ALS Diagnosis = 100% Disability Rating According to New VA Rules

There's good news for veterans with ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease. Beginning tomorrow (January 19, 2012), veterans will be immediately granted a 100% disability rating upon diagnoses with this progressive, fatal disease. (More here.)

Many veterans with ALS have died waiting for their benefits. Last June, Barry Mangan of Tacoma recieved his check for home modifications (in the amount of $63,780). Months and months of delays had forced him to move into a nursing home. His wife was overjoyed to recieve the check and started making arrangements. Just thirty minutes after the check arrived, the nursing home called to inform Mrs. Mangan that her husband had passed away, alone, in a nursing home. He would never be coming home. (For more information, visit the original article here.

This is a story that happens all to often for veterans with ALS. Thankfully, tomorrow's rule changes will help prevent these tragedies in the future.

Simple Steps to Expedite Your Claim

The VA is currently facing a severe backlog in claims. If you are in the process of filing a claim or submitting evidence, follow these simple rules to help the VA process your claim easier and faster.

1. Never staple your paperwork. If you staple them, the VA has to unstaple them before the papers can be scanned. Save everyone time--and save some staples! Never use any adhesives on your papers, either.

2. Submit pharmacy summaries, not labels. Go to the pharmacy and ask for a printout for a specific date range.

3. Use 8.5 by 11 inch paper only.

4. Put the patient's name and social security number on everything! Include middle initials or names if you have a common name or if you know of someone with the same first and last name in the VA system.

Your Senator Can Help You with Your VA Claim

Hello readers, we're back!
I know it's been a long time since I've updated and I sincerely apologize. Posting should resume it's normal schedule now that we've entered the New Year and things are settling down after the holiday rush.

If you have a claim open with the Department of Veteran's Affairs right now, you've probably realized that it is taking a really, really long time to process. You aren't alone. We submitted a claim for an additional dependent a year ago and we are still waiting on a decision.

In November, Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Patty Murray sent a letter to the Department of the VA Secretary urging the VA to address the extreme backlog facing the VA. The content of that letter can be found here.

Veterans who are currently waiting for a decision from the VA can contact a Senator from their home state for help. Each Senator has professionals on staff to assist constituents with the VA process. You can find your Senator's contact information here. To see if your Senator is currently serving on the Senate Committee on Veteran's Affairs, view the membership list.

If you have an open claim, how long have you been waiting?

Veteran's Service Organizations: An Introduction

Good morning!

Filing a claim with the VA can be a headache and a half. There are lots of forms to fill out and evidence to provide. It can be very intimidating and very, very frustrating. Fortunately, there are organizations that exist to help you with that process—and they’re free.

These organizations are called "Veteran Service Organizations" or VSOs. There are many different VSOs to choose from. They include Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, etc.

Getting help from a VSO is as easy as visiting the office. When the VSO helps you, they will file a form that informs the VA that they are now representing you. Any interaction you have with the VA will then occur through the VSO. They will help you file the forms to file your claim and will inform you of any further requirements you need to fill, such as providing evidence. If your claim is denied, they will also help you appeal and, if necessary, assist you with a hearing.

VSOs are a wonderful resource for veterans and they are free, so that every veteran can use them. If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend that you choose one and visit their office. My husband is represented by the DAV and they have been very helpful to us. They filed our very first claim and have helped us file additional claims and appeals. They have informed us of programs we weren't aware existed, and have given us valuable advice.

In future posts, I will share more information on the different VSOs and the services they provide.

Share your experiences! Are you represented by a VSO? Which one? If not, why not? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.