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??

Saturday, June 19, 2010 I received my brown envelope in the mail today from the VA. Shaking, I opened the envelope. I found, to my surprise, that they increased my PTSD from 30 to 70%. I had submitted a request for reconsideration back in late December, '09 with a request for Unemployability. I furnished letter from the VA VocRehab which stated I would not benefit from job retraining. I furnished a letter from my State Department of Labor Voc Rehab that said the same. I provided progress letters from my private psychologist where he listed in 3 progress letters that I was unable to work, that panic attacks were frequent, that although I was not suicidal, I saw death as a relief from pain. He stated my GAF score to be 37-39 and that my condition was likely to stay with me for the rest of my life. I am 58 now. In the narrative they explained my second QTC exam went just like the first, basically with NO change and that the doctor that saw me gave me a GAF score of 50-60. Although he was interupted on 4 occasions during our 30 minute conversation for personal cell phone calls, there was NO way he could assess my condition. This second QTC exam was done in mid February, 2010. Also in the evidence file, besides 3 progress letters from a private psychologist, 2 Voc Rehab letters, my Social Security Disability letter, and the clinical notes from my VA group therapy cognitive thought classes, I think the rater really took into account the letters from the private psychologist and the Voc Rehab state and VA. What I suggesting here is to overload your case with credible evidence. Do not be sketchy about it. Back up your statements with letters from anyone that will write one. When it comes time to get your QTC appointment, do not be shy in telling the scheduler that you want to see and American-English speaking doctor. I do think culture has something to do with how you are listened to by the doctor. Do not have good eye contact with the examiner, do say exactly how you are feeling, what is on your mind and that you anger easily, watch more TV, more Computer, less time with family or friends. Get family or friends to write letters for you. The rater takes all of this into account. Be honest with what you write, and the letters you submit. Good luck with your claim. Since I was rated 70% for the PTSD, my 10% for tinnitus is washed to 3% (VA math I guess) but I am being paid at 100% from the VA with entitlement for special benefits from my state, plus Federal SSD. Do not give up, just keep coming up with information in support of your claim. My reconsideration took 6 months. My original claim took 3 months, but it now appears that at least the financial burden is somewhat lifted, I can concentrate on dealing with some of the other aspects of my PTSD condition. Thank you all for being supportive and allowing me to ask questions, get real world answers and applications. Yall are the best Veteran in Georgia

Hello Berta and hawkfire27. Yes, the VA knows of my award from the SSA for disability. I live in Georgia and we have State Service Officers which submit our claims in behalf of other advocacy groups such as AMVETS, American Legion, DAV, etc. The day I got my letter from the SSA granting my SS Disability I went to my VSO and insured that he send this to the VA. I was in his office a week later and he showed me where the VA had received it. I kept the original. I have not officially filed a NOD, my VSO said that filing for reconsideration was quicker and that since my claim was impeccable in detail, with the IMO psychologist, the only thing negative may be the opinion of the VA's outside contract doctor. (My limited understanding of the Hindi language may have been a barrier, however). I am not familiar with an IRIS inquiry though. I live pretty far away from a regional office or VA Hospital where I can get verified so I have not had opportunity to finish getting Ebenefits set up as of this date. Hawkfire, are you saying that your reconsideration was turned down but you got a hearing with a DRO instead? Thanks, yall, for your input. John Hello Berta and hawkfire27. Yes, the VA knows of my award from the SSA for disability. I live in Georgia and we have State Service Officers which submit our claims in behalf of other advocacy groups such as AMVETS, American Legion, DAV, etc. The day I got my letter from the SSA granting my SS Disability I went to my VSO and insured that he send this to the VA. I was in his office a week later and he showed me where the VA had received it. I kept the original. I have not officially filed a NOD, my VSO said that filing for reconsideration was quicker and that since my claim was impeccable in detail, with the IMO psychologist, the only thing negative may be the opinion of the VA's outside contract doctor. (My limited understanding of the Hindi language may have been a barrier, however). I am not familiar with an IRIS inquiry though. I live pretty far away from a regional office or VA Hospital where I can get verified so I have not had opportunity to finish getting Ebenefits set up as of this date. Hawkfire, are you saying that your reconsideration was turned down but you got a hearing with a DRO instead? Thanks, yall, for your input. John

I am a Navy Vietnam Veteran here. After 3 failed attempts at marriage, 2 failed businesses, and other problems I filed for PTSD in 1992 on my own and of course DENIED. My current VA primary doc referred me to the CBOC clinic shrink and after 4 one hour sessions diagnosed me with PTSD. (2-1/2 yrs ago). I completed the cognitive behavior classes and attend the monthly group. I decided to see my state vets rep and filed for PTSD and was awarded 30% retro to August 2009 after 60 days from getting my exam by the VA contracted doc. My GAF score was 50. I saw an independent psychologist every week since then for 1 on 1 sessions. He has given me a GAF score of 37-39. I filed for a reconsideration this past December 2009, got a second VA contracted doctor exam in February. I have yet to hear back from the VA on my request for reconsideration where I included 3 progress letters from my independent psychologist all stating my GAF score and that I am "totally unemployable and that it may last my entire life". I included letters from the VA and from my state department of labor stating that they are refusing VocRehab because of the nature and extreme of my disability. All of this evidence was also provided to Social Security Disability. I was awarded my SSDI in April, 2010, but have yet to hear back from the VA. My 1 year clock is winding down. Any advice from the elders here or anyone with a similar situation would be appreciated. Please feel free to PM me. Thank you all for your service and for your concern for our country and fellow vets.

I am really jealous! At the VAMC in Atlanta you rarely see a veteran working there. It is a social network for the employees who years ago were hired by "special employement needs of the community". In short they hired clerks that could not type, nepatisim everywhere, and loads of red tape. For instance, send you to X-ray, but X-ray has not received the consult request, or to Ortho, and ortho is not taking new patients for 8 months, and the scheduling clerk just shrugs her shoulders and says "I dont know what to tell you". If they are not taking patients, why is this person on the payroll? Ask to speak to a supervisor, and they are all on vacation. Telephone and all you get is either a full voicemail box, or a unreturned call. Go to patient advocate's office and they tell you "well, the doctors are busy and expect us to just understand. Since they are builiding an enclosed walk way from the Medical Center to the Regional Office, and the Emory Univ. rich doctors-in-training MUST park their sportscars in the covered parking, they do offer valet parking (I rather park my own car) by some high school drop out who is good to test the jack rabbit starts and my brakes after waiting in line for 50+ minutes in line just to get to the valet drop off. It is a complete waste of time and moves my PTSD up a few levels each time they schedule me for a Friday afternoon 4pm appointment or a Monday 7:30am appointment, knowing I live 70 miles away. I thought it was their policy to put you up in a local motel if you lived more than 50 miles and had first call morning appointment, but was told that this was reserved for the 150 mile drive appointments. The next time I went to the MedCenter, I took a map and drew a 150 mile radius circle on the map. There were 4 other VA Med Centers within the 150 mile radius circle, so I was lied to again. Are there any pointers you folks can provide to at least work within the system, but to my advantage from time to time? I have asked for appointments from between 10am-2pm and am told that they are not available. I see PMR, Neurology, Ortho, Dental, Poditry, Urology at this VAMC. My primary MD will only address the most significant "problem of the day" telling me that there are other Veterans that he must see and am only given my 15 minutes. I have asked for 2 appointments in the same day, appointments 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, 30 days even 60 days apart so that I can get all of my medical issues addressed only to be told "we dont work that way". I ask "how do you work" and they make it sound as though they are doing me a favor by being there. I told one clerk that she would be slinging burgers at McDonalds if it were not for the Veterans (and I got an applause for that). I was then told that my remark was racist (how was that racist??) and that I was to "sit down and shut up". So I decided to announce that I was on my way to the directors office, only to be met in the hallway by 2 (count em "2") hospital security guards. I had to remind these young, fine 300 pound, gun, handcuff, teargas, baton carrying goons of the signs posted everywhere that read VA ATLANTA WHERE WE DO ALL WE CAN FOR VETERANS. After I was escorted off of the property, I wrote my congressman where magically, all 3 of my upcoming appointments were mysteriously CANCELED BY PATIENT. Thanks for letting me vent to those that know what I am talking about. Any suggestions?

Thanks guys. I guess it might be a good idea for me to squirrl away some money for taxes "just in case".

Greeting fellow Vets. I have looked through the site over and over and have not found any posts that address my issue. I am currently rated at 40% service connected. 10% tinnitus and 30% PTSD. I have applied for total unemployability at my local Veterans Service office recently, mainly because I have been going to a private psycologist who was kind enough over the last 10 months to write three seperate progress letters for me clearly stating that my GAF scores were 37-39 and am unemployable. I have letters from the VA VocRehab stating that I will not benifit from any of their programs. I also have a letter from my state department of labor also stating that I will not benifit from any of their programs. I also have received my Social Security Disability Entitlement letter clearly stating that they too found me to be unemployable and awarding me Social Security Disability. My VSO also has submitted my SSDI entitlement letter. Based on this I feel that the VA should also find me TDIU, but that is my emotional side. I have been told by my VSO that a suspense date is scheduled for the middle of June 2010. I'd really appreciate your comments. I am also asking is SSDI taxable? Do I need to fill out a 1040 income tax form? Knowing that I did not even report what I got last year on my VA compensation I am curious. Also, if anyone is receiving SNAP food stamps, do you report your VA service connected monthly check? I am darn near out of money, sure am out of patience and it is obvious I am out of breath, but I sure would appreciate ya'lls opinion on these questions. It's all new to me and I feel as if I am bumping into walls and having to retrace each and every step. Thanks in advance, and a special thanks to Carlie who suggested I start a new topic. John

Greeting fellow Vets. I have looked through the site over and over and have not found any posts that address my issue. I am currently rated at 40% service connected. 10% tinnitus and 30% PTSD. I have applied for total unemployability at my local Veterans Service office recently, mainly because I have been going to a private psycologist who was kind enough over the last 10 months to write three seperate progress letters for me clearly stating that my GAF scores were 37-39 and am unemployable. I have letters from the VA VocRehab stating that I will not benifit from any of their programs. I also have a letter from my state department of labor also stating that I will not benifit from any of their programs. I also have received my Social Security Disability Entitlement letter clearly stating that they too found me to be unemployable and awarding me Social Security Disability. My VSO also has submitted my SSDI entitlement letter. Based on this I feel that the VA should also find me TDIU, but that is my emotional side. I have been told by my VSO that a suspense date is scheduled for the middle of June 2010. I'd really appreciate your comments. Thanks, John

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Thanks Jerr. I guess I should have put that it took me 2 hours to compose that. With PTSD, we do sometimes have moments of sanity. It is not a 24/7 x 365 thing. There area also many sides of PTSD, including anxiety and flashbacks which are my dominate secondary ailments. I have a friend that has totally isolated himself, another that is so violent that the cops know him by name, others that have been hospitalized and others that are just paranoid. Like I said, there are many sides of PTSD and the "experts" have their own narrative for each case. Time for my medication. Thanks for your comment.

Hi ya'll. I was given a GAF score of 55 after a QTC (Dr. hired by the VA to reassess their findings prior to making an award for my PTSD). I am going to VA group therapy at least once a month. I was not satisfied with the original score of 55, so I contacted the Wounded Warrior Program. They set me up with 12 sessions with a local psychologist who has experience with PTSD at no cost to me. After the 11th session, the doc offered to write me a letter after reviewing what the 15 minute mini assessment QTC doctor had written. His letter has a very well written narrative and he gave me a GAF score of 37-39 and clearly stated that I am unemployable. I went to the State Department of Labor Vocational Rehab and they gave me a letter saying that based on this letter that they had no programs for me. I got my Veterans Service Rep to request an audience with the VA Vocational Rehab Counselor and she too wrote me a letter stating that based on the psychologist's letter that VA could not offer me Vocational Rehab (not because I was over qualified, but handicapped). The VA Voc Rehab lady did say that the VA will contact me within 30 days and have someone come to my house to see if I needed anything to help with daily living. She asked if I needed a GPS or a laptop computer (I am still using Windows 98) so I am excited about getting their help. My veterans service rep filled out the forms with me for a "reconsideration" of my 30% PTSD claim based on the letters from the psychologist, State VocRehab and VA Voc Rehab and said that I will definitely qualify for an increase. Because of my age (58) and also having a rating of 10% for tinnitus (currently 40% total compensation) I hope to get at least the 60% or 70% rating. My veterans service rep also filled out the forms for unemployability and sounded as if it was in the bag as well since I can not be Vocational Rehabilitated. My State Vet Service Rep is the office manager and is up to date on all of the changes so I trust him to direct me in the best way. He suggested the "reconsideration" rather than the Notice of Disagreement for several reasons, the first being that they will respond quicker, rather than to sit and wait for 18 months like I did for the first go around. Also, with the VA decision, I can submit to the Social Security Disability using this evidence. I understand that being older, the process to get SSID is a bit easier, but you still must be prepared to get a civilian lawyer sometimes. Like many of you, the bills are stacking up, and they are not getting any cheaper. Perhaps some of these hints will help. 1. Many phone companies offer "Lifeline" for low income. 2. Verizon cell phone offers discounts on monthly service. 3. Many utility companies offer discounts to disabled (doesnt have to be 100%) and low income. Perhaps some of these will help. Good luck to each of you. Do not give up! Remember, we all answer to a higher power! :P