Veteran Issues
 

I want to start a page that addresses Veteran Issue. This is not a debate or political section but a section that will assist and inform former military services with issues they may have in obtaining benefit information.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to restore full cost of living increases to pension benefits for younger military retirees, responding eagerly to election-year pressure from veterans groups. The House, as part of a separate bill, nevertheless voted Tuesday to restore full cost of living increases to pension benefits for younger military retirees. The final vote was 326-90.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

this is not an "issue" but Lowes and Home Depot give a 10% discount to military personell you'll hafta check out their website to see if you are eligible---many other retailers and restaurants have a similar program you hafta look or ask at the store---you will be surprised whats out there--Dick Ullrich FED 387

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Bass Pro will give you the 10%

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Dick and Ken this is great info to pass. I have got to the point that I just ask, what is the worst they can say. You do need a retiree or active duty card.

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If you are currently on TriCare and want your meds delivered to your home with no co-pay try Express Scripts.

http://www.express-scripts.com/

Re: Veteran Issues
 

More than 100 construction companies pledge to hire at least 100,000 veterans over the next five years.

“Veterans are invaluable to the construction industry,” said Larry L. Melton, an executive with Bechtel Corporation, one of the firms involved in the pledge. ”Men and women who serve in the military often have the traits that are so critical to our success: agility, discipline, integrity, and the drive to get the job done right.”

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If you have a VA service connected ID card that will usually satisfy most requirements---Dick

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Dick, Does yours have a picture or is it the white plastic card?

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ED-----Mine is a Dept of Veterans Affairs card I got it at Lovell Health Center (VA Hospital) Great Lakes Navy Base it is a white plastic card with my photo on it and underneath the photo it has SERVICE CONNECTED--by the way I am 30%---it has a sort of waving Am flag across the left 2/3rds of the front and on the back it has some phone numbers and a barcode they scan when I use a VA facility---Dick

Re: Veteran Issues
 

I am at 50% with a claim pending and it is just a plain white card. But I do have a retiree card. Thanks for the info.

If anyone has a service-connected disability be sure to check with your State Vet Affairs. Some States have tuition waivers for your kids college, reduced rates on fishing and hunting license, reduced or free entry into States Parks. National Parks are free to disabled vets.

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ED --- the next time ya go to the VA hospital health care unit---- (cannot be one of those small clinics(---- ask where the clerk is you want to get a photo ID--- they take your pic right there and it comes in the mail in about a week--- mine is about the same size as a drivers license--- to save you a trip over to the healthcare center you might want to call to make sure they can do it otherwise you probably can find out where you need to go to get one.--Dick

REGARDING DISCOUNTS---- just ask any merchant, lodging place,restaurant,CELL PHONES CURRENTLY ABOUT 15% whatever it can't hurt--- lotsa places give active military/veteran/disabled veteran discountsm they give them to the spouse too sometimes you dont even have to be present at the time of purchase Online can be a problem cuz they want to see that ID --- they are out there--MANY TIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK!!!! all they can say is NO

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Dick, Thank you for the info.

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I filed a claim through the VFW in mid December. I have not heard anything yet, but, I understand that I should not expect to hear anything for about 125 days....Does this sound right?

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Gary--- what kinda claim??? and with who the VA??? not being nosy just trying to get a little info to give ya a heads up on waiting times at least my experience--Dick

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A disability claim. The VFW filed it with the VA. I have not had an agent orange physical (or what ever it is called)....yet...Claim is for Ischemic Heart Disease, and others that the VFW recommended.

In Phoenix, the first Wednesday of each month, veterans get 10% off their grocery bill. Obviously, we usually do our "heavy" grocery shopping then. Also, using a 15% discount on our T-Mobile service.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

OK Gary--- just to give you a heads up on a time line and how this all works---first the VA will send you a form letter saying that they got your claim and they are working on it. about 6 months from then they will send you another form letter saying that due to the backlog they are still working on it. During this time they will have gotten your complete medical records and hopefully they will have been scouring over them(ya right). Anyway they will in time eventually send the records to their medical review board to look at and make some kind of a determination as to wether you qualify or not. If you do qualify they will give your case a rating as a percentage of disability from 10-100%. Ten is the lowest 100 being the highest. Not sure why you are disabled but if you are missing any limbs or eyes you will be at least 50% to totally disabled which is 100%.the average is about 20-30%
The reason there is such a tremendous backlog is that guys that were in the First Gulf War are now able to apply for benefits from things as PTS(post traumatic syndrome) and chemical warfare exposure and there are about 800,000 people that need to be dealt with. We also have all the people from Iraq/Afghanistan that are applying for benefits. Being optimistic it will probably take you at least 24 months to get your claim approved could be quicker maybe even longer. Do not worry if your claim is approved and you get benefits you will be paid a lump some from the date you applied not the date you are approved. You will get a lump sum payment for all those back benefits!!!! If you are married you get more money than being single, if you have children under I believe 19 or so you will get additional money---THIS MONEYI IS EXEMPT FROM ALL INCOME TAXES BOTH FEDERAL AND STATE!!! but you can claim it as income when applying for credit like car loans, mortgages and others---Just be patient this will take some time. You might want to have the VFW make inquiries every so often as to the status of your claim. Maybe every 4 months or so. THEY WORK REAL SLOOOOOOOOOOOW at the VA so don't expect this to be resolved quickly..Dick Ullrich FED 387

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Gary, I spoke with my DAV rep and was told 12 to 24 months from the San Diego VA. If this gets out of hand, let's make a move on the office of the Dept of Vet Affairs (AZ) and your Congressmen. All Congressional inquiries must be answered within 72 hours by the agency.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Guys I would not contact the Congressman unless absolutely necessary they tend to F things up---I went thru the DAV to get mine---be patient there is nothing anybody can do to speed up the process I waited 27 months to get mine

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Gary --one thing if you were on the ground in Nam you automatically are considered exposed to Agent Orange---not sure if you have children but if you do and they have any problems like birth defects etc. I would check into it and see if you(agent orange exposure) had anything to do with it. I understand you can get a FREE complete physical if you have been exposed to the Agent and you then go into a AGENT ORANGE registry database better check into that... Not sure where you live but I see Arizona and the VA has facilities in Phoenix, Tucson & that you might want to contact them regarding your medical condition---Prostrate cancer treatment is covered as a side effect of AO

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the other office is in Prescott(brain fade that happens when you get over 60)--- you want to talk to the VA Environmental Health Office in those towns

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Thanks guys.....My AO exposure is undeniable. Ischemic Heart Disease, like prostate cancer, is presumptive and the VA has determined that all claims for these are AO related.....so, it is just a matter of time...and wait. The VFW also recommended that I file for my hearing loss, and also PTSD .... that sounded a little strange to me after 45 years, but they recommended it.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

If you go for hearing loss DO NOT TELL THEM YOU DRAG RACE!!!!!!!!!! not sure what branch you were in or what your job was but if you were near small arms fire or mortars or artillery emphasize you were never given ear protection or any warning regarding hearing safety or protection!!!!!!! Ya stuck your fingers in your ears that's what we did OK???

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I agree.....I was Army 11B40....Infantry Sgt E-5....I don't have to make anything up...LOL....We didn't have ear plugs for anything.....Also, I was trained in demolitions, meaning I was to be the one left behind to blow up any base camp.....C4 usually, but also know how to use diesel fuel, anhydros amonia (sp) and a blasting cap will take care of most everything....Ask timothy McVie....

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I want to be a little careful what I say on here, because big brother might be watching....I don't have any guns.....my wife doesn't have any guns, my dogs don't have any guns, and our cat does not own a gun (that I have found)....my cat's name is Barney (after Barney Frank) because he likes to like his own butt.

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Probably 10 years ago, I never would have considered filing a VA claim. My dad (deceased) was a POW in WWII. He did not file a claim until he was 73 years old, even though he had numerous health problems as a result. My grandparents sent 4 sons into WWII. One was killed in Normandy, Dad was a POW in the Battle of the Bulge, one was severely injured and one made it home OK. Up until recently, I always felt that my 2 years in the military was my obligation to ensure that we keep this country free and safe. I served and did it proudly…..I made the best of it…..I was promoted to E-5 with just 13 months of service.

As I get older, 66, I see things differently, and I would like to have those 2 years back, and add them to my life now. Obviously that can not happen. But the 2 years that I gave, I had no choice…..I was drafted.

My feelings about filing a VA claim changed with the current administration (right or wrong)……When you see things like "Obama Phones" for free, but not free for everyone????? And the ever increasing number of people living off of the government (tax payers), via food stamps and welfare. Maybe I am getting a little selfish in my old age, but……what did these people ever do for our country to entitle them to get taxpayer money for doing nothing, while a serviceman gets nothing.

When I retired, 8 years ago, I really thought we were set for life, financially. That has changed with inflation, insurance (ObamaCare) costs, fuel, etc. Even though we are doing OK, we are unable to do some of the things Donna and I planned on, during retirement. Yet, you read about all of the money this government spends foolishly….immigration, abroad, welfare, and bull sh-t.

So, I have no reservations about filing a VA claim now…..selfish…maybe. Entitled..I don’t thing so….
Deserving? I believe so.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Had a case right here on Classracer (ChrisOK) where 92 year widow (FL) of a WWII vet had applied for a wartime pension once her husband had passed. She was living off $625 a month Social Security. 14 months waiting and no response from the determination Center (PA). I set a fire under her Congressman and the Director of the FL Veterans Affairs. She got her pension and back pay to the date of the death of her husband. Each situation will differ and I am a firm believer that the approach must also be different in each case.

I am a life-time member of DAV and they proved instrumental in my first claim in 1996 but less effective in subsequent claims.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mark Begich (D-AK) will offer the amendment to S. 1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Pay Restoration Act of 2014, veterans legislation that DAV strongly supports. Their amendment is similar to their bill, S. 932, the Putting Veterans Funding First Act, which the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs approved in a bipartisan vote of 13 to 1 last November. The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved similar legislation (H.R. 813) unanimously last August.

VA’s medical care programs already receive advance appropriations since Congress passed, and the President signed, Public Law 111-81, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, in October 2009 to provide the budget a year in advance. As a result, during the recent government shutdown while many VA offices and services were closed, VA hospitals and clinics were able to provide uninterrupted health care. By contrast, the shutdown delayed, disrupted and suspended other critical services for veterans.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

As we get older & grayer our perspective on lotsa things change. Many of the "programs" that are in place and the benefits that the "recipients " recieve even tho not deserved but maybe "entitled" to when I look at some of this crap it makes my blood boil!!!!!!!! I served in the Army and when I went in my health was at a "certain " level when I came out of service my health was nowhere near the level that it was when I went in.

The Army had drastically changed my health situation from that beginning level , it can never return to the pre Army level no matter what anybody does. Do I think I should be compensated? YES, do I think I deserve it ? YES..do I think I am being selfish NO, I did my part ,they messed up my health, they promised me they would "help" me if I did get messed up so now its time for them to live up to their part of the deal. End of story.

What has screwed up this whole country is that certain people think they are entitled to benefits even tho not earned they feel they deserve. How they got this mindset is beyond me but it p-sses me off to no end. Certain Social Security, unemployment and work related disability benefits are something that just makes me madder than hell. But that's a whole other dilemma!!!

What needs to change is the meaning of the words "entitlement" and "deserved" and how they are used. It seems that they are used interchangebly. SS we paid into ,at a certain time if certain conditions have been met its time to start paying back the retirement money. If you did not pay into SS at all or very little you should not be "entitled" to a higher amount than what you DESERVE. But along the way they have changed the rules so now if you have a pulse you can apply and get it. Thats wrong plain wrong. Thats why the system is in trouble. But I digress.


Keep us all informed of the many unknown benefits available to Veterans

Re: Veteran Issues
 

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Eddie--Thanks for the work you have put into this. Vets need to stick together on this and not count on support from the current batch of politicians, although enough uprising does produce results. Your help and efforts on behalf of the Wounded Warrior projects have been very appreciated for this very worthwhile project.It was great visiting with you at the Winternationals last week, hope to see you at Irwindale.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Spent an hour with an Assemblywomen, who is the Chair for the CA Veteran Affairs Committee, today discussing the establishment of a California Transition Assistance Program (CAL Tap) that will address the placement of transitioning Vets into the trades via the apprenticeship programs of the trades. This will include Wounded Warriors. Feel very positive that we will get an endorsement for grant money to make this happen.

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Hey Ed...thank you for your passion, I am sure that more people thank you than say so to your face..... for me....Thank you....... What you did for the aged lady a few months ago........to me, my friend, you have earned your place in heaven....(even though I disagree with your political views....LOL)

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Thank you Greg and Gary! It is something that needs to be done and I will never rest as long as I can throw the rope back over the wall and help my brothers and sisters.

What fun would it be if everyone agreed?

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Interestingly, I got my first "form letter" today from the Department of Veterans Affairs. the letter indicates that they are processing my application and they apologize for the delay.

So, the wheels of progress are turning....that is a good thing.

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Gary, That is a form letter and they will continue to put one out about once a month. Hang in there!!

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Eddie,
Thanks for your help with Dad's VA claim. Your information, even though it was free, had real value. I know it's been almost 2 years, but he finally got his first check. We ended up doing just like you said and going to the Vet affairs office. We had been working on this, jumping through their hoops, sending additional information (that they had in front of them, most of the time) for almost 2 years. Since Dad was a double WW11 vet, USAAF & Marine Corp, the Vet affairs officer was he** bent to get him the in home care benefit we applied for. It helped that he was a retired Marine, too.
It took about 60 days after he re applied all the very same forms and info I had already sent 1 1/2 years before. He had a cover sheet he typed up, signed, and put in the packet that was mailed from his office. I wish I knew what he had written on that cover sheet. We started getting phone calls telling us of the progress of Dads application. They informed us several times that we were getting documents mailed to us. We are even getting back benefits to the original time that we applied. That sure helps with the past out of pocket expenses. We have spent over 40,000 since May of last year on his care. I went by his office the other day and thanked him and he grabbed 2 more forms to fill out for medicine and medical care benefits. What a guy! :~) The only bad thing we had to deal with was Dad. I had to remove all his guns from his home. That didn't go over very good. They consider this dementia and Alzheimer’s as a mental illness. Esp. since I have to handle all his business affairs. I think it is a good thing to keep his guns away from him. When I was removing them his caregiver told me he would get a .22 rifle out and mess with it. She said he was not careful with it at all and would point it all over the room. I wish I had known that before hand. I would have taken steps to stop it. So there is way more good coming out of this than just getting his benefits. He seems happy and content with his life style. I think the best info you gave me was to be patient. Thanks again for your tips/pointers and kind words of encouragement.
Adger Smith

Re: Veteran Issues
 

Adger, This is great news for one of the "Greatest Generation" and I am always glad to help in any way.

Regards,

Ed Kaatz

Re: Veteran Issues
 

I'm Chris O'Keefe. Ed Kaatz helped one of my closest friends moms here. I am forever grateful to Ed for what he did for me for her.
You guys here are entitiled. I know you don't like that word. But, you are. I hope you all take the best advantage of these hidden programs that Ed and others are unearthing. I as an American. Son of a Korean War Battle Veteran hopes you tell others you know too.
This is great and invaluable to you.
There are far to many takers in this country as has been mentioned and I do not want to dwell or speak on that matter. It is you who matters.
Thanks again Ed for all you do.
There are so many great people on this site who I really enjoy reading about.
It certainly includes every man in this topic.
My best wishes to you all and and thank you for your time in helping keep our freedom.

Sincerely, Chris O'Keefe.
Son of a 25th Infantry Veteran. 1950-51.Korea. He was just a 20 year old kid but came home a great man. May he r.i.p.

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Tell Congress Veterans Deserve Better
Operation: Keep the Promise will rally thousands of veterans & supporters across the country on the same day, Feb. 25, to hold Congress accountable. We need your help to urge Congress to put veterans first.
The most critical reform needed today is for Congress to vote on – and pass – the bipartisan Putting Veterans Funding First Act, providing advance appropriations for all VA programs.


Let’s work together to tell Congress to pass this legislation, shielding all VA’s programs, benefits and service from Washington’s political budget battles.


Next to face-to-face meetings, calling your members of Congress is the most effective way to make your voice heard. DAV’s new Phone2Action program makes this easy. It automatically connects you by phone with your members of Congress, providing instructions and tips on what to say before you are connected.