Why Do Some Keep Pushing?

[coastie72]

I know there must be a reason but I have yet to understand why so many that are already rated 100% keep pushing for more service connection? What is the benefit in doing this.

Obviously I am not 100% and might never be, but in my mind once that percentage is achieved what's the point.

I hope I am not rubbing anyone wrong, that is not my intent. I am just trying to understand.

[lotzaspotz]

All the previous explanations are excellent examples of why we press for additional compensation once the veteran is rated 100% schedular disabled or the equivalent through TDIU. In my husband's case, it's because we disagree with the VA regarding the effective date of the award, as well as our position that he should have been considered for Special Monthly Compensation at the "s" level.

I was asked this exact same question by a VA psychologist during a C&P examination he performed for my husband. My response to him was simply, "Because he deserves whatever benefits the evidence and statutes say he deserves." That ended that line of conversation.

[Chuck75]

Perhaps the most basic reason - - -

100% equates to about $36,000 a year.

According to government figures, the average annual income is between ~43k and ~57k.

By law, the 100% supposedly is to replace "lost income".

On a percentage basis for a disabled vet & spouse, only about 67%

of the average income loss is covered by the 100% table rate..

[coastie72]

Thank you for all the informative responses and I do now better understand.

God Bless All,

coastie72

[Gastone]

There is a large number of Sr Vet's rated 100% SC or IU, that don't have a clue regarding SMC's for Housebound or Aid & Attendance. After they started receiving comp at 100%, any further SC claims were the last thing they wanted to deal with. Big mistake in my view, if you get a New or Secondary DX, file the claim. A complete SC Disability picture is an absolute necessity.

My understanding of SMCs for Housebound and Aid & Attendance is that the 100% Scheduler or IU Vet must have 1 SC rated at 100 and another SC rated at 60%, reason enough to get all possible SC DXs rated. Old Dogs, if they live long enough, will definitely need House Bound and A & A.

Then again, who knows when Congress or the VA might change rating guidelines??? Prior to 12/16/1991, 38 CFR 4.17 gave a SC Disability a "Presumptive of Permanent & Total Disability" based on a Vet being 65 yrs or older.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[63SIERRA]

Im seeing a trend wheras the VA seems to want to decide what ailments THEY want to approve.. Why? likely to try and take it back from you later on.. If you dont disagree, and let them deny,, you are basically ageeing that they are right. Giving up on a claim now may not seem so important, but later on, that 10 percent for a scar might mean ALOT/

Heres one example... who ever thought they would find a 95 percent cure rate for hepatitis C?? Well guess what the VA is doing now, they are scouting out Hep C patients who are still suffering from the residuals of hepc and trying to lower that to a big fat GOOSE EGG/ zero percent!!!

Some veterans have had thier livers being eaten for decades and suffered major damage, and also damage to thier bodies at a cellular level, and will never be vibrant and energetic again, because of the side effects of powerful sometimes deadly drugs previously and sometimes still administered drus like Ribavarin/interferon.. some folks took these cocktails for 52 months . some went thru this 2, 3 times

So to wrap things up, from my perspective, I would say... DO NOT GIVE UP ON ANY LEGITIMATE CLAIMS!!!!

Get every claim approved and assigned its proper rating.

Dont let the VA swindle you with the old carrot and stick treatment. They will let you nibble on the carrot for a little while, until your not paying attention.. THEN THEY WILL WHACK YOU WITH THE STICK!!!!!

[Fat]

I would imagine some boy/girl wonder sits back everyday and contemplates how to make the VA more efficient.

Eventually they conclude some veterans might be getting better and we might check to see if anyone is receiving money they shouldn't.

This is a cost saving move. 95% of veterans never fully recover from physical/mental health issues.

The leg might heal, but the emotional scars left from days of pain, uselessness, doubt about self worth, and functional ability linger far after the physical effects have resolved themselves.

I know a veteran with pins in his femur, hip, and knee since he was 19 years old. He has had to deal with occasional stiffness, restless leg syndrome, and depression (from injury and being discharged from army).

Physically he is healed, but truly he will never be 100% even though he is no longer injured.

Even more the mental of dealing with "I am not whole physically, I'm not a normal 33 yr old man, and I'm a failure for not completing boot camp remains".

The physical heals, but the psychology of self worth rages a never ending war for any veteran whose life has been affected by injury or sickness.

This is why veterans fight on.........

The totality of the incident has to be known.

The physical toll is just one component we overcome, but the emotional scarring of remembering what we were is a never ending battle.

I applaud every service person who gave a commitment to defend the greatest country in the world. Your service is utterly golden and my appreciation for your sacrifices is beyond gratitude.

Thank you for your service and NEVER GIVE UP.