As I have said, in other times and other places,:) , the VA in the last few years has seemed to come around and realize it is supposed to HELP a vet, not protect the Government.

I know a few years ago it would take as much as two years to get a determination from the VA, and that was with a fight all the way.

Most guys I talk to now seem to be able to go through the process in about 6 months, on the average.

Maybe we all have those that had to "fight for our rights" to thank for opening some eyes and making those "small minds" within the VA to realize what the real world is about.

va not all bad

I agree the VA is not all bad. I've been going through the system for about a year, it's definitly taking more than six months.
However the people that I have dealt with have been great and even the Doctors I have talked to agree with me about the cause of my back and neck problems. Dave Barker a VSO here in southeast Ohio has been very helpful. You have to remember they are working inside of the same system that restricts every thing to a crawl.:cool:

Roger that. I filed in 1974 and today I got my "OK" from VA! Now this was from the last time that I objected from their ruling last summer. I had a hearing in Wiston-Salem and now I have been accepted. Now to the hospital for work on the case.
Seems Va has improved its care to the vet.
Semper Fi,
JD

latest on the VA's attitude

I just refiled going for 100% this time. I am at a point where the 100% isn't a may be but an as it is. They are suppose to be "more veteran friendly" we'll see. I will post a note and let everyone know how things go on refilings as soon as I get a reply from them.

Update 03/18/05 I now have more psyciatric results from non VA doctors all rating me as "Unemployable - 100% Disabled" the VA came up with 30%! Now the catch, ready for this one? I doubt you'd guess this one. It seems I have had a mircale healing, after fourty years of deterioration in the condition of my leg. They poposed cutting back my disability for the loss of use of my leg. Not all of it, just enough so they can keep from getting squeezed into haveing to classify me "Unemployable." We're not done yet...

Thanks Jim ... I'll be watch also!
SF
jd

VA Not bad at alll~!

In April of 2003 I went in for a angiogram
& it was determined that I had two veins in my heart 89% & 92% blockage. I had surgury, when they opened me up they found my arota valve was defective & replaced it with a plastic one. I was kept unconscious for 47 days, body shut down twice & they wanted to "pull the plug", my wife said NO, that I was a Marine & had more years to live. She transferred me to the Jerry L Pettis Hospital in Loma Linda, there I immediately started to improve, Daily, I was fed, bathed, cared for, bandages changed on time & repeatedly checked on. Went through rehab for five months & then sent home with a wheelchair, walker & a home inspection for "anything" I needed. My sincere "THANKS" to the Doctors, Nurses & Physical Therapy's that attended to my needs at the Jerry L. Pettis VA Hospital.

Medical Improvement

I worked for the VA for about 5 years and I saw some improvements during that time. I think their is a trend throughout the medical field to tighten up on patient care. There have been significant changes, most from the Joint Commission Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, JCAHO. They are now concerned and following through with direct patient care and how the patient is treated from the time they enter into a facility until they leave, with followup involved in that. I think this has most facilities on their toes a little more. I now work at DeWitt Army Community Hospital and we just had JCAHO here, we passed with flying colors, but that does not mean we are a superior facility by any stretch of the imagination.

Having said all this, I still think there is a long road ahead for improvements. I only wish our governement would take more money and put it toward the veterans and give them more of what they deserve for serving their country.

VA

My experience with the VA has been nothing but positive. If there's anybody out there that thinks they need help go to them. They seem to bend over backwards for the Vietnam Veteran.
S/F
Tim McMahon HMM-262 65-67

CRSC

How long have some of you waited for the DFAS to come through with the Combat Related pay?
I received my letter from the Navy Department dated March 10, 2004 and have called DFAS a couple of times, getting what sounds suspiciously like a runaround. If this is the length of time it takes, I'm OK with that, just don't want to get a dog & pony show.
Semper Fi
Bill Weaver

Wait period

Bill took mine about 4 months and I was one of the first in. I also included the computer print out from the VA which helped expedite the process. They had to obtain that for those that did not do that & they did not require that in their application. Recived two letters first said my application was being reviewed, month later recieved a letter saying would recieve the pay within 90 days retroactive to the June 03 date. Good Luck. SF PM

DFAS

Bill,
I don't know what DFAS stands for, but I put a claim in to the VA for service related problems and got a settlement within 6 months.
S/F
Tim

It took my friend Lloyd Karr all most a year before he got it . He was getting the concurrent recipient and when they approveved Combat related they took out what he had recived for concurrent recipient and he received the rest from 1 June last year. SF

DFAS

FYI

Defense Finance Accounting System

http://www.dfas.mil/

Frequently Asked Questions Combat-Related Special Compensation Program

http://www.dfas.mil/money/retired/crscfaqs.htm

FAQ

Combat-Related Special Compensation Program

Do all retirees with a combat-related disability qualify?
I have a disability retirement from my Military Service, but I have not applied for a VA disability rating. Would I qualify for the new compensation?
I have a Purple Heart for a combat wound but I have a VA disability that is not combat-related. Do I qualify?
I don't have a Purple Heart but I have a VA disability rating of 60 percent. However, only 30 percent is combat-related. Do I qualify?
Where can I receive an application and help in completing it?
What documentation will I need?
What if I don't have the required documentation?
How will I be notified of the decision?
How will I be paid?
Will the pay be retroactive?
Is the compensation taxable?

For those who got things done in less than a year great. I talked to them and was told 12-18 months to do anything on any claim. I have had nothing but NEGaTIVE with contact from VA. ie arating exam sent to hopital 130 miles away vice one that was 80 miles or a military one 45 miles, numerous emails, etc got NO repeat NO response.

The VA has treated me very well. My initial claim took about a year and my appeal about 18 months, but this was 5 years ago. I am now 90% with unsuitabilty for employement. I did volunteer work for the Orlando Vet Center for several years and the counselors there were very dedicated. They were very instrumental in getting Vets good ratings for PTSD. If you need help with a PTSD claim, check out your local Veterans Outreach Center.