Maureenjls

I agree.....I would have never known if it wasn't for you and this site. Thank you so much. I appreciate your dedication. Maureen

I just got a call from the REPS Coordinator in St. Louis....he said my claim has been approved....YEAH - Is there some formula I can use to figure out how much is due me? I want to make sure the award is correct. We are talking about 1999 when my son turned 16...wow where do the years go? Thanks, Maureen

Just received a call from the VA regarding my inquiry on 11/16/11 regarding my REPS claim. Can you believe she knew nothing about REPS, I mean nothing at all. She said she would find someone who did and call me back. So I took Berta's advice and e-mailed the Office of Survivors. Hope to hear something soon. Maureen

I faxed everything they needed directly to the REPS Dept in St. Louis before my award, and as soon as I got the award letter I faxed that right along. Ill sit tight until I hear from someone on my inquiry. I would like to thank you so very much for all your help, and I will let you know the outcome. Maureen

Berta He is the gentleman I spoke with.....he forwarded my application to the Philadelphia RO and he is waiting for their approval. He can't do anything until it is awarded by the RO. Maureen

So disgusted.....Called the VA 800# yesterday and today, no one, I mean no one knows anything about REPS or the status of my claim. I had to explain what the benefit was to one of them. It is not even on their screen. Whats happening is, they set up an inquiry for someone to call me. In the mean time, I called the REPS guy in St. Louis and he gave me a person to ask for but no phone number. So I called the 800 number again, and asked for this lady and they said "can not transfer calls"....and set up another inquiry. I also sent an IRIS this morning. Boy, this back and forth with the VA never stops does it? Im prepared to see it thru to the end. My husband would be so proud. Maureen Forgot to mention, the REPS guy only does the money, the RO decides eligibility.

Berta - I filed for REPS Benefits in September 2011.. I just wasn't sure if REPS should have been on my award letter, or if it is an entity in itself. Nothing about CHAMPVA, and yes to educational benefits.

Berta, Received my award letter on November 12, 2011 - Decision - Service connection for the cause of death is granted, finally after 17 years......I am totally thrilled. Retro money is for extended burial allowance - No mention of REPS benefits - Is this an entity in itself or should it be included in my award letter?

Berta - My claim IS for direct service connected death. Yes I do receive DIC because of the 10yr P & T regulation. My husband was a VA patient and we did not know he had CAD until the autopsy (so no diagnosis from the VA that I know of). My claim is for service connected death, extended burial allowances and REPS. Didn't think I was entitled to anything else because he did not have any claims with the VA for me to get accrued benefits. (hope I'm explaining all this correctly, I'm still learning). SMC, new to me, what is it? My VSO is not on top of all this, that is why I am asking all these questions. I found out about REPS from this forum and submitted the claim myself, I did not even tell him. My husband was a VA patient and at the time I guess I was too devastated to realize negligence, so I never did anything about it. Maureen

Talked to the REPS Dept (Paul) and was told as soon as they service connect my husband's death......Reps will be ready to go. Thanks again, Maureen

I have called the 1-800 number for the VA and actually never got anyone who knew what REPS was..... Thanks to this forum and Berta I would have never known. Thanks again, Maureen

Berta - Thank you so much, I really appreciate your knowledge. This was driving me crazy . Yes I did receive my Nehmer letter from the VA. And yes, NVLSP did contact me.....and Yes I did file a REPS claim. I am just waiting patiently for the award letter. Thanks again, I will be sure to let you know the outcome. Maureen

Berta - Please read if you have time - does this apply to what I am asking? www.va.gov/vetapp03/Files/0300952.Txt is why I am so confused. Thanks in advance. Yes - My Nehmer claim is at the rating board since Jan 18, 2011. Yes - I have already applied for REPS benefits.

My questiion is....was your husband diagnosed with IHD before 1981....I thought the onset had to be before 1981. My husband was in Viet Nam but no diagnosis of IHD until 1994. I appreciate your hard work with all these regulations.

Am I understanding correctly, that in order for a widow to receive REPS benefits a diagnosis of IHD would have to become apparent before 1981. I am very confused reading the explanation. Please advise.

I did file a claim and got a rep, I will let you know how I make out. Thanks again for all your help.

Berta, I'm not understanding how accured SMC may apply here, could you please explain. Thanks

Berta, I'll try an explain, but please be patient, I am new at this. My actual award of DIC was in early 1995 it was NSC but because he was totally and permanently disabled for the 10 years prior I was awarded DIC. His passing had nothing to do with his recorded disabilities, we did not even know he had CAD until the autopsy, and yes, he was treated by the VA. I did receive burial benefits for a NSC death (300 I think). I have Tricare health Insurance, I did receive DEA benefits but no Home Loan Certificate. His total and permanent disability had been since he was released from the service. He stepped on a land mine in VN and lost partial use of both feet and his hearing. No BVA awards or anything like that. He had been T&P for several years before his death. I have never seen his medical records, all I sent to the VA when he passed was the death certificate and they took it from there. I never thought any more about it until I saw the new IHD regulations. Not sure I have explained myself properly but any questions please feel free to ask, I really appreciate your assistance. Thanks

My husband passed away suddenly in 1994 of severe occulsive coronary artery disease at 45 years of age. He was a disable veteran of the VN war with no previous diagnosis of this disease on his record. I do receive DIC payments because of the 10 year rule. My questions is....can his death be considered service connected now with the new IHD regulations. There are several State benefits I would be entitled to if his death was service connected. Thank you in advance

Thanks, got the discount as a member of military.co - it was easy.