Ask Your VA Claims Questions | Read Current Posts
Read VA Disability Claims Articles
Search | View All Forums | Donate | Blogs | New Users | Rules
Jim MAC
-
Posts
431 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
VA Disability and Benefits Information
VA Benefits News
Store
Posts posted by Jim MAC
-
-
"As an Ambassador, Tormala is required to participate in ongoing training through the CRSC office and disseminate information as the program changes due to law or as it effects eligibility for retired veterans.
For example, Tormala said they are currently awaiting guidelines on how medically retired (Chapter 61) veterans will be processed within the CRSC claims system in each branch of the military."
from: VA WAtchdog
http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfFEB08/nf022408-6.htm
I am convinced that many retirees are not getting the scoop on CRSC /CRDP.
Some guy last year at K Mart saw some stickers on my car and asked me if I was a vet but I had to explain the stickers-Proud USAF MOM , and USMC stuff-and AMU thing-and Vietnam thing-
He had just retired ,had mil rating, and was going to file a SC claim-
and had no idea at all of CRSC or CRDP-
I gave him our card business card- the info is here-
This concerns me SO MUCH-
there is still a lot lacking in transition programs for retirees as well as for OIF/OEF vets.
The discharge centers for reservists and any discharge point has to get up to speed on plenty-
I suggested to the Vets Comm on Dis (Dole Shalala) that every new vet should get a pamphlet with list of all the good web sites on it- VA claims help,(I told them Hadit was the BEST) VA, DFAS,how to find a buddy on line etc etc etc etc
This should all be part of the VA's muster out briefings.
Berta
When I retired in 03 it was so bad I did not get a retirment physical. I asked for one was told I had a PHA whitin the past year and did not need one. I retire from Active Duty with active skin cancer could not get it taken care of. Then they wanted me to sign up for tricare and pay over 500 bucks a year to use the Military hospital. I laughed could not get an appt on active duty how could i get one as a retire? So I just use tricare standard and pay as I go
jim
-
I sent a email to DFAS thru my pay account asking hey where is my money? I am in the first group of 133,ooo. After over 30 days this is ther response ITS BASICLY GO AWAY KID YOU BOTHER US go away
Jim
PS its
Dear Sergeant XXXXXXX
Thank you for your e-mail dated 15 January 2008.
In an effort to protect your privacy, we are not including your original
request.
The VA Retro project started in September of 2006 with over 133,000
retiree records to review and audit for possible retro pay. Every month
since this project has been started many retirees per month have been
granted increases or updates to their VA disability. A database is being
developed to process these cases but many are very complex and it is
taking longer than anticipated to get these records automated. Meanwhile
we are manually processing the cases in the order in which the VA
disability started coming out of the retiree's pay. We apologize, but
we have not yet finished all of the original 133,000 cases. We are
working diligently to process your case. Unfortunately, we do not have a
timetable at this time. Thank you for your patience with this process.
Your information is in the system.
We are committed to providing quality service. We request that if you
need to contact us again, please provide a brief description of previous
e-mails in your subsequent e-mail. Please click on the following link to
begin your e-mail response and be sure to answer the verification
questions: https://ca.dtic.mil/dfas/s-retired/ret1-pay.htm
For further information, please feel free to contact us again by e-mail
or by calling 877-327-4457. Customer Service Representatives are
available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern
Time.
Sincerely,
David B
Technician
VA Retro Pay
-
Jim:
"When I was treated at the hospital for that incident the Drs Notes stated exposed to chemicals’ hair burnt from face and eyebrows’"
that alone could have caused you signicant long problems-
I am with volunteer fire department- any prolonged exposure to smoke or hazards chemicals released in a fire can have long term consequences-
By what you said as to the birning- I imagine you had no protective gear over your face and maybe did not even have an air pack on-
this also could have involed the fuel in the plane's wing burning?
more toxic air-
It sounds like the doc definitely conceded your exposure to asbestos- but did he make the important nexus statement -medically tying this exposure into the cause of your present disability?
Berta
I am not service connected for anything haveing to do with the fire. I was a Aircraft Mech on a lunch truck when the plane went up. I had no proction gear on at all. Me and a buddy shot 2 helon fire extiguishers on the wing of the aircraft to put it out. Then i got real dizzy because halon takes the oxygen out of the air to put the fire out,
Jim
-
I also want to say thanks. There are so many people on this board who reach out to everyone
Jim
-
Get that NOD out ASAP, Ask for a DRO hearing. I use to think ask for a DRO review but now I beleive its best for a hearing let them put a face to a package. Then you can go over what you know is your good evidence
Good luck to you
Jim
-
The award letter is dated 10 January, still no money in the bank
the inquiry
On 12/28/07 A DRO made a favorable decision on my case. I was notified of the decision(s) in a letter dated Jan 10, 2008. This decision changed the Effective date of my 100% award from April 6th 2006 to Jun 1st 2004.
Previous to that my combined rating was 80% effective June 1 2004, 90% effective July 25th 2005, and 100% effective April 6 2006.
The DVA owes me retro active pay for the differences of the 80% award effective June 1, 2004 VS 100% effective June 1, 2004 and the differences of the 90% award effective July 25th 2005 vs the 100% effective date of June 1, 2004.
I was wondering when I was going to receive the retro active payment?
Betrayed
You are a retire and in the same boat I am. I sent a email to DFAS over 30 days ago asking them the same thing no answer.
Good luck
Jim
-
Sometimes you can get more done with a 10 minute face to face at the VA than you can with a 100 pages of reports and arguments. I mean we are dealing with a machine. If you can get to a person and lay out your evidence and your claim it can make a big difference. When I went to see my C-File I discovered by talking to the guy who was watching me look through the file that my claim was on the way to the BVA. I did not want this and we stopped it. I got a decision within a couple of months at the VARO in my favor. If I had not spoken to the VA employee face to face I would still be waiting. I think asking for a hearing with your VARO or DRO is the best idea that has come along, especially since we all have that right. If you can just get them to read your claim and evidence you may win on the spot. My thoughts are that the VA wants to resolve our claims and if we stay in their hair long enough they will.
John
I can't agree more with you. My claims are not as old as some other peoples here but I had a lot of luck at the VARO. With a DRO hearing I recomned a DRO hearing all the time
Jim
-
Berta
Actually I took your list of NAVY MOS converted over to AF AFSC. MY AFSC was listed under probably exposed. I then did a NOD lost did a NOD Hearing got a C+P out of it.
Lost again. The VA’s own GULF WAR physical stated scaring on lungs. The first time they turned me down was because the x-rays in 2001 showed clear. I am dumb but not that dumb so it my NOD I stated that the VA own training manual states it takes 10 to 40 years to show up. When they stated on my statement of case that I had no breathing problems so I did not have exposure to asbestoses I nearly chocked on my Jim Beam I am Service connected for sleep apnea chronic bronchitis and chronic sinusitis. I asked for a DRO hearing. I won the bronchitis’s claim and sinusitis claim at the same NOD hearing. After the hearing I recd 2 C+P exams one for my back now service connected and one for the asbestos At the C+P hearing that I asked for at the DRO hearing I went in blew that tube up and almost passed out. After the quack at QTC saw the results they gave me some kind of medication. Had me wait 30 minutes then take the test again. I have never seen the results of that C+P exam. But on my supplemental statement of case I did see that phase more then likely exposed to asbestoses. In 1985 I recd the AF commendation Medal for putting an airplane fire out. When I was treated at the hospital for that incident the Drs Notes stated exposed to chemicals’ hair burnt from face and eyebrows’. Hope I answered all you questions, As of today my claim is 1298 days old and my form 9 is 398 days old.
I AM A FIRM beleiver in DRO hearings
Jim
-
Hello All
I have a BVA traveling board hearing comeing up next week. What should I except? It is for asbestoes. I had a C+P exam the Quack from QTC said it was as lest as likeley as not that I was exposed. The claim is for scaring on my lungs
jim
-
Tom Philpoo's article has a little more info:
http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162097,00.html
Basically the suit is over this-as you have stated it-
you men and women who put $ into SBP- for your spouses-
if you die and your spouse successfully claims and gets a DIC award- there is a monetary offset from the DIC to the SBP-
literally wiping out the benefit of receipt of DIC- a SC death award and then the SBP -what you paid for while in the MIL-
my neighbor seems to think his SBP benefits cover his son too-
Jim you sound like exactly the type of veteran whose possible survivors could be adversely affected by the regs as they stand now-
that is why this needs to be changed-
It is just like Concurrent Receipt-
that has certainly changed for the better- but prior to CDRP
if you were awarded SC comp, and also had Mil retirement - in every case years ago you could not get both-
CRDP depend though on many other factors-
My neighbor gets Mil Retirement - 20 years USAF-
He just got a 10% VA SC award.
His mil check is the amount less the 10% and then the VA sends him the 10% check-
at least I think that is how it goes for him-
he came out with the same amount-
If his SC increases to a much higher rating he moght be eligible for CRDP at some point-
but not CRSC-
By the way-have you looked into CRDP and CRSC?
Military.com and in prior posts here too these 2 programs (which I believe not all retirees are aware of) is explained in detail.
Berta
I do get CRDP but its an offset progam that takes 10 years to be fully finiled. I am greatly for all the help I get here
jim
-
Welcome Mike
I spent 7 years in your state 78-80 92-99 Exit 7 MCGOO. You do any time there
Jim
-
Defendant's Motion to Dismiss was DENIED!
whoop teee do Fed case # 07-547c
The defendant is the Department of Defense.
MOAA's statement is:
"MOAA commends and strongly supports these determined survivors for their tenacity in seeking equitable relief. We'll be following this case closely and will keep you posted on any further updates"
( MOAA -Military Officers of America -a large web site )
__._,_.___
Berta
Good morning. I have a dumb question to ask you. What is the lawsuit. I know when i retired I signed up for SBP. They take about 150 a month out of my check. Does that mean if i die of a Service connected injury my wife can only have DIC or SBP. I don't understand that. I figured with my health problems I but it all. I took the 25,000 veterans group life ins plus the SBP I pay out over 200 bucks a motnh for them 2.
Thanks,
Jim
-
Ruby
I will let the experts here answer this. But if it was me I would be sending them copys of whatever they do not have
Jim
-
Let me see if I can help... You can request a personal hearing with the DRO at any time during the Appeal process. If you are disagreeing with the decision that the DRO made then I would suggest that you request the hearing.
The DRO can change the decision based on the outcome of the hearing.
I agree with meddac, I lost 4 claims to a NOD. The won 3 of the 4 with a DRO hearing. They get to put a face to a package.
Jim
-
I will look into celebrate recovery.
The man from pointman ministry's offer to drive such a long distance was a blessing but..
i am so glad I did not appear to see my ex lie under oath and see how the small claim court judge just ignored my rights.I NEVER have sought sympathy but it needs to be considered when a person is taken advantage of.
I wish that was possible for me to be selfish and not have any consideration about others
or their safety.like my worry about the elderly gentleman drivng from pointman driving here
to support me during the court session.I WISH i could be a dishonest.lying,greedy person like my ex is..maybe there is a course for helping me get that way.i have always had great respect for my elders and always ask in prayer for god to use me as an instrument of his peace.maybe someone can tell me that is ok to do that..my heart won't let me...my falshbacks have gotten worse and I am no longer able to fight for my entitlements from this house.i am moving as i can to a house with no water service right now and letting her and the court scheduled for Mar.3 rd to do what they want..they will not rest or stop until i have killed myself and they have denied me 1 cent from my work and entitlements from the house.i contributed greatly to both our relationship and this hopuse for 7 years.
she left me..not the other way around.IF I did not have ptsd at the time it could have been cancer..she would have still done what she did.aND I STILL NOT HAVE DESERVED TO HAVE BEEN TREATED IN SUCH A MANNER.
The va dr. aloowed me to go to a dr. last month who is a nam vet and board certified
Phyc. and it helped.but the va dr. said he would only pay for 1 visit..how stupid..the Physc has helped other nam vets with ptsd and even helped 1 get his claim.but no..the va is so busy he can't even let me go to a dr. that helps..would not want to see me get well and not be able to take credit for it..IT SHOULD BE WHATEVER WORKS FOR ME A SICK AS I AM..but oh no..that will cost too much for the va to allow you to keep seeing him.
they would rather we all kill ourselves and close the claims.This was chance to open up to a nam vet and trut him to begin healing but...nope he will not permit anymore visits to him.
God has left me alone I am sorry to say...he allowed her to lie under oath in court he allowed mu suffering to continue.He led me to a dr. who could have been a help to me...and allowed the va dr. to deny me.
My claim they say is being expedited they tell me...right expidited for be denied also ??
Or find more proof ?they have all the records,..;.the facts..they like my local va dr. would rather keep him in flashbacks and pain until..he finally finds the courage like other vets did to pull the trigger so they can save money and take care of vtes with colds instead.
Thanks for your help and kind words..forgive me for being too honest for my own good.
tomorrow is valentine's day...i have a dog that loves me...and thats it.
thanks again.
Please brother I know you have god in your heart is there a preacher you can talk to? I remember sitting on a bunker in Somalia going thru my secound divorce and thinking of puttting my 9 mn in my mouth. It does get better in 1995 I returned from a 6 moth deployment to to find my wife gone none of my bills paid. 2 weeks later my trailer burnt dowm (it was not much but it was mine and paid for.) I called my insureance company and was told my insureance was droped for non payment. I was homeless and the only thing i had left in the world was the uniform i had on. In 11 years i went form homeless to retired military with 2 homes. It is always the darkest before the storm. I did not due it by myself I did it with Gods help. I meet a good woman and will be marriead for 6 years tommorow. You sound like me brother you have hit rock bottom. FROM HERE ON it is to the top you will go.
Good luck brother
Jim
-
I can't answer about clock hours but I can tell you about semester hours.
12 semester hours(4 classes) and you are paid the full-time rate.
9 semester hours is the three fourths rate.
That is for 16 week semesters.
If you take summer classes(shortened weeks..condensed) you only need to take two classes for the full-time rate.
The VA reps have a chart that breaks it down..Weeks across the top and semester hours per term down the side.They probably have one for clock/hours too. Ask em.
I started with 12 hours but scaled it back to 9 (much more manageable). Especially with medical conditions!
I can tell you from my perspective that although full-time gives you the max subsistence amount, it is a lot of work.
I am having a much better go at at the 3/4 load.
Less money, better chance of academic success.
That math test yesterday was a real brain-teaser!
Good luck at hittin the books!
Chris
I applied for Voc Rehab in 2004 and was turned down when I was 60 percent. They said I had a job and turned me down are you working now?
Jim
-
Les:
Sorry that you were denied. Many here were also you have to keep plugging.I think that besides the plane crash you have to prove that you were there. Perhaps the details and a some form of information that would show that you were there.
Now let me get on my soap box. Like John mentioned it is very difficult to make the VA accept a stress or unless there is some form of offical Military Report that confirms your involvement.Many with PTSD also suffer from Depression or something that is much easier to be rated. I believe that you are at the point as to what means you want to pursue your claim.
A good IMO can show depression it is one of the symptons and even link it to the air plane crash and just the specifics could get you service connected. Think about it.
Good Luck
Les I agree with Pete. I would due the form 9 now but also ask for a DRO hearing. After I was turned down with my NOD. I asked for a DRO hearing. At my hearing I won three of my 4 claims and now go to a BVA hearing this month for the 4th. Try to stay at the RO if you can. Thats just my 2 cents. Go luck One more thing was there anything is your yearly performance report that stated you assisted with the crash?
Jim
-
I checked about 2 weeks ago on the 800 number and was told my claim was at Ratings.
Last week I received an IRIS e-mail that said my claim is currently being processed at the Appeals Team. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the Ratings and the Appeals Team. This whole process is driving me more crazy and making me nuts,LOL. Maybe I should file a claim against the VA for making me crazy with their BS. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Brian
Brian
Seems it could be the same thing that happened to me. Do you have an appeal at the same time you have a new claim in? Remember you only have one c file it could be getting bounced around. Hey if we could file a claim for the VA makeing us nuts I be 300 percent
Good Luck
Jim
-
Hello and thanks to everyone who have answered my questions in the past.
I have filed a claim, went to the VA for the C & P exam, got a letter stating "at least as likely as not" from my specialist and one from my private Dr.
I am now writing my own statement to sent to the VARO along with the letters from the above doctors. I am hoping I get a favorable rating right off but of course I may not.
My question is: In my statement shall I refer to the "Benefit of Doubt Doctrine" or will they apply it automatically IF my claim is in a state of equipoise? Also if I should use it, what would be the correct wording?
Thanks,
Ruffcreek
I won my DRO hearing with a C+P thats said as least as likely as not. That statement was from the C+P doc from Q+C
Good luck
Jim
-
Ok
Call me dumb but what is a DO
Jim
-
Will
Congrats stick around and help the rest of us Vets. But first take a few days and relex and savior it
Jim
-
To All My Brother & Sister Veterans, 1976-1983 US Navy, E-5, Cryptologist.
Post-VietNam pre Desert Storm, uuuuuuuhhhhhhh Peace Time ? ? ? ?
Am, have been diagnosed PTSD-Combat/M.S.T. Assesed PTSD-MST,
Combat denied by the Waco,TX VARO, hhhhhmmmmmm
Served July - November, Unitd Nations Peace Keeping Farce, ooopppppsss FORCE
OCT. 26, 1983 0626am Survived the Marine Barracks Bombing.
O.K. 'nuf of the "oh woe is me"
Though I loved serving my country, there were too many thing that occured and were on the horizon, that made up my mind to get the hell out ASAP.
Am open, willing, and honored that I can assist any and all of my Brothers & Sisters in any way to help in the battle of "US" vs the "Evil Giant-VBA". Doing so, I may ask/beg for help from any of y'all.
So I close for now, and look forward to "talking" w/ the group.
Dusty sailor
Welocme home and welocme aboard to what I think is the best vet site on the net. I know if you surived the bombing in beruit you survied a lot. I don't know much aboust PTSD but a lot of our brothers and sisters on this board do.
Thanks for your service
Jim
-
Stupid question, but I was wondering if anyone has had experience with the waiting times for a DRO review? Are they quicker than the original claim? I know that most answers are based on the RO's backlog and if more info is neededfrom me. Thanks DJ8
[/quo
Dale
I am in Virginia and mine took about 8 months. When did you get out of the service? Anybody who seperated or retired after Oct 22 2001 (don't quote me on tthe date) get fast tracked. If 8 months is fast tracked
Jim
-
What a good way to start the day my java and seeing a no good wanabe get what he deservers
Jim
Hello From Fort Payne Alabama
in Introduce Yourself
Posted
Wellcome Home SGTD, and welcome to the best web site for veterans helping veterans, You are collecting CRSC yes?
Jim