How do you expedite VA medical retirement processes?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 17:39:40 -0400

Rally Point peeps, need some help and I know there's an expert out there. I have a former Soldier who suffers from MS. After being medically retired from the Army, he got a job with VA. They are now medically retiring him and have had him on LWOP for several months with a few more months until they make a determination. This is breaking the financial back of his family. Where's the best place to turn to help them out. I'm ip for the fight!

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Aug 26 at 2016 5:50 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 17:50:20 -0400

If he was medically retired, is he already receiving disability? Sometimes the best way is to make sure he is connected to a recognized advocate (VSO) like DAV. They often can facilitate a bump in the system. Some veteran groups can also ensure he doesn't become homeless etc. involving a congressman is sometimes effective, but the line is long for everyone. It will come through, but families have to adapt. MS is an up and down thing and stress can certainly make it worse. He can also apply for social security disability once he meets criteria.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Aug 26 at 2016 5:50 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 17:50:54 -0400

Here are the priority groups to help get through some of the weeds.

http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/resources/priority_groups.asp

Priority Groups - Health Benefits

Today’s Veterans have a comprehensive medical benefits package, which VA administers through an annual patient enrollment system. The enrollment system is based on priority groups to ensure health care benefits are readily available to all enrolled Veterans. Complementing the expansion of benefits and improved access is our ongoing commitment to providing the very best in quality health care service to our patients when they are needed during...

Response by SGT Alan D. Garrison II made Aug 26 at 2016 8:27 PM

SGT Alan D. Garrison II — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 20:27:52 -0400

I've been fightingthem for 4 years. DAV jacked my case up soooo bad it wasn't even funny. A good VSO can help immensely. Make sure to have a fully developed claim I do know for sure. If not fully developed they will drag their feet for sure. But make sure it is service connected also before all goes through. That is where DAV messed me over for almost 2 years plus as they didn't service connect my issues first and then didn't have a fully developed claim.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2016 11:30 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Aug 2016 11:30:20 -0400

http://va.claims

Former VA Medical Officers
- They will apply Medical Science, Policy & Law to win!!!!

VA.claims is a private website owned and operated by Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLCand is not affiliated with the Department of Veteran Affairs

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 28 at 2016 12:57 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 12:57:11 -0400

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I've never dealt with civil service retirement issues but I would suggest contacting the DAV National Service Office at the VARO near you, or contact DAV HQ in KY and enlist their help.

Please contact me off line so we can talk more about this. I have a lot of questions...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 30 at 2016 3:48 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:48:25 -0400

Thoroughly review all records and fill out required paperwork. Take this paperwork to the local VA or DAV i you do not have a VA near you. Once your paperwork is submitted call the VA HQ in your state every two weeks inquiring as to the current status of the packet.