Are US Vets Properly Cared For?

[k]

Wondering what the census is on the US taking responsibility for caring for its Vets.

What do you all think? Please feel free to share any stories.

 

[Sybaris]

I'm a retiree and I've never had a problem with the VA. I'm seen regularly, prescriptions are very reasonable. I haven't needed any intensive care so I can't comment on anything requiring long-term or rehabilitative care.

Now the most interesting thing I found after I retired is that A LOT of vets who start out with a disability endeavor to get it bumped up higher and higher through any means they can. Not only would a higher rating, 50% and above, get them half again their pension but it also bumps them up on the VA priority list when making an appointment. Granted, I think military retirees SHOULD enjoy the same benefits as Federal pensioneers with disabilities but there seems to be a lot of abuse in the system.

 

[k]

I'm a retiree and I've never had a problem with the VA. I'm seen regularly, prescriptions are very reasonable. I haven't needed any intensive care so I can't comment on anything requiring long-term or rehabilitative care.

Now the most interesting thing I found after I retired is that A LOT of vets who start out with a disability endeavor to get it bumped up higher and higher through any means they can. Not only would a higher rating, 50% and above, get them half again their pension but it also bumps them up on the VA priority list when making an appointment. Granted, I think military retirees SHOULD enjoy the same benefits as Federal pensioneers with disabilities but there seems to be a lot of abuse in the system.

I agree there is some abuse in the system regarding dis. ratings but there are also a LOT of Vets who rightfully deserve at least SOME kind of rating but are rejected quite regularly. Should that very small percentage of abuse negate the majority who deserve it?

Thank you for all your service.

 

[Sybaris]

I agree there is some abuse in the system regarding dis. ratings but there are also a LOT of Vets who rightfully deserve at least SOME kind of rating but are rejected quite regularly. Should that very small percentage of abuse negate the majority who deserve it?

The guidelines for rating assignment are very broad.

I got 20% for what I would consider normal wear and tear.

If you know of people that are getting rejected then I would imagine there is "the rest of the story".

In answer to your question, I'm not aware of any getting rejected due to abuse of the system. AFAIK it's on a case by case basis.

 

[k]

The guidelines for rating assignment are very broad.

I got 20% for what I would consider normal wear and tear.

If you know of people that are getting rejected then I would imagine there is "the rest of the story".

In answer to your question, I'm not aware of any getting rejected due to abuse of the system. AFAIK it's on a case by case basis.

Seems fortunate for your rating, and good for you!

I've been rejected twice on two different claims...and I know of several other Vets in the Boston area who have been rejected...and I know of one who was bumped to a 100% rating...although he easily held down a job.

I've also spoken w/ several people in the VA system who outrightly state the VA often commits blanket rejectments just to see who will give up.

 

[WhiteWillow]

I think they are in some ways,there's major room for improvement.

 

[Yusuf Evans]

Got a buddy of mine who had to seperate because he became epiliptec(I think that's how you spell). He got 100% disability and same level of access to care as active duty members. I know another guy who is pending a med board for taking a dive off a cliff and breaking his neck. I hope he gets something for serving, I'm just a little curious as to how much.

As for the actual system, not sure. Still AD, so can't comment on it at the moment.

 

[Sybaris]

I've been rejected twice on two different claims...and I know of several other Vets in the Boston area who have been rejected...and I know of one who was bumped to a 100% rating...although he easily held down a job.

I've also spoken w/ several people in the VA system who outrightly state the VA often commits blanket rejectments just to see who will give up.

Interesting.

Maybe you have higher expectations for receiving a disability than what the requirements allow........... for instance having a 100% disability doesn't necessarily mean you're totally incapable of functioning. I had a friend who was discharged with 100% disability for cancer. He was employed after his discharge and I think is about to collect Social Security.

As far as blanket rejections........... when I finally went in to start a file at my local VA hospital I was asked by the counselor if I had turned in a claim. I said I hadn't and didn't plan on it. She replied that most retirees get 10% and that I should do it.

Another interesting thing is when I attended a pre-separation seminar we were given a presentation by a VA rep. Basically this guy said to lie and make up some kind of phantom pain 'cause it'll be your word against the boards and the board has to default to the claimant. I don't condone this.

How many years did you serve and what is the nature of your claim?

 

[k]

Interesting.

Maybe you have higher expectations for receiving a disability than what the requirements allow........... for instance having a 100% disability doesn't necessarily mean you're totally incapable of functioning. I had a friend who was discharged with 100% disability for cancer. He was employed after his discharge and I think is about to collect Social Security.

As far as blanket rejections........... when I finally went in to start a file at my local VA hospital I was asked by the counselor if I had turned in a claim. I said I hadn't and didn't plan on it. She replied that most retirees get 10% and that I should do it.

Another interesting thing is when I attended a pre-separation seminar we were given a presentation by a VA rep. Basically this guy said to lie and make up some kind of phantom pain 'cause it'll be your word against the boards and the board has to default to the claimant. I don't condone this.

How many years did you serve and what is the nature of your claim?

Yeah, the 100% doesn't mean one is incapacitated so I apologize for sending that message.

I don't agree w/ lying either because...well...it always comes back w/ bigger teeth in the end.

Served just over 3.5 years...took the early out option in late 92.'

There were two claims...one for a rashes (doc in VA hospital in 96' stated unequivocally they're from Iraq and about a month after that I actually received a letter being offered 10%, without me filing a claim other than the hospital visits, etc, but turned it down because I did not understand how it worked and when I called the person I spoke w/ lied and made it akin to signing off on a car accident claim. So, 10% was about $80 a month...that didn't seem worth it to me considering the doctor said they had no idea what would happen in the future.) and the other for PTSD. Even though I documented the rashes being present for a very long time, the VA here in Boston said since I could not unequivocally prove they are from Iraq, my claim was no good. However, that made no sense because in the case of neutrality, the VA HAS to side w/ the Vet...and it says it right there in the denial letter they sent. The PTSD was turned down because I could not track down a couple of the people I needed to.

That's the short of it...thanks for reading!

 

[Sybaris]

I'd research and re-file. At least with the rashes, if they still persist, you have some documentation. With PTSD, your documentation, if not done while active, can be documented now by a Psychiatrist/Psychologist. I've known people who have been out 20 years to go back and submit a successful claim with civilian documentation.

Bottom line, don't turn anything down.
10% is better than nothing.
In my state, even if you are rated at 0% (don't know specifically how that's measured) your kids can go to any instate college/uni for free!

 

[k]

I'd research and re-file. At least with the rashes, if they still persist, you have some documentation. With PTSD, your documentation, if not done while active, can be documented now by a Psychiatrist/Psychologist. I've known people who have been out 20 years to go back and submit a successful claim with civilian documentation.

Bottom line, don't turn anything down.
10% is better than nothing.
In my state, even if you are rated at 0% (don't know specifically how that's measured) your kids can go to any instate college/uni for free!

That good advice, thank you.

When I went for the psych eval the "doctor" was about as unprofessional and unethical as possible. He spent less than 7 minutes w/ me yet submitted an entire report on the PTSD claim.

The claim also had the reports of two counselors I had seen that clearly supported the claim...and after I asked for a new eval due to the poor process of the first it was denied.

I have to keep fighting but it gets frustrating!!