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VA recognizes that the process of obtaining a VA disability rating can be complex and time-consuming for several reasons. First, the legal requirements for VA's duty to assist in the development of a claim, as outlined in 38 CFR §3.103, can contribute to the duration of the process, as it involves careful collection and examination of all pertinent information to ensure that Veterans receive accurate decisions on their claims. Second, VA receives a high volume of claims, which can lead to extended processing times in some cases. VA continuously strives to improve the claims process to reduce wait times and increase efficiency, acknowledging the importance of timely resolution for Veterans. Lastly, if a claim is initially denied, the appeal process can involve multiple steps, including gathering new evidence, providing additional documentation, attending hearings, and potentially attending additional medical evaluations, each of which can add to the timeline.

VA recognizes that the process of increasing a VA disability rating can be complex and time-consuming for several reasons. First, the legal requirements for VA's duty to assist in the development of a claim, as outlined in 38 CFR §3.103, can contribute to the duration of the process, as it involves careful collection and examination of all pertinent information to ensure that Veterans receive accurate decisions on their claims. Second, VA receives a high volume of claims, which can lead to extended processing times in some cases. VA continuously strives to improve the claims process to reduce wait times and increase efficiency, acknowledging the importance of timely resolution for Veterans. Lastly, if a claim is initially denied, the appeal process can involve multiple steps, including gathering new evidence, providing additional documentation, attending hearings, and potentially attending additional medical evaluations, each of which can add to the timeline.

The VA would like all Veterans to have access to good oral health care; however, VA is limited to providing dental benefits to those Veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligibility for VA dental care is governed by statute and provided in accordance with the provisions of existing law and regulations. These laws and regulations mandate dental care as a benefit for certain defined Veterans groups. The VA is obligated to fulfill the requirements of the statutes enacted by Congress and to follow their intent. Another option for Veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system, and beneficiaries and their dependents of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the VA (CHAMPVA), is the Veterans Affairs Dental Insurance Program : https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vadip/

Thank you for your comments. The Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network provides support to caregivers of all eras, all relationships, across all locations. Our peer support opportunities may be helpful for your caregiver. For more information please visit http://www.redcross.org/caregivers

Please reach out to your local team to seek more information about our program and submitting an application. The local team program manager is equipped to provide feedback based on your specific situation. I'd also suggest reviewing the (PCAFC) program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers at http://www.caregiver.va.gov. Your local team can be found at https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/New_CSC_Page.asp

I have the same questions as well

It apprears our government leaders want to privatize the VA by paying contractors to do C&P exams rather than hiring more VA doctors and allowing them to write nexus letters as well as treat us. I don't know the answer, but it would be interesting to trace the money to see who is benefitting and how much our politicians are being paid to sell out the VA. Follow the money, and I bet a lot is spent on lobbying to allow this to happen.

Thank you for sharing your concerns. Every claim is different - depending on what evidence VA may need to gather, a Veteran's claim may take more or less time, depending on the circumstances. As part of the claims process, VA may request a VA examination, which may include a medical opinion to determine if your condition is related to your military service.

There is a benefit called "individual unemployability," this is when you can’t work because of a disability related to your service in the military. This means you may be able to get disability compensation or benefits at the same level as a Veteran who has a 100% disability rating. However, this is not the only way to obtain a 100% disability rating. To learn more about VA disability ratings, visit http://www.va.gov/disability/about-disability-ratings/.

At VA, our mission is to provide every Veteran with the world-class care and benefits they deserve – no matter their age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or sexual identity. VA reviews each of its benefit programs to determine if there are systemic issues that create disparities within underrepresented groups and—where disparities are found— is working to eliminate them through improved policies, procedures, training, quality control, data, outreach, customer experience and outcomes.

VA is actively reviewing and considering changes to the hypertension evaluation criteria. At present, Veterans are only eligible for a 10% evaluation for hypertension if their diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure readings are predominantly (most common or prevailing) 100 or more or systolic (top number) blood pressure readings are predominantly 160 or more. Lastly, Veterans are also eligible for 10% if they require continuous medication to control their blood pressure and there is evidence of a history of diastolic pressure (before medication was prescribed) predominantly 100 or more. VA is in no way suggesting that Veterans discontinue taking their medication to demonstrate higher blood pressure levels. VA strongly advises all who are prescribed medication to manage hypertension to continue their medication(s) as prescribed. Medication prescribed for a serious disease, such as hypertension, should not be discontinued without consultation with a physician. Untreated hypertension could result in significant complications including kidney damage, vision loss, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, or death. Thus, discontinuing medication for the purpose of establishing service connection or obtaining a higher disability evaluation is strongly discouraged.

Stan, your last question first - absolutely. In fact, the very first thing you should do is submit an intent to file with the VA (that will maintain your filing date and give you one year to submit your claim). The reason is that generally (unless changed by law, such as Agent Orange exposure, or a legal finding by the court), the effective date of a claim is the later of when it is filed or when the entitlement arose.

Although you would have to prove all three elements to have an approved claim (an individual currently has a disability, that the proximate or contributory cause was some event or exposure and that the event/exposure occurred while they were serving in the military), you should still submit the claim.

For each malady, I suggest you read through the M21-1 manual* that the adjudicators would use in evaluating each of the disabilities. This will give you a better understanding of how low or high the bar will be in proving your claim.

I'll leave it to the VA representatives for an update on the study required by the PACT Act (section 801*) as the only information on the "VA McClellan" webpage* is they are working with Federal Partners on the epidemiological study.
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* M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual - https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/ [login to see] 01018/topic/ [login to see] 04049/M21-1-Adjudication-Procedures-Manual
* VA's webpage for Potential Exposure at Fort McClellan - https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/fort-mcclellan/index.asp
* Section 801 of the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 - https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3967/text#toc-H76BBAE5DA6674067AEF4504ECF94CDC4

COL Randall Cudworth - Thanks, Col.

Thank your wife for her service. As part of the PACT ACT VA is conducting with a study on Ft. McClellan that is in the first phase of two with the second phase to begin in 2025. We will consider the results of the studies after their conclusion. Your wife can apply for direct service connection for benefits but also as part of the PACT ACT under a provision called TERA can apply for health care if she believes she had a toxic exposure.