I am a Disabled Veteran(finally)

[Lee Barner]

only took twelve and a half years. eight months since I sent in my last package(certified mail this time). got 50% now but I see the DAV rep later this week to start that battle. I just had to share this with veterans and friends on the forum. I already told both my friends and my wife. she's already planning on how to spend the money but I told her it's gun show/gun shop money for a while. I'm one happy camper right now. lee

 

[max]

It is such a screwed up system. I am glad you were able to accomplish it.

 

[federali]

The VA

It is sometimes said that the Veterans' Administration provides veterans with a second opportunity to give their lives for their country.

While I've heard the horror stories, I personally have not experienced them. I'm a disabled veteran and i go to the veterans' facility in Northport, NY. Frankly, I have always received good service but when I filed for increased compensation, I was rejected even though I felt that I met the requirements.

 

[carpriver]

I got rated right after I retired, the problem was getting the percentages increased later when conditions began to go south. I just had back surgery from an old injury while on active duty. The local VA hospital didn't think it was serious. A disc shattered and the debris lodged in the surrounding muscle. I ended up in the Emergency Department and had the operation was the next morning. Now the fight begins.

 

[Razsmom]

Persistance payes off...

It is sometimes said that the Veterans' Administration provides veterans with a second opportunity to give their lives for their country.

While I've heard the horror stories, I personally have not experienced them. I'm a disabled veteran and i go to the veterans' facility in Northport, NY. Frankly, I have always received good service but when I filed for increased compensation, I was rejected even though I felt that I met the requirements.

I've heard that the VA errs on the side of denying claims... sounds like you really need to get a service officer to help represent you in filing a new claim... if you get approved, then you will get compensated all the way back to when you originally put in your paperwork if it is for the same condition(s). I was discharged at 30% and things got to the point where I could no longer work about 3 years ago due to my SCD (Service Connected Disabilities), so, after a lot of work and persistence, I am now 100% SCD Total & Permanent. So, I am living proof that persistence pays off and it never hurts to have buddy statements as it is all about the paperwork and how you present yourself at your C&P exam... they need to see how you are on the worst days of your life. It almost seems like they make it so difficult that they hope you'll give up vice keep on pushing for that claim to go through. I wish you much luck in pursuing your rating and being compensated in the future...

 

[LostintheOzone]

only took twelve and a half years. eight months since I sent in my last package(certified mail this time). got 50% now but I see the DAV rep later this week to start that battle. I just had to share this with veterans and friends on the forum. I already told both my friends and my wife. she's already planning on how to spend the money but I told her it's gun show/gun shop money for a while. I'm one happy camper right now. lee

Congratulations. I'm about 3 years into the process myself. Turned down at every step so far. The VA is broken as far as I'm concerned. I won't go into it because it's pointless to dwell on it. I'm hoping a veteran (Webb) will run and get himself into the adm somehow. Congress and the adm are mostly void of veterans and people that have served. It's a disgrace.

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

Congrats!!

It's a shame that it took 12 years for your claim to be honored.

 

[Frizzman]

Its sad that to most of us, your story is no surprise. I understand the need to try to prevent the unworthy from gaming the system but the slow process and numerous roadblocks are an outrage...The blame rests with a Congress and the federal agencies and uncaring citizens who will throw billions at unneeded weapons, foriegn boondoggles and freeloaders while being stingy with funds to ensure that those who have served and the country owes a debt to get little...Unfortunately, this seems to have been the case throughout history. This situation is inexcusable but it would take outrage by the general public to change that. Thanking veterans for their service while not knowing or doing nothing to ensure they recieve the benefits they earned seems to be the norm.

 

[eddie68]

I am lucky, only took six years to reach 80%, and have a hearing with a DRO 6/10, hopefully that will reach 100%. Yes the VA operates *** backward. They reduced the claims list as was promised, but now the appeals list is doubled, was told time line for appeals was 12 to 18 months. Two VA doctors flat lied in hearings for my claims, I finally hired a lawyer and things began moving. So my suggestion is hire a good lawyer.
Eddie68

 

[jmace57]

Just a heads up for a lesser known program. It's called Aid & Assistance. It helps if (for example) you need to have someone come in and assist with day to day stuff, or you go into an extended care facility. We used it when my Dad went into an Assisted Living facility. It is a relatively generous amount ($1700/month approx.) and is easy to get. The program is over-funded because it is not advertised. It took about 8 weeks to get, although I had a local law firm that did pro bono work help walk me through it. When they grant it, it is retroactive back until the day you requested.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Lee you were in the Airforce for cryin'out loud. What service related injury was it? Paper cut didn't heal right??
Sorry-could not resist!

 

[Lee Barner]

Gary, no paper cuts but I did have to go without A/C for two weeks once in Biloxi, MS in the summer. PTSD for sure from that and when my office chair broke once and caused my feet to fall off the desk. lee

 

[Nevada Ed]

finally...........

oh, I thought you just got married. (sorry )

Glad you got it to work for you.

I have a VA credit coming on an over paid bill..........
5 mounts and 21 days and counting.

Welcome to the club.

 

[shouldazagged]

Happy for you, Lee. It took my late brother years, but not that long.

 

[wyccad915]

It's a good thing you're finally getting what you deserve. Congrats!

 

[Brian41]

Congrats on finally being successful but agree that's too long a time.
I did get a 10% for tinnitus but my hearing loss was determined to be not service related. It's not much money but since I'm on SS disability now it helps out. I was hoping I'd get hearing aids too but those were declined as well.