Tdrl/va/crsc?

[Al B.]

Greetings...and thanks for the volume of information that is posted on this board. It has helped me to assist some junior Marines facing what I have gone through, and it has encouraged me as well.

My question for the members is in sorting out what follows after I enter TDRL here in under a month. My percentage is 70%, and is from wounds in Iraq to include a TBI. Done all of the VAAP classes, TAP etc. Been through all the VA paperwork and their exams. They have the complete copy of my medical records, PEB, findings etc. All they need is the DD-214 which I'll get in just about a month.

Once they have it....then what? I have over 30 years of enlisted/commissioned/reserve/active, and was recalled to active duty a little over 4 years ago, along with my reserve unit. I am retiring (TDRL) off of active duty, and have about 14 years worth of "points" which includes active time and reserve time.

Some say I will receive VA compensation for SC conditions that were not addressed in the PEB, others have said that I will be rated, but not receive any funds due to the TDRL. Some say that I will receive married/children funds from the VA....others say not. And, some say I will be able to receive CRSC due to a PH and level of rating.....others say it is not applicable although I got the 20 year retirement qualified letter (reserve at age 60), 10 years ago! Kind of feel like I am smack in the middle or in no mans land on square info locally. Well meaning...but maybe they have not seen such a "complex" set of issues??

Well...in the virtual veteran land of HADIT....I know there are folks that can guide me, so I look forward to the responses!

Thanks again to you all. I'll have more time to participate very soon. And to all of my brothers and sisters who went before me, thank you for creating the conditions that allowed me to see that service to our nation is honorable, even if it is not appreciated. I'm glad I did all that I did...and would not change a thing even knowning how it would turn out.

Al B.

[Berta]

Al-thank you for your long service to the US of A-

your post was uplifting-

in all the rigamorale of VA claims, CRSC, CDRP etc- etc I dont know any vet who would not do it all again-well maybe a few wouldnt want to- 99 % of the vets I know are glad they served-

TDRL will involve a payout-

that gets deducted from your VA comp-can you work?

That 70% is close to TDIU (100%) if your service disabilities render you unemployable.

Did you make formal TDIU application (form 21-8940) to the VA ?

If so you should also apply for SSA disability too-

CRSC and CRDP-

did you think the closer your dicharge date ,maybe you would get away from initials and ancronyms? unfortunately veteran- a vet probably uses more acronyms at hadit then they did in the mil!

The best explanation for these two programs- is :

http://www.military.com/benefits/military-...aring-crsc-crdp

This site Military.com has had an ongoing discussion that might help you-

I am wondering one thing- should you apply now for CRSC and wait for the VA award? or should you wait for the VA award letter- others will answer I hope-

The award letter will be needed eventually for CRSC-but hopefully you will get rated fast and it will be a good VA rating-

Here is more info and the forms-

http://www.dod.gov/prhome/mppcrsc.html

I too am wondering about the 20 year active duty stuff for CRSC in your case-and wish I had an answer- please read over the stuff at above links-I know this question has been brought up before but dont remember where-possibly at military.com.

There are other sites too- where these benefits are discussed.

VA compensation provides a little extra for the dependents-

If you get a total and permanent VA rating- the dependents are eligible for CHAMPVA-they probably have CHAMPUS now? And they will get eligibility for Chapter 35 educational benefits.

You mentioned the GSW (PH)and the TBI -I assume resulting from the Gun shot wound-if you feel you have PTSD by all means tell VA and put in claim for it. The GSW is a presumed stressor and would cause PTSD in most people.The meds you take also -if they have side affects that would hinder your ability to work- should be in the TDIU claim.

Do you have a vet rep or service officer yet from the DAV, AL, or any vet org?

Let me know if you need the TDIU form-

and thank you for your service-

By the way the VA web site has the disability rates and it also has dependent rates too.

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/

[Pete53]

AL B

Welcome to Hadit. There are always folks here who can help. Sometimes you have to wait till they have a chance to read your post but you usually get feedback in short order.

Thanks for helping other Vets.