I Won I/U! But is it P&T?

[Sgt. Wilky]

Hello All!

The VA made several grants and continued several issues! Overall, I went from 80% to 90% with I/U granted from November of 2020. So I'm being paid at the 100% rate. So thank you all again for the encouragement and advice. It's strange to me, that this was so "Slam, Bam; Thank You Ma'am". I for sure thought that a denial would come and I was gearing up for a fight. No hearings, no meetings with occupational trainers or anything like that. Just, "I/U granted" and some increases from my contentions. I'm very thankful though and I can breathe easier nonetheless!! My two biggest questions are these:

1.  Out of the 8 page decision letter, only in one little place to find these most important words: "Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance is granted as the evidence shows you currently have a total sevice-connected disability(ies), permanent in nature." That sentence is found where the VA addresses Eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

So, no where else is it shown that any of my grants state this in any other part of the decision. The only other place I've found is in the letter that you download for commissary privileges, it states: "This total disability is considered permanent. You are not scheduled for future examinations." It seems to me that if this were truly the case, it should actually state so in the decision letter from the R.O.. Does anyone have any guidance or advice here?

2. Should I be expecting another mailing from the VA that explains in greater detail what I/U means? I mean, I have a good understanding (I think) but do they not explain the ins and outs, the dos and don'ts of being granted and living with I/U? It seems to me again, that the VA might want to explain these things, otherwise a lot of vets could find themselves up $%^& Creek without a paddle here.

Any advice or knowledge would be great.

Thank you all and Semper Fi,

Sgt. Wilky

Edited July 23, 2021 by Sgt. Wilky
spelling and highlights

[broncovet]

Congratulations, You are P and T!   

You should be able to print a letter granting access to the commissary and base exchange.  

This is the way VA "says it"..  When you get DEA, Chapter 35, it means you are P and T. 

Be sure to check out the other benefits, especially those in your state.  

Get the free life insurance, if you have not already, also.   

[brokensoldier244th]

https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/derivative_sc.asp

[brokensoldier244th]

No other letter, no major changes other than p&t, possible state access to a car registration or homestead tax reduction, and you can't work and make more than the poverty level of 1 person, so in general don't work and you don't have to constantly pay attention to that part. 

[Sgt. Wilky]

48 minutes ago, broncovet said:

Congratulations, You are P and T!   

You should be able to print a letter granting access to the commissary and base exchange.  

This is the way VA "says it"..  When you get DEA, Chapter 35, it means you are P and T. 

Be sure to check out the other benefits, especially those in your state.  

Get the free life insurance, if you have not already, also.   

Bronco, you and I live in the same state. I was doing some research and I'm not sure I qualify for the property tax reduction. Is the life insurance something I need to research and start or is that something that would come in the mail?

Sgt. Wilky

[Sgt. Wilky]

4 minutes ago, brokensoldier244th said:

No other letter, no major changes other than p&t, possible state access to a car registration or homestead tax reduction, and you can't work and make more than the poverty level of 1 person, so in general don't work and you don't have to constantly pay attention to that part. 

Thank you for sharing the information and for your help!!

[Mr.B]

If you decide to get a job! You better talk to your doctor first and let the VA know or they will reduce you in a nanosecond!