All Comments on 'Getting Veterans Records'

How is this post relevant to the website? It may be useful but I cannot see how it falls into the category of Literotica. If this sort of post is allowed then this site will just become a bulletin board system and we will see posts on any and all topics.

This isn't really accurate and has no place on this site. Go to "veterans benefits network.com" for timely and accurate info and advice on veterans issues.

Hi there! This submission is in the How-To category. That's where essays on how to do things are placed. If you check the category, there are many How-Tos on non-sexual topics, so this essay is entirely appropriate and may be helpful to some readers. Hope this helps! :-)

Thanks Jag for your info to Veterans. Dealing with the VA Regional offices for benefits can be a nightmare. I must say I was always treated with respect and helpfulness from the front staff but completely ignored by the back staff for 3 years.

Things I learned getting rated.

1) The larger the number of disabilities claimed, the slower it will process as the processors look for the smallest files to review as they are under tremendous pressure to process as many claims as possible. Many Vets are advised to submit only one claim at a time so as to maybe get 30%, then up it to 50% on the next claim and so on. Myself, I would advise submitting all viable claims the first time with excellent documentation as each claim will be retroactive to the time you first file it. Thus, with the example above, if your first claim takes 2 years, then your second claim takes 2 years, and your final claim takes 1 year, you will have left tens of thousands of dollars on the table.

2) The VA gives out disability compensation based not on what service connected injury or disease you may have, but by how that injury or disease affects your ability to make a living and enjoy life. Thus if you claim you are due compensation for type 2 diabetes based on Agent Orange exposure, the diabetes must have affected your ability to earn a living in some way. So limit your claims only to existing disabilities that affect you making a living or conditions that negatively affect your life.

3) Carefully read on the VA website regarding conditions that qualify for compensation as the list keeps growing. As I have mainly studied Vietnam Veterans diseases that is what I will keep my facts regarding.

If your were in Vietnam, even for one day, and can prove it, VA presumes you were exposed to Agent Orange and it has been determined many diseases occur at a higher rate in those exposed to agent Orange. Each year, the list of associated diseases keeps growing so be sure and check regularly.

I have heard many negative comments that point out often, Vietnam Veterans higher risk is only 1 or 2% higher than the general population for some of the diseases, and that is true. But if you take 30 different diseases being a 2% higher risk, the chances are much higher overall that Vietnam Veterans will contract one or more of these diseases.

4) Make sure your spouse is aware of any conditions listed as service connected, as recently, Ischemic Heart Disease, which is the cause of most heart attacks, is included under Agent Orange related. If you suddenly have a heart attack and die, and the autopsy points out blockage to the heart, your spouse may qualify for CHAMPVA health insurance which is probably the best insurance available in the US.

Also, once you have been rated 100% or unemployable, your wife also qualifies for CHAMPVA, which is zero co-pay, zero deductible when using most VA facilities. If your spouse chooses to use private doctors and hospitals, the annual deductible is $50 and a 20% co-pay with a maximum $3000 out of pocket including drugs!!!

5) VA is fast tracking Agent Orange claims in some areas now and through ebenefits, and some claims are going through within 6 months. Do not hesitate to call your Congressperson, Senator or the White House if your Agent Orange claim is over 6 months old or a non-Agent Orange claim is over 2 years old.

Choose your Service officer very carefully. That is the person you can use, but not required to help you with your claim. VFW, DAV and most states offer these services. Get down to a VA facility and ask other Vets if they have applied for disability and knew a good service officer. At the Houston VA there are two very popular Service Officers. One is Mr. Wolf which is first come, first serve and if you are not in line at 5AM or earlier, you will not see him. The other is Rufus, who I never met but have heard great thing about. Both of these are in the VA hospital and not the regional office.

If you do use a non-profit such as DAV or VFW officer, immediately join the organization as some are very vocal about using them when not a member.

7) Be sure to also look at your states benefits for Veterans. Here in Texas, if you receive full benefits, you pay no state fees and no property tax form any entity, plus that benefit of property taxes now transfers to your spouse upon your death. That alone is saving us over $4000 per year.

Feel free to write me with any questions you may have.

Thanks For Your Service Fellow Vets!

Ken

I'd like to see you add this to the Literotica website as either an epub ebook or a pdf so that the information can be kept on a smartphone.

Sigil is a free, open source program that would let you create an epub, while the Cute PDF printer driver can be used to create pdf's.

I have and use both.

The first Director of Veteran Affairs was Gen George A. Custer. When he was walking out to door to lead the offensive against the Plains Indians he said "don't do anything till I get back. " And they have not done anything since.

Your best bet, is to find a well trained Veterans Service Officer. Depending on what state you are in, the availability will vary. In most states, you can get your certified DD214 recorded at the country recorder's office for quick access later.

Best piece of advice here is to obtain copies of your medical and service records before leaving. DOD started keeping electronic records after 1992.

DO NOT file a claim on your own. You can, but it's like being your own lawyer, not recommended. A good service officer will know all the weasel words and exactly what order the VA wants them. Another good avenue to pursue is your US Senator or your US Representative. They have people in their offices who deal with just veterans issues. Don't be afraid to call them either and ask for the staffer.

Whatever you do, do not ignore any letter from the VA. If you don't understand it, take it to a good service officer. In Ohio, the state pays to have at least one trained service officer in each county.

Good luck in your dealing with the bureaucracy.

Being a VA pharmacist for 20+ years, this is an unbiased and accurate informational tutorial. This is part of the reason it takes a minimum of 6 months to adjudicate a claim for a service connected disability. The only bit that is missing is "IF" a claim is found in the vet's favor, the disability payment only goes back to the date of filing for SC status. If you don't ask, you won't get, but the process has to start somewhere and, unlike the IRS, the VA isn't going to be chasing you down.