Are Va Comp And Pension Benefits Worth The Hassel?

[broncovet]

Winning VA benefits is a HUGE hassel. The VA claims a 6 month processing time, but that number is highly influenced with "fake dates", and it assumes there will be no appeals, another false assumption.

I personally have been trying to get my full VA benefits for 7 years. A little more than 5 years ago I won a BVA appeal award of "a complete grant of benefit sought". That did not end it. The VA decided that "complete" meant 0%. A zero percent "award" nets the Veteran the exact same monetary benefits as a denial.

Did I appeal? Sure. The VA decided that my NOD was "interpreted as a claim for benefits" and awarded me a much lesser benefit.

It has been 7 years of red tape run around and shredded documents..and I am guessing it will be 3 more years..maybe more, since I am no ways near the end. All this when 2 doctors and one audiologist have ALL stated the "Veterans conditions are most likely due to military service".

I am wondering if VA benefits are worth the ten or so years it takes to get them, then you turn around and have to spend the rest of your life worrying about them getting taken away. I dont have a choice, but I just dont think Veterans should be expected to serve 4 years in the service then 10 years trying to get their benefits. What do you think?

[pacmanx1]

Broncovet, I was told when I was 30 yrs old that my disabilities would just get worst. I was even told that I may be in a wheel chair by the time I turn 60. I understand that some disabilities get better but some don't. As for right now the law provides assistance to veterans who are disabled. It is up to you but as you say, you don't have a choice so why even second guess yourself. You will be better of later in life. I know that a zero percent "award" net the same monetary value as a denial but it is not a denial. It is service connected. Now look at how to increase it if it is in the title 38 part 4 schedule. Anything worth having is worth fighting for.

Pete992

[vmo]

The bad part is waiting, waiting, and hurry up and wait. The good part is knowing you kicked the sand out of the VA when you receive a huge retro check or two.

[Pete53]

I am thankful that Uncle Sam finally came though on their promise but I swear that I feel that every check I have gotten was earned and at an expensive price.

[broncovet]

I think the total number of your years fighting the VA should be added to military service to be the actual number of years for retirement:

Example:

"Charlie"............................................ military Service...10 years

"Charlie"..."fight with VA for benefits"..............................10 years

Total service for retirement...20 years...

[vmo]

An old sign in my local VFW Post reads: "...it is not the price you pay in membership dues....it is the price you already "paid" to be eligible." I for one feel this country has a lifetime debt to all vets, never paid, never satisfied, not even at my death, cause then the widow and children deserve it if needed. Some suffer the cost of war immediately as a KIA, and some of us pay a little/a lot each day the rest of our life.

[Pete53]

Many are not aware or care that the families also suffer along side the Veteran. Sometimes I feel that they suffer even more.