Why do Vets have to work so hard to get the benefits that they have EARNED thru the VA?

LTC Richard Wasserman — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 21:59:22 -0500

I am referring to compensation for injuries sustained or exacerbated by military service whether in a combat zone or not.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 10:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:10:51 -0500

I believe that some need to learn how the system works. When I used it I never had a problem.

That was a bit ago and it may have declined since I utilized it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 10:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:13:38 -0500

Wait, are you asking about the disability or the VA Hospital?

My previous comment concerned getting seen at the hospital

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Feb 27 at 2015 10:14 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:14:05 -0500

It's just like any other governent organization once you learn how it works you can cruise through it

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 27 at 2015 10:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:24:14 -0500

Some things are pretty easy.

The processes are streamlined to the point of AMAZING efficiency. It's not until there's a hiccup that you see the bureaucracy in the background. Take Education for example. If you want to use your education benefits, it's pretty easy. Schools make it easy.

Other things are more tedious.... Because they require human interaction. Anything that requires human interaction is generally going to be "tedious." Because every human is different. It would be great if we were all the same, but we're not.

Take a look at what the government is good at.

Things that we do exactly the same, over and over again.

1) The US Government usually doesn't bounce checks.... Until you have a change in "status" (rank, dependents, allotments... something gets tricky).

2) Bombing things. We're really great at dropping bombs, artillery, and rounds down range. Not so good at stopping.

3) Education benefits. Everyone gets the same thing. Unless you don't, then they screw it up.

Response by MSgt Jim Pollock made Feb 27 at 2015 10:26 PM

MSgt Jim Pollock — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:26:55 -0500

It frankly depends on the VA representative you're working with. I had a voc-rehab counselor that got amazingly quick results. My disability claim, not such a great experience.

I've noticed that in-person interactions are most effective. Not always an option, but avoid mail-in interactions where you can. My suspicion is that VA folks are spring loaded to suspect fraud. A real person more easily allays those fears.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 27 at 2015 10:41 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 22:41:22 -0500

In regards to Disability Compensation, the major roadblock is that we don't go to Medical when we are in.

A) You're fit enough to go to work. or...

B) You're sick enough to go to Medical (which is at work, so you may as well go to work, and they'll send you home).

C) If you're injured, we tend to "self-treat" or "down-play" to avoid affecting the mission

These three things (among others) means we have "crap" documentation when it comes to our Medical Records when we get out.

The VA "legislatively" has their hands tied. They have to be able to link an injury, condition, or illness to military service, but "we" are our own worst enemies while we are still in service. It's not until the end of our careers that we even think about it.

18-22 year old invincible PVT/LT doesn't think about falling off a mountain or out of a helicopter, but 26-40 year old Sgt/LCL remembers that every time it rains.

Response by SPC Diana D. made Sep 3 at 2017 4:40 PM

SPC Diana D. — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 16:40:48 -0400

I have come to realize that one side of the VA does not know what the other side is doing. I received a letter from my primary care physician saying that the VA caused my disability after I had surgery at a VA hospital and they sent back a denial saying that the physician that I got the letter from did not have access to my medical records!!! They didn't even know that the letter came from their own organization!! These last 4 years have not been pleasant dealing with the VA.