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[Editor's note: The following is Part One of a multi-part series on post-service benefits. This covers VA-specific shits. Education is covered in another thread. Upcoming updates may include career assistance, transitioning from military to civilian life, PTSD management, Agent Orange/Gulf War Syndrome/Burn Pits/other era-specific issues that may arise, and anything else you're curious about.] Part One: The VA and General Veterans Benefits So you got out yesterday. Or 25 years ago. You served in combat, or in peacetime, or in an unnamed location, or did half your contract before your MOS became obsolete and you decided to hitchhike home. Congratulations, you’re now a veteran! What the hell do you do now? You’re going to have to deal with a monolithic organization called the Veterans’ Affairs Administration, or VA. The VA will be your best friend and your biggest frustration, but just remember it’s a bureaucracy like all the rest and with patience and persistence you can usually get what you need. Later on we’ll go into veterans service organizations (VSOs), and advocacy organizations that can help you learn the rules of the game, but for now let’s conquer the mystery of the VA. THE VA Who can go? va.gov posted:You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are a: Do you like telephones? The VA’s Benefits Assistance line is 1-800-827-1000. Do you like internets? Hit up the VA E-Benefits Online Portal. Do you like interacting with others live near a metropolitan area? Find a VA Regional Office near you and bother someone ‘til they help you. Why should I bother? Look, even if you don’t think you did a lot when you were in service, you still deserve some stuff. In the civilian world, when you have a cushy job and it includes a retirement plan, you will use the gently caress out of that bitch. Same thing here. VA benefits are your retirement plan. Use them. The VA offers disability compensation, preventative health care, emergency health care, transportation, job training, loans, and a ton of other stuff that you’d be a fool not to milk like there’s no tomorrow. Mommy I’m scared of the big buildings! Well, the good news is there are a lot of resources that can help you get what you need from the VA. Remember those regional offices we discussed earlier? They’re generally a lot smaller and friendlier. Otherwise, try: VA Vet Centers State Veterans Affairs Offices County Veterans Service Offices Or use this search tool to find a local VSO, vet-friendly attorney, or VA claims agent. I dunno…they’re gonna try to trick me… Well yeah. The VA is a government agency, and as such, they will try to keep costs down by making you go through a billion hoops before they give you any money or help you with anything. If you had decades worth of vets asking you for free stuff, and another several thousand OIF/OEF folks realizing free health care might help with that dislodged anus, you might be a little backlogged and clusterfucked too. So should you ask Crazy Uncle Jimbo who got his earlobes blown off in Saigon? Well, if you want terrible advice, yes. A better idea would be to find an advocate who has helped hundreds of other people in your situation through the process. They can generally guide you on who to ask what, what to say to whom, when to call where, and they best part is they can usually do all the ridiculous amounts of paperwork for you. Who will advocate on your behalf? Those smaller offices mentioned above may have a person or two to spare. If you live in a busier area, however, you may need to get help from an organization. They generally require membership, but it’s worth it if you qualify. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offers national service offices. Find one here. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW - that includes WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm/Shield, OIF/OEF, and any service OCONUS) can give you crazy assistance with a lot of poo poo, including your VA benefits and transitioning back to civilian society. If you served CONUS, or anywhere else, you can join the American Legion and get this stuff. TL;DR – Once you’re out of the military, you can get stuff. However, it is your responsibility to either apply through the VA directly, through a regional office, or an advocate. Busket_in_Posket is an employee for a non-profit VSO. Busket welcomes your input on this thread and has access the resources to find you answers if needed.
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Mar 3, 2011 19:02
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This is the part where you respond with your experience, questions, requests for a specific Part Two, condemnations, etc.
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Mar 3, 2011 20:06
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Veins McGee posted:How do I file for disability benefits through the VA? I've got a piece of paper from the BN surgeon that says "Service Member was exposed to...a ton of poo poo...during this deployment." You can rock out with the VONAPP yourself, but if you are going for service-connected disability based on chemical/pollutant/burn pile/gross poo poo exposure, I would recommend using an advocate. Claims like yours generally require a lot more paperwork to backup the fact that you didn't have black lung/diabetes/oozing piles before you enlisted and there is reasonable cause to believe they were caused by the service environment. Having someone at your back to recommend which forms to attach to make your initial claim as complete as possible (versus submitting some stuff, adding more to appeal, adding even more you remember to appeal, etc.) will greatly speed up the process and increase your chances of getting a decent percentage. Use the links in the OP to find your local vet center, veterans service office, or if you have a VFW/American Legion membership they have awesome resources as well. If you want to post or PM your locality I could probably find you a contact name and number as well.
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Mar 3, 2011 20:59
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Speaking of percentages... WTF is up with disability ratings? Here's an excerpt that's incredibly enlightening: quote:When a veteran submits a claim to
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Mar 3, 2011 21:06
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Roving Reporter posted:What would be the best avenue to appeal orthopedic issues(limited range of motion, pain, etc) as well as PTSD? I currently have 0% for the former and I was told that I can "add additional information" up to one year from the date of filing my claim, after that I have to file an appeal. It would be best to get a copy of your intake physical, which should be available to your DAV rep when he/she requests your medical records. If you get an advocate worth a drat, he/she should be able to show that if you passed MEPS you obviously had a good range of motion, and compare that to the demands of your particular MOS as far as orthopedic stress goes. That evaluation could then be submitted as additional information for your claim. When you talk to a DAV rep, he/she will have you sign a very specific Power of Attorney form (21-22). It seems scary, but it doesn't give them rights to your stuff, just the ability to look at your confidential records and act on your behalf only in your VA disability case. Then you just sit back, relax, watch TV, and call them the check up on your progress. I'll see what I can find out about using VA docs vs. out-of-system docs and how it would affect speed and veracity of claims. Definitely get a DAV rep behind you. They're pretty pimp. And while filing claims can seem to take forever, I seriously doubt it will be 7 years with the proper representation. Appealing PTSD has become easier with recent legislation that eased the burden of proof for psychological claims. While a year ago you would have had documentation from your unit leader that you were in traumatic circumstances, now it's pretty much a "we'll take your word for it" deal, as PTSD symptoms can show up months or years after the fact and sometimes commanders don't forward you their Christmas cards every year.
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Mar 3, 2011 21:57
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In case this wasn't apparent: If you are filing for, appending, or appealing a VA disability claim, your chances of success are much higher with an experienced advocate.
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Mar 3, 2011 21:58
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General Probe posted:You might want to strike Vet Centers off that list for people looking for general info. Vet Center provide a very narrow scope of assistance and are really just there to help treat PTSD or help you with your relationship problems etc. if you were a combat vet. If you call asking about health care benefits or anything else we'll just refer you to the nearest County Veteran Service Office or VA Medical Center. The name is very misleading and people come in for all sorts of stuff (including pet care) the VA needs to rename them. Hmm...I've worked with the Vet Center here and they were pretty good at directing people to resources related to any of their VA benefits. But we'll add a caveat that not all Vet Centers are as helpful. Thanks for the heads-up. LauraCurtissPalmer posted:How you described the system is so accurate and if allowed I would very much appreciate if you allow me to copy and provide it to veterans here in VT. If you'd prefer to not have you attached no problem and of course I will not use it if you'd prefer I don't. Aww... If you think it's worthy, you have my permission. And if there's anything you'd like to add from your, your husband's, or your son's experience, feel free. Veins McGee posted:Not going for anything related to burn pit exposure(although, I burned a lot of trash because it's loving awesome), just tinnitus and back/shoulder pain from body armor. From BSing with guys, and I don't attach much significance to the BSing, either should be a gimme for infantrymen. Just remember that the VA system worships paperwork, so you're in for a lot of filing things and asking people for written copies of what they may have told you. Also, it never hurts to have backup copies of all these things in a fireproof safe. Wandering Idiot posted:Welp, I called my VA hospital today and was set up with an appointment for tomorrow with a case manager. Going to hit the high points of developing sciatica in my right leg and PTSD (all those years of going to the VA shrinks might help). The only problem I can see coming up is my own admitted use of weed, for personal pain and psychological reasons. It's really the only thing I'm worried about them grilling me over. Weed usage is an oddball thing. Even though it's been found in clinical studies to help alleviate some of the worst symptoms of PTSD without the rampant side effects of things like benzos, Ambien, trazodone, etc, it's still an illegal substance and it puts some case workers in a difficult spot. I've seen some soldiers get a big red (metaphorically) label of SUBSTANCE ABUSER in their file so they'll be medically restricted in the future, and I've seen some whose case managers are more like WINK WINK HOW'S YOUR HERBAL SUPPLEMENT WINK WINK. There are several points in between, but it's rarely a disqualifying factor. A lot of people enjoy full VA benefits after using much harder things recreationally. Dantu posted:Great thread. I practice Veteran's Disability law, I'll post some info this weekend. Please do! That is one area of expertise I admire but have little experience in. You will be our Harvey Birdman.
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Mar 4, 2011 20:03
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Wandering Idiot posted:Should I hit up a DAV rep just in case? Yes. As far as everything else, I'm sorry they shuffled you through so quickly today. Don't give up though, you may have to bug people to get an appointment with your medical case manager. The system is well-designed to be a headache, but with enough tenacity you can get to see who you need to see.
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Mar 5, 2011 01:17
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TylerReksNEffect posted:I know you specifically mentioned PTSD, but would a much more minor thing, such as Tinnitus, count as a condition under this rule? I know it's really easy to prove that you developed it through working on the flightline. As our bear-suited reported pointed out, tinnitus is generally pretty easy to get compensated for. Also hearing loss. I haven't heard from anyone who's had either of these claims denied or had to provide outrageous proof, but then again they may not have understood what I was asking them... Very awesome hearing the personal stories and histories in here, keep em coming! I'll be hammering out Part 2 on Monday since I work weekends. Don't weep for me.
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Mar 6, 2011 17:36
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kombatMedik posted:Alright, I got a question for you: Step one is to go fill out your VONAPP. Step two is to read this mess. Essentially, if you're approved and at 20%, you're in Priority Group 3, meaning you still get health care without copays for you and your dependents. It's only if you're 0% rated that you would have to suffer through paying $15 to see a doctor.
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Mar 6, 2011 17:52
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Argh that's what I get for slapping down a reply while distracted. Won't be doing that again. But still, apply for benefits and the results will tell you what kind of health care you'll be eligible for at 20% and whether or not it will cover dependents. Shame on me.
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Mar 7, 2011 02:56
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Completely off-topic and not intended to derail, but if it seems like I was speaking directly out of my rear end the last two posts I apologize. One of our regulars/old volunteers was found dead under mysterious circumstances Thursday and the brunt of it kinda hit me this weekend when I didn't see his goofy face around. So kinda foggy for the last couple days; I shall refrain from posting today to let the cobwebs clear.
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Mar 7, 2011 15:33
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Okay, back to business. If it's up to me the next topic will be "Talk To Your Therapist and/or Friends About The poo poo That's Bugging You About Your Service Before You Chug Those Pills," but that's kind of a bummer, so if there are better suggestions, or if our law professionals would like to hammer out a thesis that would be cool.
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Mar 9, 2011 23:55
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rockamiclikeavandal posted:So the VA bureaucracy gnomes are letting my claim ferment in their cellar somewhere. From reading this I should have gotten some sort of advocate. Is there a difference between using the American Legion or the DAV or something else? Is one better than the other? Does getting help from any of these groups officially or unofficially (wink wink you need to come by and press the flesh) require me to start going to meetings and listening to every old guy's war story? If you qualify for membership in the DAV, I would suggest getting an advocate through them - they have more experience dealing specifically with disability claim issues, they can help get you transportation to your local VA hospital for appointments, and they seem to be a lot more portable as far as coming out to you to meet if you're homebound or severely disabled. I don't have as much experience dealing with the American Legion or VFW reps, but I also haven't heard any complaints. These three do require membership in the organization, which will cost money, but from what I've seen it's worth it and requires no flesh-pressing on your part. In fact, you can let that membership card fester in your wallet and never visit a VFW or AL post and they'll still be nice to you. You'll just get a newsletter from your local post to keep up with the latest news and they'll "update" you on fundraisers/charity dinners/etc. but they won't kick you out if you throw those in the recycle bin. Your membership funds will go to organizational costs, but a lot will also go to community improvement, scholarships, outreach, lobbying for veterans' issues, and other good things. All three organizations will have a list of "Member Benefits" on their sites.
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Mar 10, 2011 20:58
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Dantu posted:Awesome info Thank you thank you THANK YOU for that. I would like to hear more about your first-person experience with the process. cult_hero posted:Chiming into this thread. I currently work for Veteran's Affairs, Veteran's Benefits Administration as a rater, that is I'm the one who determines whether or not an individual veteran is entitled to disablity compensation. I am also a disabled veteran myself and have been through the system for the last 10 years. Could you give us a brief overview of your average day as a rater, so we can get a feel for what it's like on the other end of the bureaucracy?
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Mar 21, 2011 16:20
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unimog posted:1) How likely are the archives to have my medical files on digits? Has anyone had any experience with recovering medical files? 1) Were the records lost at your local VA or in the archives? From archives.gov: "...the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Records Management Center , St. Louis, MO, maintains the active duty health records or manages their whereabouts when on loan within the VA. Call the VA toll free number at 1-800-827-1000 to identify the current location of specific health records and to find out how to obtain releasable documents or information." All your records should be accessible, and if you had seen any civilian doctors since your time of activation you'll need to contact them for supplementary records for your case. 2) There is no longer a requirement to prove specific events for a PTSD decision, but if anything of note happened and you can get corroboration it could add weight to your case. But again, it's not required. As far as the TBI/gulf lung/tinnitus/neuropathy claims go, general decisions are now based more on your record of service (locations, contact record) and medical records than any corroboration. If your record shows you were at FOB X and they burned their poops at FOB X, then you got asthma, your request for consideration of respiratory issues will be considered. 3) http://www.dav.org/veterans/NSOffices.aspx There's an LA and San Diego office.
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May 19, 2011 19:52
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St. Louis should have copies of all your medical records - give them a call at your earliest convenience to find out and to request a copy. Unfortunately, there is a risk that they may not be 100% complete, as large bureaucracies do have a tendency to lose things now and again, but for your sake I hope everything's there. And you picked a good time to file your claim. The burden of proof for things like service-connected respiratory disorders has gotten lighter (see: the hundreds of new studies and articles on "Is Dust Making Our Soldiers Sick?" et al.), and TBI and PTSD are taken seriously. The caveats are that: treatment for TBI this late after the fact, depending on the severity, may be frustrating if it helps at all. Also, tinnitus is for some reason a bitch to get paid for.
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May 20, 2011 00:10
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I'm currently in the process of guiding the umpteenth vet to the American Legion for claims help (he doesn't have service-connected disability but is owed benefits). He's a Vietnam vet, Marine Corps, and filed his claim with the VA directly 6 years ago. We got him over to the AL claims specialists, and his back pay will likely be in his account within the next six months. Advocates are the poo poo. If you already filed with the VA, you can still get an advocate to help speed things along. It's like climbing Everest with a 16th-century map versus a GPS and a sherpa.
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Jun 19, 2011 18:01
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FooGoo posted:Do VA payments have any sort of paystub I can look at or otherwise figure out what a particular payment is for? Every time I've seen a similar issue, it's been because the VA kept a certain percentage of benefits due in order to offset an overpayment at some other time or in some other area. For example, they may keep all or part of your disability pension to pay a GI Bill overpayment at some other point in time. Call the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 as soon as possible to find out what's up. Even if it is to correct an overpayment, they are required to provide notice of their intent to garnish your benefits. There is generally a reason for such payment oddities, but the VA is really bad at making these things clear beforehand.
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Sep 4, 2011 15:03
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Roving Reporter posted:I'm thinking about working on a 'new guy' packet for guys getting out. Something like a checklist at for medical benefits/disability. Navigating this poo poo is hard, even after doing it for almost 2 years. gently caress yes, do this. I have experience watching guys go through it, but if you could come up with a checklist from your experience, that would be amazing. Also: t_bright posted:How the gently caress do you guys post all these awesome success stories? Every time I go to the VA I just get sent all over the place. Whenever I actually sit down and talk to someone, they recommend that I don't get a VSO to help me. Another month goes by, and I still get not a single letter or loving email from the VA about either my disability claim or healthcare or even a loving status update. The phone system literally hangs up on me. I filed 11 months ago. My unemployment was denied. I have no money left. My wife hasn't seen our bank account yet, thank god. Otherwise I'd be out of pussy too. One of my least favorite parts about the sometimes-clusterfuck of VA healthcare (there, I said it, they're not perfect) is the part in bold there. So many men and women come back with issues, they get loaded down with pills to "fix" it, and yet if they miss the letter that was mailed to the wrong address with their clinic appointment, or the clinic cancels the appointment and can't reschedule 'til six months later, then those prescriptions can be voided by your primary care doctor just because you haven't been on the property for a while. It's been a while since I've stressed this, but getting an advocate can make or break your claim. Employees at the VA, as much as they may want to help, are stuck in such a massive and ancient bureaucracy. Contact your Regional Office or closest Vet Center (Florida links). Contact the DAV. You don't have plat, but if you feel comfortable emailing me at busketposket@yahoo.com, I will put on my casual advocate pants and at least try to get you a path to follow. I'd just need your city and the names of people you've talked to so far if you can remember. I'm not familiar with the VAs in Florida, but hopefully some of the same Jedi mind tricks work there as work in Wisconsin. Just don't lose hope. The success story you quoted earlier was a guy who waited 40 years before anyone offered to help him. You're gonna get help a lot sooner than that. And I'm sorry you've been dicked around so far, but I will throw all my resources in your corner and hopefully a few others on here can do the same.
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Sep 14, 2011 15:08
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