What do we do when we know that someone is receiving VA Benefits that they do not deserve?

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:03:49 -0500

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

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 6:11 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:11:19 -0500

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/

OIG Hotline

VA OIG Hotline Homepage

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 6 at 2015 6:23 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:23:06 -0500

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 Private RallyPoint Member 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.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Mar 13 at 2015 10:26 AM

MAJ Jim Steven — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:26:51 -0400

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...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:31:57 -0400

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.

Response by CPL Roland Newton made Jul 27 at 2015 2:23 AM

CPL Roland Newton — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:23:31 -0400

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.

Response by PO2 J.D. Thomas made Apr 1 at 2017 7:15 AM

PO2 J.D. Thomas — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 07:15:42 -0400

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.

Response by MSgt Raymond Hickey made Apr 6 at 2017 1:27 PM

MSgt Raymond Hickey — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:27:17 -0400

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"

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Apr 6 at 2017 1:50 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 13:50:10 -0400

Call the VA investigations branch, the have Special Agents responsible for investigating fraud. If that doesnt work call the VA IG. If that doesn's work call the FBI. If that doesn't work contact your Senator or Representative. They're breaking the law; bring them to the attention of the law enforcers.

Response by SFC Frank DeJulius made Apr 7 at 2017 5:40 PM

SFC Frank DeJulius — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 17:40:08 -0400

As a volunteer driver for the DAV taking Veterans to their VA hospital appointments, I've seen a number of "questionable" cases. My favorite was the gentleman who claimed PTSD caused by his time "protecting us from the Russians on the DMZ in Germany", (his words). I pieced his story together over a year of trips with him and it turns out he cold-cocked his Platoon Sergeant and was discharged under other than honorable conditions.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Apr 13 at 2017 12:58 PM

SPC Steven Depuy — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 12:58:06 -0400

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....

Response by SP5 William Glass made Apr 13 at 2017 1:13 PM

SP5 William Glass — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 13:13:45 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Cesar Valdez Jr made Apr 13 at 2017 1:23 PM

SFC Cesar Valdez Jr — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 13:23:37 -0400

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!!!