Congressman Jim Costa, "spike in disability benefits reduction"

[Rivet62]

Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA) has raised concerns over what appears to be a spike in the reductions of veterans disability benefits and has made an inquiry to the VA. Included in the concerns raised is the VA proposed changes for how VA rates tinnitus, sleep apnea, and mental health.

In addition, Costa is responding to concerns that veterans have that cause them to avoid medical care for fear of reductions.

https://costa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/costa-raises-concern-us-dept-veterans-affairs-over-unexplained

 

I know that my personal experience with VA healthcare or VA paid care (Community Care program) is the sense that I am seeing claims adjusters. I don't think I am imagining it. I have spoken to other vets who feel the same. I often experience a line of questioning or statements made in such a way as to frame things as less than they actually are. This is why I keep a close eye on my VA medical records so that everyone's on the same page, so to speak. Where I see narratives veering off-course I'll request referrals to others.

 

 

[Sgt. Wilky]

Back in 2017 I too got the dreaded "Proposal to Reduce" ratings letter. It immediately sent me into a tizzy and I googled searched, came here to Hadit, and immediately got into contact with my VSO. At that point in time I was 70%, but what that process did was expose the fact that VA "...mistakenly sent the letter..." and I was told it shouldn't have been sent. But I'm sure had I not made a huge stink (including referrencing the CFR rules that prohibited such a move), they still would have reduced me.

I agree that vets need to educate themselves to a degree that they at least know how and to whom to respond/ask if an issue comes up. Pretending like we are not responsible for the outcomes in these scenarios is flat-out wrong (I'm almost positive there are many vets who do this, then scream and howl at the moon about it). We have to be on guard about these. We also though must be very out-spoken against anyone who is playing the "something for nothing" game if it is found out and proved to be the case.

All-in-all, the letter ended up doing the exact opposite of its intent, I am now 100% P&T, thanks to my VSO, doctors, and BVA judge who helped me through that debacle (and a hearty thank you to all the help here on Hadit)!

Semper Fi,

Sgt. Wilky

Edited March 19, 2022 by Sgt. Wilky

[Beg]

I have also received last year the dreaded  proposal to reduce letter after a short C and P exam for my knee .  The exam itself was brief and after getting a copy of the DBQ of the exam  I was amazed of how little was documented about what my actual conditions were and not even asking me about flare ups and a multitude of others inadequate entries.  Ultimately this is the 2nd attempt to reduce and I am ALREADY TDIU  for my disabilities  after the 1st proposed reduction was paused.

I am extremely depressed and fearing of what they are trying to do to me again to take away my TDIU.

They told me to provide detailed medical evidence in support for an upcoming meeting  ..  Un fortunately it is very hard get someone outside the VA system to provide an reliable DBQ without spending thousands .. Its not right

I did call my congressman and  found out a lot since reading I ma not the only one here dealing with this stress

 

[Rattler]

Good for Jim Costa (D-CA). I am seeing a lot of people getting hearing exams. The VA then gives them hearing aids but never rates them. When they do apply for SC they are told that the hearing aids fixed the problem so there is nothing to rate.

Beg How long have you been TDUI? Don't forget the 5, 10, 20, year rule on re exams. 

[Dot09]

I’ve only seen to have gotten backlash once when I applied for an increase. They tried to lower my shoulder rating when awarded p&t. I responded by telling them that they had to inform me. In which they replied they didn’t because my rating of tdiu didn’t change. Personally I call bs because I called them out and submitted an imo and it was turned down. The Va will try funny business anytime they can get away with it. It’s best to stay up to date on regs.