Any Change In Compensation Rates For 2010

[signalsix]

Normally the new rates are posted on the VA website on 1 Dec, but I don't see any new rates for next year. Does anyone know if they are going up or staying the same for 2010?

[Testvet]

Doesn't this throw off the timeline for DFAS to impliments the rule of all persons recieving retirement pay and are disabled would recieve 100% of their retirement pay and full disability pay by 2014?

why would no change in pay rates for 2010 affect implementing long term pay changes on either CRDP or CRSC? or whatever those terms are

This is just about the fact there is NO COLA for this year so the pay rates for VA compensation stay the same as will Social Security or SSD

[john999]

Even if we get COLA it is not really a good sign because it means inflation is going up and COLA's lag behind real inflation. If Uncle Same devalues the dollar to pay the debt that will set off inflation and we will get bigger COLA, but we will lose in the end.

[Pete53]

John:

In my opinion if you need a COLA than you have to find ways to give it to yourself. The best way is to cut expenses unless you have money left on table with VA i.e. additional pay for higher rating or a big fat CUE or earlier effective date.

Since I pay my bills on computer I usually do a thoughtful review and look for things to cut.

This year I was blessed with not having to pay property taxes in Texas. I am going to cancel my subscription to the Paper I can read all I need on internet.Savings of 270 dollars annually. Cut my dial up phone in East Texas $ 396. I also plan to cut down on impulse shopping and I am not going to lend money to my kids unless it is something that demands help not for them to buy something and pay me back LOL.

I also have my credit cards back to zero balance and plan to keep it that way.

I have lost a lot of people and my dog this year so it is hard emotionally but have been blessed with some good things otherwise. I am trying to be grateful for what I have and today I am grateful that I get a check from the VA and Social Security.

[Testvet]

John:

In my opinion if you need a COLA than you have to find ways to give it to yourself. The best way is to cut expenses unless you have money left on table with VA i.e. additional pay for higher rating or a big fat CUE or earlier effective date.

Since I pay my bills on computer I usually do a thoughtful review and look for things to cut.

This year I was blessed with not having to pay property taxes in Texas. I am going to cancel my subscription to the Paper I can read all I need on internet.Savings of 270 dollars annually. Cut my dial up phone in East Texas $ 396. I also plan to cut down on impulse shopping and I am not going to lend money to my kids unless it is something that demands help not for them to buy something and pay me back LOL.

I also have my credit cards back to zero balance and plan to keep it that way.

I have lost a lot of people and my dog this year so it is hard emotionally but have been blessed with some good things otherwise. I am trying to be grateful for what I have and today I am grateful that I get a check from the VA and Social Security.

you are right Pete to many of us forget how good we do have it those of us that get checks from both VA and SS if it is regular SS or SSD yes we paid for them in one way or another but at least we are not trying to live on an SSI check of about 660 a month, we have one friend that is all she gets a month to pay utilties and food and other stuff car insurance, gas car repairs etc she's lucky her mom left enough money to her to buy a mobile home free and clear....I sometimes think I could be in that same position and am grateful that I have what I do. I am so much better off today than I was back in Oct 2002 when I first came to this board, I was disabled and no income just found out my heart was damaged beyond repair and in was April 2003 when my SSD was approved and you have seen therest of my fight with the VA ever since.....

I have plenty to be grateful for...........

[mags1023]

Doesn't this throw off the timeline for DFAS to impliments the rule of all persons recieving retirement pay and are disabled would recieve 100% of their retirement pay and full disability pay by 2014?

No, the absence of an increase in COLA for 2010 has no effect on the 10 year phase in for CRDP/CSRS. If you receive CRDP, you will see an increase in your retirement pay on your Feb 1 pay. Your DFAS Retirement statement should show your VA waiver decreased and your CRDP at the bottom should show an increase which means more of your retirement will be taxed, but we're still making more $$. Your VA entitlement will not change. Just your retirement pay.

[jamesat40]

Thanks for clarifying mags1023.