Question:
Jim,
I am 90% actual and 100% Service Connected Unemployable. My main percentage is with peripheral nueropathy in my feet and hands. My feet are the worse. I have been unable to drive for over two years by a VA Doctor's orders in my records. If I would take the VA driving test and pass and my Doctor would say I can drive with hand controls, will the VA pay for them or would I have to foot the entire bill? Could you please advise me?
Answer:
To my knowledge and limited experience, this is one of the programs in VA that works well. I hear from many vets who tell me they are able to get around easier because VA was so responsive to their needs.
Check this out by clicking here:
There's plenty of info on the web site to get you started and an application that you can print out, complete and mail in. As always, I strongly recommend that you mail the application in using only certified mail, return receipt requested. No faxing, no on-line application. Please let me know if this helps and how well the process works for you.
Jim Strickland's Mailbag: Volume #49 for 2008
NOTE: Letters in my mailbag are reprinted just as they come to me. Spelling and grammar are left as is and only small corrections are made to improve readability, ensure anonymity or delete expletives that may offend some readers. This is not legal advice. You should always seek the advice of an attorney who is qualified in Veterans' law before you make any decisions about your own benefits.
06.25.30
Question:
Jim,
I am glad that someone had the balls to question your credentials and I am equally happy with your reply. While I don't agree with you all the time-such is life—I do respect your point of view.
I use VA Watchdog as a tool (a good tool) to teach Veterans about their claim, to learn and apply the lessons to be found.
I am a CVSO, In Country disabled Viet Nam Vet. I tell my Vets that I am here today but may not be tomorrow. That their claim is just that "their Claim", not mine and that they better be educated as to what goes next and how it goes. I welcome them questioning me about what I am doing. It is another set of eyes and a brain checking—I am human and thus screw up. I need help. We form a partnership—we bounce ideas off each other. Some handle their claims themselves with what help I can give—they feel in control-they call me or come by at times for my input as needed. I am "certified through the State of Texas. I go every year to maintain my certification. I spend time reading court decisions, updates, and the CFR's.
I rely on VA Watchdog along with other resources ti keep me up to snuff. For the vets that for some reason can't handle their own claims-I do the paperwork-I have the and want them to see exactly what I am doing and explain to them the "why's".
I furnish copies of material sent to the VA—I keep copies in my files-of course the VA would never lose files nor would they wrongly take out of context and use it to make a decision.
You guys are doing a great job.
Texas CVSO
Answer:
Interestingly, the Ohio CVSO who questioned my credentials has become a friendly voice. As I've said, I welcome anyone who has any questions...there's nothing much to hide here. What you see is pretty much it.
You're obviously one of the good guys. Although I'm often critical of any VSO, if you read my stuff you'll know I'm very supportive of the state/county system. If I were king for a day, the VSO from a Veterans Service Organization would be done away with and all those millions of taxpayer dollars they are given would be pumped into your offices so we can get some real work done.
You're right of course, the filing of a claim for disability compensation is not a spectator sport. In my work, I don't actually do anything for the people who write to me. I tell them what needs to be done and offer them a map of how to do it and then check it for them...other than that, it's their project, not mine.
The only folks I do get down and work for are those who can't help themselves.
The problems seem to come when the veteran wants to participate and the VSO doesn't. You probably answer your phone and return phone calls. The great majority of VSO's don't do that. Many VSO's won't speak to a wife who is sitting there with her veteran husband. I had a DAV VSO curse me for a fool because I wrote him a letter asking why he wouldn't return my calls. As it turns out I'm not his only customer, he has problems of his own, my family lineage is questionable and he had taken an extra pain pill right as he started to go postal, cry and hung up on me.
That was my turning point where I fired DAV and set about learning this stuff.
Keep up your good work with those Texas veterans...Larry and I will do all we can to keep good information flowing your way.
Question:
Jim,
I have been looking online trying to find the VA compensation for a dual chamber pacemaker. I currently get 80% disability due to several service connected disabilities. One is 20% for atrial fibrilation, 4 weeks ago I had the pacemaker instaled because the heart condition worsened now I have fast and slow heart beats, I take meds for the fast and had pacemaker put in for the slow.I was told I can only work certain kinds of jobs in certain conditions. I filed for more disability 2 weeks ago. What chance do I have to get my disability increased to 100%, or would it likely go to 90% or would they say I can't get any more for it. I thought about filing for unemployability but also realize I would probably be told I can still work although I can't really get a very good job because I have no degree. I have a wife a 1 year old and a 19 year old in college I am helping pay for.What should I do, or waht compensation can I expect from VA.
Answer:
That you have a pacemaker isn't as important as why you have it. The underlying conditions that led up to the need are more important.
To go to a page that explains cardiac ratings, click here:
When you apply for and/or receive disability compensation from VA, only your condition is a factor. Whether you have education or if you need the benefits for the kids does not come into the decision. You either have a condition that meets the regulation or not.
Read through that info I gave and let me know if you have other questions.
Question:
Jim,
Two years ago I moved from one state to another. In my state #1 I received free eyeglasses and hearing aids. In state #2, I had to pay $300 plus to get my glasses. I asked why and was told things have changed. I emailed my senator and she said it must have been a mistake at #1 for providing free eyeglasses. Tomorrow I go to #2 for a hearing exam. God only knows what I will have to pay for them. Why do benefits differ so from state to state? Anything I can do about it? Oh yeah, I am 50% service connected, Viet Nam Vet. I am applying for more benefits per my doctor for brain diseases and diabetes.
Answer:
There are no differences between facilities in benefits for eyeglasses. While some facilities may have a little different way of dispensing them, if you have a service connected disability rated at 50% you shouldn't have been charged.
While you're at the facility, you should contact a Patient Advocate. Be very courteous and upbeat as you do this. Explain what happened to the advocate. Ask the advocate to speak on your behalf to the individual who is in charge of prosthetics. You should get a refund.
If you changed facilities, there may be an error in your eligibility codes in the computer. You'll want to spend a few minutes visiting with the eligibility offices at your VAMC. Computer errors happen in VA and in civilian settings. If they have you listed as non service connected, that could be the issue.
A response of "things change" is a signal the individual helping you is clueless.
