Question:

My husband has been working on his VA disability claim for 3 years, what does it mean when they say?

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My husband was handed a medical discharge from the AF 3 1/2 years ago after 16 years of service. He filled out all the paperwork 3 years ago. After a year, they gave him 20% based on a disability that had nothing to do with his discharge. They denied the most pertinent medical aspect of the claim pending more paperwork. He appealed with the help of a military advocate last summer. In April this year, they sent him a notice to go to the doctor, which he did. AS of about 4 weeks ago they tell him it's in "rating". He called last week and they told him that it had been moved to "Over a Year" and we should hear something in 2 weeks. What does that mean? Is there a rush put on it after it's been that long? I kinda doubt there's any rush when dealing with the VA. But his disability has cost us $100,000+ in medical bills and we need the money. Does it look good when they send you to the doc, send the claim to "rating" and then pass it to "over a year?" I would love it if we could get his medicines at the VA, but naturally I want to be able to pay those medical bills or at least make a dent... We do have private insurance, but it doesn't pay it all by far. And insight would be appreciated.

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  1. Yes it's good that they sent him to a VA doc. He needs to push the issue, bugg the c**p out of the VA and keep requesting a highersupervisor un till he get's a solid answer.

    There are a lot of claims out there due to the Gulf War and the VA moves slower than a snail's pace. Let him know to keep plugging and that the claim needs to be retroactive when he first submitted the paperwork.


  2. They usually do have a "retroactive date" that goes back to the day that he filed his paperwork (sometimes earlier).  Just be patient there are thousands of claims out there and they have to weed thru the legitimate ones and the lame people who are trying to get over.

    I'm sure it will work out fine....

  3. The American Government treats all its veterans that way. Promise them much and then give them nothing "or" give them a lot of grief in their effort to get help. But I promise you the USA government will fall all over themselves to help the Iraqi people out. As for the veteran the USA government will help you very little if at all.  

  4. If you are Paying for Medical Treatment for a Service Connected Disability

    you are getting royally screwed...

    He is entitled to FREE VA medical care for Five (5) years from date of Discharge for anything...

    You can force them to pay those Non VA medical bills...

    Contact your Congress person ASAP...

    Sounds like your advocate doesn't know anything...

  5. All of these answers are more or less correct...except number 1. I was denied disability when I left the service and I was awarded three Purple Heart Medals. Yes, it takes a very long time to process claims especially to someone who has to consider what the taxpayers say verses the vets. Believe me, I hear more complaints about disabled vets from frigging civilians than you would believe. I am now 100% disabled but I had to relive three tours in Viet-Nam to get there. Finally, I am scheduled for surgery on my lower back that I have had pain from for over 40 years and that won't happen until November ( since February 2005) That's the quickest that my VA could get me in. The government closed down a lot of surgical units so new highways can get built along with bridges being repaired. ( Getting the hint yet) The VA hospital that I go to handles veteran's from WW2 to present from not only Pennsylvania but Maryland, West Virgina, and Ohio. Travel time is usually around two to four hours to get there. Mine is three. One VA hospital is only a hour and 15 minutes from me but has no surgery. I hope the idiot's that vote Republican wise up about us vets because if Uncle Sam needs the money, it is usually taken from VA funding first and more so when the Republicans are in office. Rating means they are determining if your husband will get an increase in percentage. You must have absolute proof that your disabled and are unemployable to usually get 100%. A lot of "vets" really put the screws to those of us disabled by getting their 70% to 100% and then being caught working. Once you receive your disability you are checked on by VA and the IRS yearly. Thank you undeserving vets for that hassle but I admit it keeps the system honest. Another thing is WHO is handling your claim. Is it the American Legion ( worthless in my opinion as well as the VFW) DAV, Purple Heart Society, VN of A, or someone else? The Purple Heart Society is the best for their people work at this FULL TIME unlike the others mentioned. So check on those also. Believe me after a sucking chest wound, a through and through on my thigh, multiple shrapnel wounds, and being shot down in an OH-6A and UH-1  over 10 times ( they don't ( or didn't ) give Purple Hearts for back/neck injuries or broken bones as result to enemy action and when approaching 60 the pain only gets worse with time and age. (I filed when I was 37 and received it when I was 55) Viet-Nam vets were not really treated to good by VA ( or anyone else) in the 60's, 70's, 80's and some of the 90's. I'm sorry that I'm rattling on but you MAY have a long row to hoe. I've been there, bit the bullet, lived on over the counter pain killers, one divorce, a lot of anger, and prayer. Remember this! You started the wheels rolling. DO NOT GIVE UP and APPLY THE BRAKES. Stay in it until it's done no matter how disgusted you get. I wish you both, whoever you are, the very best and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless you sir for your service and God Bless you mam for your loyalty to your husband in these hard times for him. RANGER

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