Jim's Mailbag

Jim,

I currently have a rating of 70% for migraines. That decision was made last year and shortly after that they said they were evaluating my condition to see if I have 100% unemployability. They have told me since June of 2010 that they are ready to make a decision. How long do they have to make that decision from the time they say they are ready? Thanks for your help. I really do appreciate it.

Reply:

Jim,

I have been treated with excellent care by other area VA medical
facilities ever since joining the VA health care system. This year my
wife and I moved here and I had my VA records transferred. All of my
VA experiences have been satisfying and always handled professionally.
However the following complaint has been one of the most humiliating
and disgraceful experiences in my life.

Jim,

I am now a former VA employee due to mistreatment and bullying by the Administrative Officer in my department - with the complicity of the department chief. I have witnesses, backup documentation, and my mental health disability percentage was increased my 20%. My psychiatrist even gave me a letter saying I should leave the department, but I couldn't locate another job. It got to the point where I couldn't get up every morning or leave the house on some morning, so I had to put in for disability retirement.

I took my concerns to the union and the hospital human resources department. Needless to say nothing was really done. Also the department chief broke the Department of Labor rule about not interfering with my unpaid lunch break and exerting supervisory authority.

I cannot locate a lawyer to take my case. Can you provide any help or advise???

Jim,

Good PM--James------saw yu got married-----so congrats!!!!----James just "heard" that since I am 70% SC and 30% IU----if I cash in---my wife gets ZERO---can yu shed any light on this for me @ yur convenience---THANX a lot loyal Veteran!!!!, for what yu do.

Reply:

My wife (over 15 years now) would be interested to hear I’ve gotten married. It may be best if we don’t tell her.

You're 100%, don't think about the IU part.

Jim,

I am a 30 percent service connected former Marine. 20 percent Chondromalacia knees, 10 for Spinal Condition. Is it possible to be deemed unemployable by my VA Doctor if my disabilities have impacted my job (mailman) to the point where I can't perform them anymore? Thx again for all your help!

Reply:

Probably not. To be eligible to apply for unemployability requires (in most cases) that you have a 70% rating overall with at least one 40% rating or a single rating of at least 60%.

Jim,

Im a Vietnam Vet currently rated at 50% for ptsd. My claim for unemployability was denied so i filed a NOD. Im also on Social secuity disability since Dec 09. I got a letter yesterday that has me scheduled for a meeting with DRO on Dec.7 in Indy.

Guess im a little nervous and was wondering if u have any good advice. Should i take my wife with me or a rep. Im represented by a Veterans Service Organization. will appreciate any advice

Reply:

Jim,
Would you please provide your imput as to what I should do on this matter.
I'm 90% disable and in July of 2010 put the paperwork in for the 100% unemployability.