Caregivers of disabled veterans make amazing sacrifices to care for their loved ones. In some cases, the sacrfices are greater than others. This article in the Wall Street Journal tells the story of a wounded hero, Ian Welch, and his amazing girlfrield Katie Brickman. It is an inspirational story of love and sacrifice, tragedy and hope.
If you provide care to a Post-9/11 veteran, be sure to check out the VA's caregiver website and determine your eligibility for caregiver benefits. You may be eligible for a monthly stipend, health care benefits and more.
Showing posts with label paperwork. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paperwork. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)