booklet and VA information seem contradictory. For a long time, most stepchildren could not get the educational benefits, then it is clarified they are eligible. Can you find anything to reference the adopting prior to 18 in the VA rules? Thank you so much!

Hey Broncovet, first to you. Your post. No words. Read it, read it to Jimmy. We both cried. You should be a profiler! Thank you so much. Ok, here is an update and hopefully some more information that will help figure this out. This child is pictured on our state's AdoptUSKids website and wants to be adopted. He is 18 years old. Had been in foster care. No parental rights to consider. The short bio said he longed to be adopted and talked about it every day. I made all the calls to confirm everything on our end. We are not looking to be foster parents, just adopt this one 18 year old. We are not able to take care of children, but an 18 year old is not in that catogery. DCS finally called. Seems they are not too interested in finding him a home and perhaps don't even know where is he now. Kids get put out on the street. I begged for them to find his caseworker and try to reach him. It is cold and rainy here in TN. Last night, I laid there thinking, is Jordan ok? I am going to try and find him somehow. Otherwise, the odds are really against him. Thank all of you for your support, help, advice and prayers in this Journey to find Jordan. Thank you again, Debbie

Just reaching out.........has anyone adopted an 18 year old? Just got a message from a trusted member that you have to adopt before age 18 years old.

Back in 2009, BVA awarded Jimmy the special adapted housing grant. We built on, as the interior could not be modified to VA regs. Even with the grant, we had to take out a mortgage to meet the specs. After the grant went up, we applied for the extra to be paid on that mortgage. It was more difficult than the original grant! An awesome person, Kelly, in DC intervened. Just last week, the check was sent to our bank and nearly 10k paid on the mortgage!!!!!!!! I well recall how much Carlie helped back in 2003 when Jimmy got the spinal cord injuries at the hands of that cocaine doctor at the VA. Her good deeds will forever be remembered.

Thanks again! I called the VA number on the link you provided and was told that the age of adoption did not matter. There is a real crisis in the USA of children aging out of foster care with no home. Even though we are aged ourselves, an 18 year old should be pretty physically self sufficient. We have an extra bedroom and a LOT of love. I am going to try as hard as possible to have him here to spend Christmas. Wow. Maybe that bump on the head a few months ago had one good outcome. Since last March, I have researched, prayed, and now put in an official request. Homelessness had always been a cause for me. Realizing that foster children just get ousted for the most part broke my heart.

Hi, Thank you. Seems like the things I have read are contradictory. Our children did use their Chapter 35 benefits. I just wanted to make sure that an 18 year old being adopted by us would have the same benefits. Debbie

Hi, Sorry if this is the wrong forum. Short version, I am unable to find a definitive answer to this question: If a disabled veteran adopts a child who had already turned 18, will this child be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits? In our state, children age out of the foster care system at 18 and are pretty much on their own. Any advice most appreciated!!!!!! Debbie ......................HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Hi, Sorry if this is the wrong forum. Short version, I am unable to find a definitive answer to this question: If a disabled veteran adopts a child who had already turned 18, will this child be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits? In our state, children age out of the foster care system at 18 and are pretty much on their own. Any advice most appreciated!!!!!! Debbie ......................HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Is there any chance that we might be able to start a change.org petition to try to get Lucy the benefits she deserves? Would love for her hadit. family to do this in honor and memory of Carlie.........

So sad to read this news. Carlie was such a sharp and giving person! I hope there is someway that Lucy can get the DIC. Carlie wanted to take care of Lucy. If the hadit family can help in fighting for the DIC, count us in. Ther should be an exception granted to those who were not allowed to marry, but were other than a legal paper, married. Prayers to Lucy.

That is a GREAT idea. I am really trying here to just help out the disabled veterans and the very poorest from being the ones that were targeted. From what I have seen of house sales here, the tax value is usually higher than the market value, or if you are a lucky seller, same as tax value. That has happened in recent years, before the tax assessment was usually lower. Banks use the tax figure now as a big part of the loan approval. Locally, our city taxes are going WAY up. IF I understand the letter we got, if you are already in the program, a means test doesn't apply, but not sure. When we called the comptrollers office, they had not received any information. There will be an educational meeting for them in July. I respect and thank each and everyone of the veterans.