VA help

I just got back from San Antonio. The Air Force decided to medically retire me. They gave me a 40% disabled rating. I am over 20 years so I will be compensated under my normal retirement. Is it true that if the VA rates me at 50% or greater I will get a separate check? I read the legislation and it looks that way...but I would like someone who has fist hand knowledge to help me out.

 

From my recent dealings with the VA all I can do is tell you to get ready to fight getting raped. I have had to fight every step of the way and then some. Get everything in writing and always keep copies of anything you give or send them. I have a binder that I keep that is only for my VA papers.

As for your specific questions - call three different times and go with the answer you get 2 times.

 

I am over 50% and I get a separate check. It is my experience that VA is NOT your friend!

I work with troops on a daily basis, and the most common thing I hear is stuff like I broke my back on a jump or I have this issue or that problem.

These troops are being told that they will recieve a certain rating by a military doctor which is a crock of BS! Trust me I heard the same thing and believed it.

Military doctors don't have any thing to do with the rating you recieve from VA, except putting paper work in your medical records.

The VA contracts doctors to conduct your physical and determine your rating. They use some crazy beer math, to determine the rating you'll receive. Below is a link to the VA comp tables. All I can tell for sure is to claim "Everything" in your Med records.

It's a huge Pain in the Ass, but well worth it.

Good Luck Brother!

http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/rates/comp01.htm

 

The VA definitely is not your friend. They act kinda like the insurance companies that have desk jockies and not doctors deciding if your medical needs fit in with their bottom line. Your exam for your claim is usually done by one of those small independent clinics that insurance companies contract to for car wrecks and worker's comp claims. First exam I ever had the "doctors" had stains on their not-so-white coats.

Oh and... the VA seems to have a policy of mandatory rectal and genital exams with EVERY claim. Even if its for hearing loss. I'm not even kidding. You can opt out but if the claims processor can find a way to use that as a loophole, they can easily lower your rating or deny your claim. Track down your local DAV (disabled american veterans) office or a county rep to help you word your claim properly. The pencil pushers at the regional VA office look for specific wording to determine the extent of your conditions.

Do your best to keep any scheduled appointments with your primary care provider so that you can use that as ammo for later claims. I have back injuries, hearing loss and bad legs. As those inevitably get worse over time, I have already been able to get my rating upped by 10%.

Good luck and never ever give up with these bastards.