Does Anyone Know The Answer?

[Guest rickb54]

Hey... I've been told that veterans in wheelchairs get additional compensation just for being in the chair.

I can't find anything official that states this.

Does anyone have an answer? Is this true?

[john999]

Rick

I don't know the answer but I think you are on to something. If you were to apply for housebound they might bump you up to 100% and give the HB SMC. They have done that before. You know you need the 100% schedular for all the A&A SMC's to be considered down the line. We both know it is hard to get to 100% from IU not matter what is wrong with you. They keep cutting the bread thinner and thinner as you get closer to 100%. What is the rate for you main disability? Could it be rated 100% if it were re-evaluted since you are in the chair?

[Guest jstacy]

Special Monthly Compensation.

Please see the attached link:

Clothing Allowance may come into play as well as Automobile Adaptive Equipment.

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/...2/ch02_sech.doc

Edited October 20, 2006 by jstacy

[Guest rickb54]

Rick

I don't know the answer but I think you are on to something. If you were to apply for housebound they might bump you up to 100% and give the HB SMC. They have done that before. You know you need the 100% schedular for all the A&A SMC's to be considered down the line. We both know it is hard to get to 100% from IU not matter what is wrong with you. They keep cutting the bread thinner and thinner as you get closer to 100%. What is the rate for you main disability? Could it be rated 100% if it were re-evaluted since you are in the chair?

John, I am presently rated 90% combined, broken down as: 60% back, 60% asthma, 30% COPD, 10% tinnitis, 10% allergic rhinitis, 10% torn medicus of knee, 10% knee arthritis, 10% hemorriods... I also get K award for loss of use left foot, I was awarded adapted housing, and automobile grant with adaptive equipment. I wear a left foot brace, and use a wheel chair because of loss of strength in left leg/foot, left siatic pain with constant lower back pain, and breathing problems. I also get the clothing allowance.

I requested De Novo on the COPD because it should at least be rated 60% as the ratings are almost the same as they are for asthma, I am also trying to get an EED back to June 1986 for the COPD as the medical records clearly stated when I retired, Asthma with COPD secondary as the reason for medical retirement at 32 years old. The va overlooked the copd in 1986 and this after I won a CUE claim for the award of asthma. It wasn't until after I got my medical records, that I realized that COPD was diagnosed on active duty. I requested 60% for the COPD or a 100% rating for asthma with COPD becasue rules state these disabilites cannot be rated as seperate conditions, (even though they are rated seperate) If I can get 100% for the asthma/COPD , then I will be entilted to addition compensation as I am rated a seperate 60% for the back. But I was told by a PVA service officer I am entitled to additional compensation because I am in a wheel chair, and if he is right they are keeping the information hidden cause I don't find it anywhere. If I am awarded the 100% for Asthma/COPD I can then request housebound or aid and attendance because the fact is my wife helps me to get dressed, and such...

Edited October 20, 2006 by rickb54