Initial Non-Service Related Pension Application Questions

[VailSkiBum]

I am in the process of filing my initial pension application and I am somewhat confused. In Part X - Medical, Legal, or Other Expenses it states to list the expenses that I actually paid in order to deduct this from my income. I understand that after a pension starts, the VA sends some type of form to get an estimate of your upcoming yearly expenses. Since this is my initial application, am I to list my expenses actually paid (for 2010) like the form says or do I estimate what this years expenses will be?

Also, my travel expenses are quite high. I travel round trip from Eagle, CO to Aurora, CO for doctor and cancer center appointments. This is 280 miles round trip. Travel is not to any VAMC, etc., but to University of Colorado Medical Center. I found in some VA manual online that travel reimbursement for 2010 is $0.415/mile. Is this correct? Also, if I am to list my actual expenses paid, do I list my travel expenses, overnight costs, meals, etc. (this would result in a very large deduction from my income)?

Thank you.

Edited February 14, 2011 by VailSkiBum

[Berta]

The basics of the Non Service connected Pension are here:

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/vetpen.htm

The application 21-526 will cover both pension and SC disability if claimed.

I can't answer your questions regarding income and pension but someone here will know- if it isn't covered n the VA link.

A good vet rep could help too.

BUT is there any potential you have a disability now that could be linked to your service?

Can you tell us more as to the cancer you have, when and where you served, and if any doctor has opined that something in your military service could have exposed you to anything that -as likely as not-caused the cancer?

[john999]

I think your pension will be offset by any SSI or SSD you get from the government. It is a small amount of money so if you can come up with possible service connection that is important.

[sharon]

List all of your travel expense, medical bills (that you paid), up to $500 in special food for medical reason, up to $500 dollars for large print books if they are necessary. This will offset any monies you received in 2010. Your last years income determines your this years pension. Make sure that your mark your correspondence +++CANCER CASE+++. This will expidate the claim.

[VailSkiBum]

Thank you all for your responses. I don't see any possible way to connect my medical problems now to when I was on active duty (1986-1993). I have 2 disabilities and I already receive SSDI as well as Medicare.

My first disability is an above the knee amputation to my left leg in 2007(60% VA rating). This was caused by excessive blood clotting.

In April of 2010 I was diagnoses with Severe Aplastic Anemia and Myelodyplastic Syndrome which ultimately resulted in a stem cell transplant I had last month(100% VA rating). I have been home for a week.

There would be nothing in my military medical records that would lead anyone to believe either of these are service connected.

I pretty much know that I would be qualified for a VA Pension. I think I would also qaulify for Housebound. Even though I am under 62 (42), I meet the criteria of having 2 separate disabilities at certain ratings.

I think now I need to find out if it is worth the time to even apply for a pension if I am already receiving SSDI. I need to find out how much, if any, offset would occur to either the pension or the SSDI. If it is less than dollar for dollar or I somehow would still come out ahead financially, then I will file for the pension.

Again, thank you for your input. Every response has educated me.

Mike

[Berta]

OK-do I understand you had a VA rating of 60% NSC and then a 100% NSC rating?

If this is so- what did the VA state to you regarding the pension when they gave you these ratings?

You are correct that SSDI would impact on any VA pension amount.It is hard to know by how much.

Do you have a vet rep?