Where can I go to get questions answered about Individual Unemployability benefits?

SGT Roger Powell — Thu, 09 May 2019 13:10:29 -0400

I received my IU status in March of this year. Where can I go to get questions answered about the IU benefits? I cut my finger bad and I need stitches, but I can't go to Urgent Care because they are closed at the VA. Am I covered by VA insurance if I go to another hospital? What about my spouse? I know my award letter states I am P and T, but do I have future exams to keep my IU status?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 9 at 2019 1:40 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Thu, 09 May 2019 13:40:05 -0400

If you would have gone to the ER under the same circumstances, go. https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/emergency_care.asp

emergency_care.asp

Response by Sgt Robert Case made May 9 at 2019 2:27 PM

Sgt Robert Case — Thu, 09 May 2019 14:27:25 -0400

You can find many answers on the VA website VA.Gov, and even ask specific questions in writing at this link from VA.Gov on their Contact Us Tab in upper right corner: https://iris.custhelp.va.gov/app/ask?_ga=2.54 [login to see] 4 [login to see] [login to see] 32 [login to see]
Or you can call VA at [login to see] (but double check the answers you get as sometimes they are new people and can tell you wrongly). They should be able to look in their computer and tell you if you have an future exams. There is a computer screen they can see it on, if they know what they are doing. If they don't know, ask for a supervisor.
Or you can call you local Veteran Service Organizations like DAV, VFW, Wounded Warriors, American Legion, your county and state Veterans Service Offices. Paralyzed Veterans Of America (PVA) is a good one for serious disability claims and questions.
Call you local VA Telehealth Number for health care issues. Go here to get your local number ( https://www.telehealth.va.gov/ ) or call your local VA Medical Center and their menu usually prompts you to their telehealth nurse. If not hit zero to get their operator and ask for the telehealth nurse.
In general, someone at your level of disability can go in an emergency to a non-va hospital and get VA to pay for it. I have done it once (I'm only 50% SC), but I had called the telehealth nurse and she directed me to go so it was documented. Be advised though, you may be made to pay wherever you go, so if so, get copies of the treatment and billing stuff cause you will need to file a claim for reimbursement at your local VA Medical Center.
Wives or dependents are not covered under your VA healthcare. There is a benefit called CHAMPVA, which is like TRICARE, but you have to apply and that takes some time.
Check here for info: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/champva/champva_eligibility.asp
Best of luck and thanks for your service!

ask

Response by COL Gary Gresh made May 9 at 2019 8:32 PM

COL Gary Gresh — Thu, 09 May 2019 20:32:57 -0400

Your county where you reside should have a veterans affairs representtive PAID BY THE COUNTY or a volunteer than can get you this info..Usually found at the DSS building in your county offices. Good Luck,,

Response by CPT Allan Lobeck made May 10 at 2019 2:11 AM

CPT Allan Lobeck — Fri, 10 May 2019 02:11:51 -0400

Ask your local DAV rep to help

Response by SFC Al Cates made May 10 at 2019 6:08 AM

SFC Al Cates — Fri, 10 May 2019 06:08:08 -0400

Go to your local Disabled American Veterans Center (DAV) or American Legion service officers.

Response by 1SG Bob Wilcox made May 10 at 2019 12:40 PM

1SG Bob Wilcox — Fri, 10 May 2019 12:40:43 -0400

I, like you, have IU. One time I injured myself and needed to go to the local emergency room of a civilian hospital. I told them I am a disabled vet and they knew how to bill it. The following Monday I contacted Veterans Choice and my Primary Care Physician and everything was handled.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made May 13 at 2019 10:17 AM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 13 May 2019 10:17:57 -0400

I work for wounded warrior project and this comes up a lot. Go to your local DAV chapter tell them you need to speak to a national representative. You may have to sign over power of attorney for just this but it will make things easier on you. It's an uphill battle but it's been well worth it!