The Good The Bad And The Ugly

[Barbi]

First let me start by saying that my husband's death a few months ago has nothing to do with anything good. I just felt that maybe after saying nothing but bad things for so many years about the VA Regional Office, I should say something good when it happens. The Good is that I applied for DIC and it only took the Regional Office to approve my claim in less than a month. The following month I had my first DIC check. That was a good thing. The Bad is that I am still having to deal with the local VA Business Office, Fee Basis, because they have taken there sweet time in paying several of my husband's fee based out services. One of which actually showed up on both of our credit reports. I think I have it straigtened out but no one knows for sure. The Ugly is that the other day I received a phone call from a collection agency because Fee Basis did not pay a bill in a timely manner. I told the lady my husband was deceased and the VA would pay, etc. Well the same lady from the collection agency called again and left a message on the answering machine asking to speak directly to my husband who she fully knows is deceased. That was totally uncalled for. If she calls again and I answer the phone I already know what I am going to say but will not say it in this post. So the only real success story here is the fact that the VA Regional Office really did do their job and I am extremely greatful for that since I haven't worked in many years because I was a caregiver to my husband. If anyone is interested you can go to http://www.ourhero.us/ and you will see a tribute to my husband, picture and sound. God bless all of you veterans and thank you for your service to our country.

Barbi

Edited January 23, 2006 by Barbi

[red]

Great tribute to your late husband Barbi. God Bless you and your family.

[Pete53]

Dear Barbi:

Thank you for sticking with your Veteran and for honoring his service. Fee Basis does that to everyone. I am glad that your DIC went through quickly.

I am truly sorry for your loss.

[SeattleShay]

Barbi

tell the "Lady" that under the Federal Consumer Protection Act that you cannot be contacted for your deceased spouse's debt, and that if she would like to pay for your retirement to please continue to call after she has read the rgulation....and then hang up before she can say one more word. Follow up by putting this in writting to the collection agency, and I guarantee you that you will never hear another word.

[SLEDGE]

Barbi

tell the "Lady" that under the Federal Consumer Protection Act that you cannot be contacted for your deceased spouse's debt, and that if she would like to pay for your retirement to please continue to call after she has read the rgulation....and then hang up before she can say one more word. Follow up by putting this in writting to the collection agency, and I guarantee you that you will never hear another word.

Hey-Hey,

I called my lawyer, he called them, they never called again.

The next time, a few years later, I told them that I would declare bankruptcy before I gave a collection agency a thin dime.

They called twice more and I filed for bankruptcy.

They were written off.

When the jerk asks to speak to a 'passed' person, tell the jerk that you will call them.

Then leave the phone off the hook.

Anytime the jerk calls, leave the phone off the hook until you hear that nasty, loud beeping.

Another good trick.

Borrow somebodies track-phone (paid for in advance) and only give the number to a select few.

(I have a track-phone myself.)

Then turn off the ring function of the regular phone.

Remember, they are not telling you the truth so don't tell them the truth.

When they come to your house, tell them that you don't live there.

They seldom know what you look like and have to take your word for it.

In the long run I prefer using the lawyer to shut them down.

I was in a bind because the VARO was pulling their usual crap.

sledge

[Guest VetWife Advocate]

First let me start by saying that my husband's death a few months ago has nothing to do with anything good. I just felt that maybe after saying nothing but bad things for so many years about the VA Regional Office, I should say something good when it happens. The Good is that I applied for DIC and it only took the Regional Office to approve my claim in less than a month. The following month I had my first DIC check. That was a good thing. The Bad is that I am still having to deal with the local VA Business Office, Fee Basis, because they have taken there sweet time in paying several of my husband's fee based out services. One of which actually showed up on both of our credit reports. I think I have it straigtened out but no one knows for sure. The Ugly is that the other day I received a phone call from a collection agency because Fee Basis did not pay a bill in a timely manner. I told the lady my husband was deceased and the VA would pay, etc. Well the same lady from the collection agency called again and left a message on the answering machine asking to speak directly to my husband who she fully knows is deceased. That was totally uncalled for. If she calls again and I answer the phone I already know what I am going to say but will not say it in this post. So the only real success story here is the fact that the VA Regional Office really did do their job and I am extremely greatful for that since I haven't worked in many years because I was a caregiver to my husband. If anyone is interested you can go to http://www.ourhero.us/ and you will see a tribute to my husband, picture and sound. God bless all of you veterans and thank you for your service to our country.

Barbi

Barbi,

I am sorry for your loss. Words are empty. I am glad you took the time to tell us of your good experiece with your DIC. Many widows cannot say the same. Do you know about the widows group. You might find that of interest. I believe it should be easy to find on the internet. I think it is Gold Star but I am not sure.

Maybe Berta or others here might know.

So many of our VNVets are passing in their late 50's and early 60's; some from disabilities that should be presumptive, but not recognized by the VA. I hope when you catch your breath, you might still be involved with "the Fight" for Veterans Justice.

Respectfully,

Brenda

Edited January 23, 2006 by VetWife Advocate