jc30655

You are also entitled to a MWR type brown (dependents) ID card where you can get on base, use the gym, the commissary and other services that are provided..... and your dependents also eligible. This will come in your letter from the VA. With that, also, you can apply for discounts online and in Lowe's Home improvement stores. MOST Other places that offer military discounts will also accept it as proof. There will be NO expiration on your ID. It will be "Indefinite". YOU will also get free 100% dental care as well. Congrats for getting your 100%! However, the fight is not over. You will still have to fight the VA for the medical care that you have earned and deserve! I have had to school my VA Primary Doctor that I do not want to go to the VA for ANYTHING. I want to use Community Care as my standing specialist care. It's been a bit easier since the COVID-19 thing because the VA is just about locked down. I suggest once you have all of your letters, ID, etc. schedule a good sit down with your primary care doctor. Take someone with you that can speak up on your behalf. Take your time and compose a letter of what you expect going forward, such as Community Care. They may want to steer you towards seeing a "Whole Health" nurse and get you involved in Tai Chi, yoga, playing a musical instrument (because of PTSD). Just tell them you are open to talk about it, but for right now, you want to pause, get your bills caught up, catch your breath for a few months. Best of luck to you all.

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abcd

You are quite welcome. We all need to be proactive in our claims. Helping one another with information (and factual links to credible information) does help. My best to you and yours, and continue your efforts to obtain what you have earned. JC

From the Social Security website: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/disability-pt.htm Starting March 17, 2014, veterans who have a VA compensation rating of 100% permanent and total (P&T) may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. What do I need to know about the VA and Social Security programs? Both Social Security and VA pay disability benefits. However, their programs, processes, and criteria for receiving benefits are very different. A VA compensation rating of 100% Permanent and Total does not guarantee that you will receive Social Security disability benefits. To be approved for Social Security benefits, you must meet Social Security’s definition of "disability." We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if: You cannot do work that you did before; We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. If you receive VA compensation, this will not affect your Social Security benefits. As a veteran rated 100% P&T, how do I receive expedited processing for Social Security disability benefits? First, you must apply for Social Security disability benefits. You can do this in one of three ways: Complete your application online; Call our toll-free telephone number, 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call us at TTY 1-800-325-0778; or Call or visit your local Social Security office.

Here it is August 1st. I use the VA Augusta, GA and the Athens, GA CBOC for my VA care. I would assume from what I have read about your issues that 1) you need to be more pro-active in how you are treated at the VA or 2) you are one of the Vets that slip through the cracks, and the VA back peddles until they think you have accepted what they say. Typically, in my case, I contact the Patients Advocates office. If I do not get a response within 48 hours, I call the Directors office and ask for their fax number. I compose a factual letter, naming names, dates and times of how I was treated and what it will take to make it better. The motto at the VA in Augusta is "We do all we can for veterans". I cited this in a letter and stated that they have failed in their mission statement. Within 30 minutes of sending that fax I got a phone call, confirmed all of the information in my letter and was promised a follow up call in 24 hours. I got calls from the resident, the department head, and the senior patient advocate. The problem was taken care of within 2 more days, and I am happy with the results. My file must be somehow noted because now when I call to get an appointment, they are made for within 30 days. I always ask for appointments from between 10am and 2pm, and they make that happen too! Every once in a while, I will have to quietly mention that I will be calling the directors office, and it seems like magic happens. Let's remember, we have earned this medical care. It is not a freebie or charity. One thing that I would like to tell anyone reading this thread is this. I made friends with a former VAMC employee that began there while Pres. Clinton was in office. She clearly told me that the VA has been a test area for what is now called the Affordable Care Act. With electronic record keeping, the exchange of medical information across different VISNs (regions in the US geographically), and sometimes not seeing the same doctor that you saw previously, limited "fee basis" medical care, etc. I am not the service rep for my DAV unit and Legion post. I have no "power" but I can nudge a veteran in the right direction from time to time. GA PaPa, if I can help you, let me know.

QTC is a division of Lockeed-Martin Co. The same folks that build airplanes for the government. I guess since the Govt wasnt buying as many planes, they decided to diversify. They claim: ...We are the largest private provider of government-outsourced occupational health, and injury and disability examination services in the nation.... Their website is http://qtcm.com/

I have found if you go to one of the other VSO, such as Conyers or Athens, that the wait is shorter. I admit, it took a long time, and patience is a virtue, however, we all procrastinated first putting in our claim, and the VA will take their time reviewing it. The key thing that I have learned it to keep your file active. Even if you do not receive a letter, once a month find some new supporting evidence and get it sent in. There was a gentleman in my same unit, had the same stressors, and experiences, we gave each other buddy letters to support our claims. I got my final decision over a year ago (it took a year to get it) and he has yet to get his. The difference is, I stayed on top of mine, got to be on first name basis with my VSO, had my evidence paperwork in order, written legibly, and documented, and he put his paper work in, and just sat back. My VSO originally told me that my "job" for the next six months is to do as much research, obtaining background information, contacting various resources for documents. I did just that, made it my job! It payed off. I am now receiving TDIU and SSD. It may take me 45 minutes to write my paragraph here because of my condition, but I refuse to give up. Good luck to all of you. Hang in there and be thorough in your evidence.

I know its been over a month since Carlie has gotten that fabulous award. Congrats Carlie for hanging tough, but most of all, thanks for helping the rest of us with our own plight against the system of red tape, CUE, and mismanagement. I hope you are well, and in a position to play catch up with all that your bills. Knowing that they are paid, or a settlement has been reached has such a wonderful feeling. I hope for each of my Veteran friends here that you, too, get your just reward. Please remember, all gave some, some gave all, but most of all, we all, one day will feel no pain, and know that we are being cared for.

Thanks Papa. Yes, at least this first year that I am 100% TDIU and SSID I will be using an independent tax preparation person. Next year may be a different story. I was talking to a vet that lives near me a couple weeks ago. His comment was that for 4-5 years he would send in his tax return and last year he received a letter from the IRS that in short, said, dont bother us anymore. I asked to see the letter and sure enough, it clearly stated that there was no further benefit to him or the IRS and unless his employment status changed (if he got a job where the employer would withhold taxes) he is exempt from even filing. Sure surprised me, but seeing is believing...and I did see the letter.

Congrats! I too, went from a low ball rating to an increase, but the key is to stay on top of it, and try your best to stay organized. One thing I did learn is the VA loves paperwork. It is almost like you are doing the rater a favor by providing copies of everything you previously sent....or at least that is how it is in the Atlanta Regional Office. I am now receiving 100% Totally and Permanent, plus getting SSD on top of that. From what my accountant says, the VA disability is something I do not even report, and I have received a 1099 for the SSD. It is about tax time and I am wondering, since I am paying taxes on my home, can I itemize too? Is it even worth fooling with (itemizing)? Should I just used the 1099EZ and be done with it?

Thank you for your input. I did receive a letter from the VA saying that I am eligible for the life insurance ($10k) and can buy an increased amount on my own. I will certainly be contacting my State Veterans Service Representative TOMORROW and will be contacting the VA through the IRIS site. Thanks again....that is good info.

I am rated TDIU and after reading your post went back to my VA rating letter and it does not have any reference to "with" or "without future examinations", so I called my State Veterans Service Representative. His comment was that I was "originally rated at 30% PTSD, 10% Tinnitus and on request for reconsideration, moved to 100% TDIU. Don't worry about it." Any comments??