Va Independant Living Program

[Gastone]

Looking for anyone with ILP experience within the past 2yrs. I recently filed my own claim for ILP and just had my 1st meeting 09/09/14 with Vocational Rehab Dept ILP councilor. Very difficult to locate specifics on what other Vets are receiving from the Independent Living Program. Any info would be appreciated.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[Gastone]

Jesusplay: If your at 80% SC, you may have an inferred IU claim due to your scheduler rating. Even if you don't qualify to file for IU per your ratings, you may qualify for an extra-scheduler IU rating. If you have completed or been advised by the Voc Rehab Councilor that you can't complete or continue the program due to your SC conditions, get the all important "LETTER." With that letter to supply as evidence in a IU claim, your Good to Go. My recent DRO Hearing Officer told me that the Voc Rehab Letter was a Deal Maker. The VR Councilors are the VA Specialist in determining if you can be rehabbed to obtain a "Gainful Income" employment. Ask your Councilor for the "LETTER."

Good Lucl

Semper Fi

Gastone

[Gastone]

JRReihs: I hear you. Have you availed yourself of the ILP? 100% SC Scheduler usually indicates a severe disability picture. Ive been 90SC since end of 2010. Is there a list of ILP services available, I haven't been able to locate any official VA Documents. I told the councilor today that I needed a riding lawn tractor for grass and snow, she said they haven't been supplying tractors for 11/2 yrs. Time will tell.

I pushed 2 Nam Vet friends to apply for ILP. One guy's been 100% IU for 20 years and had never heard of the program. the other Vet is 70% PTSD with a recent IU denial. I advised him regarding the Voc Rehab "Denial Letter" and the ILP. Both Vets filed end of 2013. The 20 yr IU Vet is getting a $6500.00 bathroom remodel and has received a computer, printer/fax and a Queen size airbed as well as a giant Lift Recliner with heat and Massage. The 70% Vet got his Denial letter, then applied to ILP. His $6500 bathroom up-grade begins next week. He's forwarded the Denial Letter to the DRO as "New Evidence." But wait, there's more! On 6/27/14 I was awarded IU back to 4/11. We live in Michigan and that Rascally Republican Governor and Senate passed a Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption for a Vet's primary residence, effective 12/2013. We're not talking tax credit, full boat tax exemption, to include 2013 Property Tax. While I was filing my Exemption Application, I realized per MI TAX Statue, Veterans in receipt of the Voc Rehab Denial Letter are considered to be Individually Unemployable. One of the list of (3) ratings which qualify for the tax exemption.

I called my friend, he filed the following Monday with his City Tax Office, got an exemption for 2014 Property tax and just received a complete refund from the county for his 2013 property tax. We're talking significant $.

If you have had any experience with the ILP. I would appreciate any and all advice. Thanks

Semper Fi

Gastone

[JR Reihs]

Gastone,

I went through the ILP several years ago. Back then Idid not know as much about it as I should have, as I ended mine with a new puter setup, it was about 24 hundred back then, but it was top of the line suff. Several here have got on the ILP and received completely different awards.

You need to make a list of the top things you need now, and a few things you want.......do not let the counselor try and snowball you, there was a CVA award on a vet that was denied a glass art studio attached to his home cuz he liked to paint, ILP said no because of the cost, BVA said yes and he got his studio at around 30k. I always thought ILP was a one time shot, but if memory serves, there was a case that said it did not.

If you need a lawn tractor, then I would get an estimate of the outside cost to contract it along with snow, and show them that you can not afford that. Just because they stopped does not mean they can't do it, you may need to force their hand, even through appeal. I plan on going for round 2 next year.....cuz I like to cook :)