Posted on Mar 6, 2015
Sgt David G Duchesneau
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I know of a Marine LCpl that is receiving a 100% Disability rating from the VA and he is in a wheel chair but yet he is on Facebook running and jumping around and playing basketball. He even has his picture posted, in his Dress Blues, as he sits in his wheel chair with the First Lady by his side
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CW5 Desk Officer
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Edited 11 y ago
That's a great question, Sgt David G Duchesneau, but sometimes it's hard to determine, and we're not doctors. I had a friend who got 20% disability, and she spent six months (or so) in the Navy. I thought it was a rip-off, but I can't "feel her pain." Your example is a gross one. What to do then? I guess there's a fraud line at the VA. In fact, I know there is, because my sister is a forensic accountant for the VA, and she investigates those sorts of cases, among many other cases of fraud, waste, and abuse.

Yep, here's a web page about the VA OIG hotline, and one of the examples they cite is fraudulent VA disability claims, so I guess that's something you could report here:

http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt David G Duchesneau
11 y
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Thanks, CW5 Scott Montgomery, for your response. At first I thought the same thing as you, I am not a doctor, but I do know fraud when I see it. I've been investigating Fraud Claims, Workers' Comp, for 24 years now and I know fraud when I see it. Hell, I even had a conversation with this Marine and he admitted to me that he is getting 100% and he knows that he should not have been awarded that rating. I guess it is all about who you know? Thanks or the Hot Line link!
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CSM Mark Gerecht
CSM Mark Gerecht
11 y
I have to concur we cannot determine someone's pain. But if this is true. I have difficulty with it. If it is truly fraud

Now I personally know individuals that are a 100% disabled and rightly so based on their condition but you would never know it by looking at them.
It comes down to doing the right thing if you honestly believe there is a case of fraud I would encourage you to report it
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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The problem is determining whether they do or don't "deserve" them. The other issue is whether his disability rating is directly related to what you think it is.

He might be 100% P&T Disabled for PTS, but have fatigue issues at a much lower rating which necessitate the chair.

The general statistic of fraud for VA is less than 5%. There is a fraud hotline as CW5 (Join to see) says, and they'll investigate, but I would advise caution.

The VA tends to get it wrong the other way (denying valid claims), and a 100% person's income is limited to VA + SSI plus whatever their spouse makes for the most part.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt David G Duchesneau
11 y
He said that he is getting well over 3K a month!
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
11 y
Sgt David G Duchesneau The way 100% disability works, he would. But keep in mind, if you are 100% P(ermanent) and T(otal), you're not allowed to work, so that's all you get.

I have a Navy friend who was medically retired (under 20~ years). She doesn't received concurrent pay. She is 100% disabled. The $3k number is accurate. I know it seems like a lot, but $36~k a year won't cover rent where I live.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt David G Duchesneau
11 y
This Marine is not only collecting, but he owns several businesses and he advertises them and his services. Hell he is all over Facebook and other Social Media sites. He is even listed here on RP.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
11 y
Sgt David G Duchesneau I can't speak to his specifics. I can only provide a little background on how some of the system works.
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SPC Steven Depuy
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Its like everything else in life, some who deserve it do not get it, some get it who do not deserve it. Its the problem when you have systems, they have cracks. My son survived 5 IED hits in Iraq, he had bleeding for 5 years out of the side of his head on and off that the last year and a half of active duty, they could not figure out why and what to do about it. He has 80% hearing loss on one side, you have to stand on the right side to talk to him. After 2 years of waiting in the system, he got into the VA, they did a hearing test, and claimed he has perfect hearing. Being a proud lad, he got a FK the VA and the government attitude about it at this point. And I have not even started about the PTSD issues I watch him go through. And I have met several people in my life who claimed to be getting 100% disability, and you scratch your head to figure out whats wrong with them. But like I said, its going to happen with systems, because there is no perfect screen process. He is heading off to college this fall to use his GI bill before they take that away. I told him to not let it go, because in 20 years, its going to give him issues, but like I said, he is young, and stubborn.... Wonder where he got that from eh....
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What do we do when we know that someone is receiving VA Benefits that they do not deserve?
PO2 J.D. Thomas
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I also know someone like this. He was in the Air Force Reserves and claims an "in the office" arm injury (lifting) and claimed he could no longer use his arm to bear a firearm. After many, many months of this scam and wearing a brace (in public only), they finally gave him disability. Can't use his arm!! Now, he bought a new pistol (and shoots with the arm that doesn't work), rides a motorcycle (using both arms) and just received his "black belt". This knucklehead actually posts this crap on Facebook. Oh...his profile also claims "Retired. Injured in the Line of Duty", which is a disgrace for those actually wounded. I'm tired of the scam.
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SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD
>1 y
I have been denied 4 times over a knee injury. Finally gave up. They can keep that stupid money. Don't need it.
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Cpl Roger Lavigne
Cpl Roger Lavigne
>1 y
Fight for it Johnny.
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PV2 Glen Lewis
PV2 Glen Lewis
>1 y
SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD - Fight for it Johnny and if you get it make sure it is designated "permanent" not temporary. Both mine have been broken twice and I've had 11 compression fractures in my spine as well as another more severe injury that was designated as a broken spine. There are some others but I was told the temporary designation would allow them to pull at whomever's discretion that evaluated my file. Good luck with that; you're going to need it.
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SSgt Estanislado Quinones
SSgt Estanislado Quinones
>1 y
Johnny if you feel that that you are short changed you need to talk to a good VSO. All VSO's are not created equal. If your claim comes back denied you need to appeal. If the appeal comes back denied than you can get your congressman involved. You just have to have all your ducks in line with documentation and doctors you've seen.
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MAJ Jim Steven
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I had a MSG work for me, he was useless then...now, he is retired, a contractor, got a very high disability rating by lying to the docs about having PTS (fake tears).
He has a high rating and he is on a travelling softball team.

he suggested I work the system as well...
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt David G Duchesneau
11 y
This is exactly what I am talking about. How the hell do they beat the system anyway. I guess that those checks and balances do not always work out. The Marine that I am referring to also suggest that I work the system too. I refuse to do whatever he says because I will not lower myself to commit perjury and fraud.
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LCpl Hector Verduzco
LCpl Hector Verduzco
11 y
I find that to be idiotic because there are other fellow military members that have gone through Hell and back and yet push on to be the best they can be although they are hurt and yet when it comes to them being released from active duty they get a low disability rating. Im rated at a 60% disability rating because i had skin graphs done to my arms and my face was also burned and now i have partial scaring and i cannot be out in the sun for more then an hour. I live in California, and to not be able to enjoy a sunny day stinks. But yet i see others complain over minor pain and get away with it. I believe in working hard to get what i want not 'SKATE' like others have done. 
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt David G Duchesneau
11 y
Well said and thank you for your Service to the Corps and to this Great Nation of ours. I salute you, LCpl. Verduzzo! SEMPER FI Brother and stay well!
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LCpl Hector Verduzco
LCpl Hector Verduzco
11 y
Thank you Sir. To my fellow Brothers in Arms i am known as LCpl V or just "V". Thank you for your service sir and may you have a blessed day. SEMPER FI... Once a Marine, Always a Marine.
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SP5 William Glass
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There are many that take advantage of the VA as well as Social Security and other agency involved with the government. I didn't get involved with the VA until 2003 because I didn't know I qualified for any help. I was bitter when I got out of Vietnam and was told I had some hearing loss and ringing in the ears but that would only be temporary and if order to process out I needed to sign a paper that I would not hold the military at fought. I would and did sign just to get out and I was also naive. Once I got into the system I found out that I did indeed have hearing loss and ringing in the ears that the VA admitted was from service. I am being compensated and must admit that everything went quickly for me compared to other veteran horror stories I have heard about. Some veterans that do not deserve the compensation perhaps are hurting the chances of those that truly do deserve the help and compensation.
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MSgt Raymond Hickey
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I didn't apply for VA benefits until I turned 65, and then only after the VA sent me a letter stating that I was eligible for benefits. I had had friends who were receiving benefits and their ratings , to me, were unreal. So I applied. When it came time for listing physical problems that I had incurred in the military, I listed, heart attack and associated heart desires, neuropathy in both feet, diabetics, PTSD, chronic kidney desires m most of these were due to exposure to Agent Orange in 1970 while deployed to Vietnam Nam. A also claimed hearing loss for being exposed to constant gun fire and jet noise during my 20 year carrerrr in the AF. I was awarded 20% disability based on my diabetes, heart desires and hearing loss. I was told that I no longer suffered from PTSD but that I had in the probably suffered from this in the past...you know something, screw it, I don't need their BS nor do I want to fight the government any more...so now I only go to the VA for my yearly check-up and for eye appointments...He'll I even steered a friend to the VA who had served 4 years in the Navy and he has a higher disability rating thaen I do and he was in during the 50's..."it don't mean nothing"
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Sgt David G Duchesneau
>1 y
You know, the System really sucks and it isn't fair but unfortunately Ray, it's the only system we have. You are right, "it don't mean nothing"! It is what it is!
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Cpl Roger Lavigne
Cpl Roger Lavigne
>1 y
You should appeal the rating ubtil you get what you truly deserve. The VA busts chops just to have deserving Vets do what your doing. Think how much money they save. Keep advocating for yourself. Took me 10 years and numerous appeals to get properly rated.
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1SG Bill Melen
1SG Bill Melen
>1 y
I just signed up last year and got 50%. Of course it was 20 years after I retired. My biggest complaint was hearing loss but got nothing for that.
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CPL Roland Newton
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REPORT ASAP, I rec. benefits without knowing I wasn't supposed to. Now the VA wants it all paid back. I don't mean to sound selfish, but I can't leave my house without a wheel chair. He damn sure does not deserve benefits. Fraud hurts us all.
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1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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Fraud is fraud. This particular variety is darker than most, as it tarnishes the honor of those who actually deserve this benefit.
We can't know this guy's record or chronicle of his maladies. I am neither a doctor nor a psychiatrist. But to purport to be one way and post evidence to the contrary online is just plain stupid. Maybe he has a stupid people disability claim.
The VA has a tough job balancing honorable claims and getting them done in a timely manner versus fraudulent ones. The sheer volume of recent claims has led to a both a backlog and more shady ones getting through. Our duty if we see it is to call their fraud hotline and let them do their job.
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SFC Cesar Valdez Jr
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I receive a good compensation and I do not have any qualms about it. On the other hand, a close friend of mine is obviously deserving of a much higher compensation than mine and he has been fighting the system for years, but to no avail, there is no change on his benefits. In the meanwhile, I know many individuals that are healthier than me, but yet they have a higher compensation. It is all a matter of luck and how the paperwork is processed. it is almost like the awarding of purple heart, I know of a Viet Nam Veteran that got his "pinkie" slightly hurt by a fan that struck him during a rocket attack and he had no problem accepting the medal!!!
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SFC Cesar Valdez Jr
SFC Cesar Valdez Jr
>1 y
Oh yes, did I forget to mention the word "Fraud." Lack of integrity, lack of morality, etc.
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