Jims Mailbag

Jim,

I finally had a DRO hearing on Wednesday (31 months after submitting my VA-9), and I had a chance to get my 2¢ in, as did my DAV SO.

For the 1st time in the 9-year history of my case, I felt someone at the VA actually listened to what I had to say.

Jim,

This is the old discussion on why VA is so slow in processing claims:

It still goes back to "money"! I was wondering how many of the current outstanding claims for disability are valid? If they are granted then how much money would the government have to provide to the veterans? With Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and food stamps on the chopping block why should we expect VA disability to be fully funded.

I guess what I am saying with the "austerity budget" that is being promoted why spend money to automate the claims processing?

Jim,

How important is the last employment to the VA when applying for IU disability? What is ask of veteran?

Jim,

I am a 59 year old veteran living in Florida, currently rated at 30 %. I am rated because of injuries to my right knee and hip and hypertension. I also have hearing loss in my left ear (currently unrated) but also service connected. Additionally, I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. The situation with my knee and hip have gotten worse and my quality of life has gotten dramatically worse since my last evaluation. I an unable to stand for long periods of time or walk any distance without having significant pain my my lower extremities. My other knee has started to give me a problem and I believe that it is directly related to the original service connected injury to the bad knee. The VA has told me that the bad knee could not affect the remaining knee and that I cannot claim a connection between the both knees. My civilian doctor says there could definitely be a link and one could have caused the other to deteriorate.

Jim,

I understand the two year waiting period. My question is does VA play favorites when it comes to your military branch of service. I am not a combat veteran. I am a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. I have two claims filed with VA. Will any of this play a part in the decision of my claims. I love your sight. Thanks

Reply:

Jim,

Jim,

I really appreciate what you do with this sight. I am very thankful for your answers. My question is how can VA make a decision on a denial claim within a month. But it takes two years to make a deciion on your claim. Thanks

Reply:

Jim,

I wrote to you back in May '11 thanking you for supplying all the info I needed to win my COPD appeal. I was so happy. I waited on the back pay (3 yrs) and made plans. Nine months later in March '12, i finally get paid.

Jim,

I would like to know if my wife and children are eligible for DEA Chapter 35. My wife would like to go to college and also my kids in a couple years. I am getting 90% VA disability and unemployability. Someone told me my dependents are not eligible because I am not 100%, only 90%. Let me know at your convenience. Thank you.