Va Debt Collection

[SonnyBurnett]

Received a collection letter dated 12 may, it was postmarked 16 may, and I received it on 20 may. I have 30 days to reply and ask for a waiver or setup payments or do nothing. The amount is for $2899. The letter stated I recently received a letter explaining why (I never got any letter), and there has been a change in my benefits thus resulting in an overpayment.

I called the VA Collection center to find out why. The have no record of a reason why, they just collect money, I called the 800-827-1000 number, and of course they have no idea and according to their records no letter was sent to me, only the collection letter. They said no change has been made to my rating (or even pending). They put in an inquiry to find out, but I was told that could take 10+ business day. The representative suggested I call the US Treasury and gave me a number to call, that was only a recording, that hung up on me with no information concerning my situation.

I have to file a waiver that includes all financial information, a letter explaining my reasons, and I will also send a letter requesting an audit of my situation.

Disgusting is one of the word that come to my mind about this. Nobody cares how Veterans are being screwed on a daily basis. It makes me sick to my stomach every time some politician or celebrity/athlete proclaims to support our Veterans. All they do is talk. I would like to see our President go under cover as a recently discharged vet with medical/phsyc. issues and apply for benefits. Maybe then things will change.....

[john999]

Save that money since you don't know if they will ask for it back next week. I was overpaid by the VA for months back in the 1970's. I called them, visited them, wrote them and the VA said "Aw, just spend it". One day the money stopped and I went back to my original payment with no explanation.

When I owed the VA $200 bucks for G.I. Bill overpayment they hounded me for years until my congressman Sam Gibbons got them off my back. There is always some sorrt of appea for these things. I complained that the VA was charging my private insurance for SC conditions. The VA denied it but gradually stopped doing it. I was P&T vet and the VA had the gall to charge my insurance for a C&P exam for AO condition.

I would send it that waiver request anyway. You have to protect yourself in a timely manner. Don't give them money back until you have something signed that relieves you of any debts. I trust the VA not at all.

John

[Pete53]

Good luck it would seem that if they can't give you some sort of explanation that you should be able to stop this with an appeal of their decision and the attempt at collection. In the appeal I would request a hearing and any information that shows how the over payment was made. From the amount I suspect that it has something to do with a payment they made to you that was miscalculated. Sounds like a month of 100%

[broncovet]

Thanks Basser. It sounds like you are more up on this than I am. I bet it was 18 months and probably dependents...

[john999]

I think Pete's idea about asking for a hearing is a benefit vets hardly ever use. You are supposed to be able to ask for a hearing for any compensation issue and lots of other issues as well.

John

[SonnyBurnett]

I get 100% now, that should be paid on the 31st. This 2889. came out of nowhere.

[john999]

Just put the money in the bank and wait! Don't spend it or send it back yet. If the VA calls you and wants it back ask for a receipt that clears the accounts.

John