MissusB

Well, then if that's the case, he can do without the increase. We lived in Syracuse, New York and had a phenomenal care system with the VA. As we were moving to Alabama, he started having chest pains and went to the VA ER. They told him he needed to be cathed, and gave him something in writing to give to the Alabama VA to speed it along, since he couldn't have it done there (see below). He wasn't in dire need of the cath immediately. Had we not had a fully-loaded U-Haul truck sitting in our driveway, he would have had it done then, but the doctor said he shouldn't wait more than a coupla weeks, just in case. The VA said he'd be fine 'til he got to Alabama. Once we got here, we immediately went to the VA. It took 3 months just to get an appointment at an outpatient clinic (that was the slow clinic) and the entire 4 and 1/2 years we were here, they never sent him to a cardiologist. When we went back to New York, he got in immediately, and was cathed immediately. We are back in Alabama now, with the same lousy VA healthcare. I'd rather he stick with the civilian doctor.

It doesn't matter that he no longer goes to the VA for medical care, does it? Last year we bumped up to Tricare Prime and now he goes to a civilian doctor, because the VA is over 2 and 1/2 hours away. He also has Medicare, so it costs him nothing to go to the civilian doctor. We have a local DAV rep, though.

thanks, guys. Broncovet, the VA isn't garnishing my husband's check. The quote came from the article that I read, based on info from jbasser. They are garnishing the check of the Veteran in the article. Just spooked me, is why I asked.

but bronco, go back to my post right before yours. Why would the VA garnish that other guy's SS check? Things like that make me afraid to do anything, you know?

why would the VA garnish his SS check? See, reading things like this make me not want to rock the boat.

Thanks, vperl. B) Any information is always appreciated. We are going to also get an appointment with a DAV rep, whenever he feels better. He's usually pretty tired, and doesn't feel like doing much.

what is P&T? Is it an increase in benefits? As in money? Medical benefits that he doesn't already get, like dental?

The SSDI doesn't have anything to do with his SC disabilities. His SSDI is because of nerve damage in his arms. 30% for his heart 20% for his legs (tendonitis) 10% for hearing He has not applied for TDIU because he heard once that you can't draw 100% for SC disabilities and also 100% for SSDI. He didn't want to screw up his SSDI or the VA Disability that he gets. Honestly, we don't know alot about TDIU or anything like that. We tried to find out about it when we were in NY, but didn't get alot of help from the DAV rep there.

The 60% is his, and it's been at that rating for several years. He has heart disease, type 2 diabetes, COPD, among other things. Heart disease onset mid-80s, COPD onset late-90s, diabetes a few years ago.

Thanks, Berta. Went to the EPA website. Thanks for the link. Hubs and I had just talked quite a bit about how there were quite a few health problems he has that are a result of exposure to AO, and I just read that article yesterday which led me to believe that he can apply for an increase in his SC disability. I'm not sure if he can or not, but I like to do my homework before we contact the DAV or go to the VA.

Hey, all. I scanned through a little and didn't see anything that I am looking for. My husband was stationed at Seneca Army Depot around 1975ish as a Special Weapons Guard. They sprayed Agent Orange as a defoliant around the base. Does this qualify for the new recognition of Agent Orange related illnesses as service-connected disabilities? I don't really know where to look. I read the article to my husband from the VA website, and he said that it should qualify, but he can't imagine the Army would admit that they used it. Anywhere I can look? Or does anyone have information? Thanks in advance. :D

Thank you so much! I will do that, and that way they won't have any excuse, or try to do like SSDI did when they said he should be able to work, even though he had heart disease, emphysema, COPD, ulnar nerve damage, tendonitis in the knees and insulin-dependant diabetes. Every job he's ever had he was unable to do, and it was so frustrating, because he wants to work and can't.

thank you so much!! I read your post to him and he was very appreciative. We are going to go to your website and take a look. :D B) B)

Thanks alot! I'll have him call his DAV representative.

OK thanks, guys. He's tried to get bumped up before, and had trouble. I guess his first stop is the DAV? Again, thanks for the info.