Questiuons About New Rating

[Cavman]

I apologize for so many questions, but much of this is new to me.

When I am ask at the VAMC what my disability rating is I don`t really know how to answer. I`m 70 IU/P&T,so am I 70 or 100?

My decision said I may be elgible for Champva so I went online and filled out an application and mailed it in. Will I receive cards for wife, daughter and myself and should I maintain Medicare along with it. At present my wife pays for a lousy insurance for me monthly at her work. Should I cancel Medicare or policy wife pays for out of her check or cancel both?

I go to be assigned a primary doctor next week at the VAMC. I have been on Nexium for many years and all of a sudden my wifes policy from work won`t pay for Nexium. They will pay for a knock off, but it isn`t working. I am in big time pain for days...doesn anyone get Nexium from the VAMC?

Cavman

[Pete53]

You are 100% due to unemployability. You get 100% pay. Its sort of like being an acting E-5 in the Army but at least you get full pay.

[Guest rickb54]

I apologize for so many questions, but much of this is new to me.

When I am ask at the VAMC what my disability rating is I don`t really know how to answer. I`m 70 IU/P&T,so am I 70 or 100?

My decision said I may be elgible for Champva so I went online and filled out an application and mailed it in. Will I receive cards for wife, daughter and myself and should I maintain Medicare along with it. At present my wife pays for a lousy insurance for me monthly at her work. Should I cancel Medicare or policy wife pays for out of her check or cancel both?

I go to be assigned a primary doctor next week at the VAMC. I have been on Nexium for many years and all of a sudden my wifes policy from work won`t pay for Nexium. They will pay for a knock off, but it isn`t working. I am in big time pain for days...doesn anyone get Nexium from the VAMC?

Cavman

Caveman,

Yes it is likely your family is eligable for Champva. You should receive something back from them indicating the acceptance of your dependants in to the program. My opinion is you will want to maintain Medicare, this will give you the option of using the va or useing a private doctor. It has been my experience that the VA Medical Center (dependng on where you live) cannot always meet the medical needs of veterans, even though they are maindated by law. As far as the policy your wife is paying it depends on what you need. If you use Medicare and your wife's private insurance chances are you are not paying any out of pocket for your care. If Champva is anything like tricare, then your wife private insurance used in conjuction with champva will likely cover all needs without out of pocket expenses. Either way, you will need to decide what is best for you and what you can afford to do.

I can answer you quetion about Nexium, but the va does have Prevacid which works wonders on my Acid Reflux problem. If it is determined that you must have Nexium, and it is not a drug normally carried, your doctor can still request it. In my case my doctor has request specil drugs for my asthma/copd problems.

Technically you are rated 70% with special monthly compensation (IU), but if you tell most people this they will not understand you. Like Pete said it is somewhat like being an acting sergeant except you get the pay. If someone ask, and you want just tell the, just asy your 100% disabled, because this is what the va considers you to be regardless of how you got there.

I hope this answers your questions.

[Tbird]

i agree with rick, just tell them you are 100% because for all intents and purposes of your va medical care that is what you are.

not sure on the medicare question, i kept mine and a separate private policy i got from last employer because i am out on total disability from them, it pays till i turn 65 and of course i have the va. but i am overly cautious and always on guard for catasphoric things to happen, but i am working on that in therapy :)

i use the va for my pysch doc and therapist and couldn't be happier with them. i got to a private dentist using my private dental insurance, and i've got a private doc who takes both the medicare and my private insurance. i like having her because if i have a problem it's pretty easy to get into see her.

you may if you can afford it hold on to your medicare part b, if you cancel and then want it back at a latter date it will be very expensive.