georgiapapa

dramirez24dc, Since your latest award put you above the 50% level, you are now in group one (1) in the VA healthcare system. As a result, you can receive care for any condition at the VA and will no longer have copays for appointments or VA prescriptions. In addition, you can contact the business office at your VAMC and request reimbursement of all copays you paid for VA appointments and VA prescriptions retroactive back to the effective date of your latest award that put you over 50%. Semper Fi. GP

If he is a promoter of medical provider accountability, he sounds like an excellent choice. Only time will tell if he is able to make the drastic changes needed in the VA healthcare system. JMO GP

free_spirit_etc, Congratulations. Sorry it took so long for the VA to do the right thing. It is the least they could have done considering you lost your husband to receive the benefit. I am glad to see you have some happiness once again on your wedding anniversary. Take care of yourself. GP

Kate, I am sure VA offices have the same Holiday closure dates as other federal agencies and they will not be closed on Good Friday. JMO GP

dramirez24dc, Congratulations on a long overdue and well deserved award. Sorry it took the VA so long to make their decision. Good luck and Semper Fi. GP

rpowell01, If you haven't already done so, request assistance from Undersecretary Hickey. A lot of vets have been helped recently by Ms. Hickey. It would not hurt to see if she could help you also. She seems to be performing miracles lately. Good luck to you. GP

dongtam, Mesothelioma is one of the soft tissue sarcomas not presumed to be related to Agent Orange by the VA. Does he have any other cancers or diseases of any type? GP

Troop54, Congratulations on the reinstatement of your 100% P & T award. Good luck to you. GP

jefmil50, According to the VA, creative organs would include procreative or reproductive organs (e.g.- men's testicles or women's ovaries)

oldnavypa, Congratulations on your well deserved award and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to our country. Happy Easter to you and your family. Good luck and good health. GP

chiefjr, If your employer deducts income taxes and/or social security from your pay, the VA can find out you are working. If you buy anything on credit, information on your employment will be listed with the credit bureaus and the VA can easily retrieve this information. If any of your coworkers, friends or others know or find out you are receiving VA disability compensationn and working, they may report you to the VA. You are taking a big risk by working and collecting 100% disability for PTSD. JMO GP

grtone72, The award letter doesn't always contain all the info it should. You might want to check your "Benefits Summary Letter" which can be found under "VA Letters" in your ebenefits account. You may find more info on the "Benefits Summary Letter." JMO Good luck and thank you for your service. GP

oldnavypa, Some parts of ebenefit's are useful and some will drive you nuts. Don't pay attention to estimated completion dates. They constantly change and rarely make sense. JMO Good luck to you. GP

jesusplay, Go to your "Benefits Summary Letter" which is found under "VA Letters" on Ebenefits. It should show if your are P & T and if future exams are scheduled. GP

afloridaboy, You could probably be service connected for mental issues but your rating percentage would be lower if you are able to attend school. Refer to "38 CFR part 4.130". Schedule of Rating for Mental Disorders. Good Luck. GP

jesusplay, P & T is abbreviation for Permanent and Total. If you are rated 100% P & T, your eligible family members would be entitled to Champva and Chapter 35 benefits. Good luck and congratulations. GP

chiefjr, It is my understanding the VA does not want veterans with 100% mental disorder conditions working and they do not want veterans with TDIU ratings working. GP

chiefjr, Based on posts I have previously read on this website, the VA would probably reduce your 100% PTSD rating if they find out you are working. Good luck to you. GP

gldac, You will probably have to find a private sleep disorder doctor (ENT or Pulmonologist) who would be willing to provide you with an IMO (Independent Medical Opinion). Unless there is clear and convincing medical evidence linking your OSA to your SC lung condition, you may be fighting an uphill battle trying to find a doctor willing to provide the IMO. Any doctor who provides you with an IMO will have to be able to justify their opinion with reasonable medical rationale. If you would post more info regarding your SC lung condition and why you believe your OSA is caused by your SC lung condition, Hadit members will be in a better position to offer their suggestions and opinions. JMO GP

ranger, Excellent informative article. Hopefully the Newsweek article and the information regarding the coverup will help Gulf War veterans get the compensation they deserve from exposure to toxic agents during the Gulf War. GP

bh1981, I think the VA letter just contains the definitions of different terminology used by the VA. If you were rated P&T, you would have received an info package on Champva health benefits and Chapter 35 educational benefits for your eligible family members. JMO Good luck to you. GP

Jmgonzales1966, Your family members would only be eligible for Champva and Chapter 35 benefits if you are permanent & total with no future exams. Sorry. GP

marinevet61, Just sent you another private message. Semper Fi. GP

ghost14d, I would think it would have to help if you are applying for FERS disability retirement. JMO Good luck to you. GP

Same to you.