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JIM STRICKLAND'S MAIL BAG: VOLUME #8 FOR 2008 --
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers
questions from VA Watchdog readers.
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland provides
regular columns for VA Watchdog dot Org.
If you would like to contact Jim about his
columns, you can email him here...
The archive of Jim's articles
is here...
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by Jim Strickland
NOTE: Letters in my mailbag are reprinted
just as they come to me. Spelling and grammar are left as is and only
small corrections are made to improve readability, ensure anonymity or
delete expletives that may offend some readers. This is not legal advice.
You should always seek the advice of an attorney who is qualified in
Veterans' law before you make any decisions about your own benefits.
Jim;
Here is something for you. I plan to write these people both by email and
US mail requesting their help.
contact@gao.gov and
AskDOJ@usdoj.gov
This is my message to them; “Veterans & Supporters,It is my belief that
God helps those that help themselves. Therefore, if we desire to make
changes to the corrupt system that we as veteran must deal with then we
need to do something. Which corrupt system are you referring to? Oh,
forgot that there are currently numerous corrupt systems. I am referring
to the deductible we are required to pay back to the VA when we have a
travel allowance. This is corruption at its highest peak. The Executives
(worms) from the VA are obtaining a bonus for every dime they save of our
government. I am sure that the two links I have provided are well aware of
this fraud. However, if we make an effort by contacting them then maybe
something will be done. The money that Congress allocates for us is for
us, not some low life nerd from the VA.
Reply;
I don't support writing letters using the sort of name-calling and
derogatory language that you've used. Accusing government officials of
“corruption” and calling them “worms” and “low life nerd” isn't going to
further our cause. That doesn't mean I agree with how this issue has come
down to us but it was done legally and through the system that is in
place. To use aggressive language will only assure that your message is
quickly ignored and it won't be heard by anyone. A much better tactic is
to write a letter to your elected representatives and let them know that
you believe that the law must be changed. If you are a registered voter
and you make your point clearly and courteously, they will take notice.
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Jim;
This is very detailed and awsome information on tactical herbicide useage
outside Vietnam . I have an ongoing claim of exposure outside Vietnam. My
exposure was while serving as a military game warden at Fort Gordon Ga in
1967-1969. I also have much more proof of exposure, I do not rely on this
document alone. This document is 85 pages long.
http://www.dod.mil/pubs/foi/reading_room/TacticalHerbicides.pdf
Reply;
Thanks for sharing that. Every veteran who served during the Vietnam era
should be aware that they may have had exposure to dioxin whether they had
“boots on the ground” or not. Any veteran who can document dioxin exposure
may make a claim for a condition he or she believes is connected. Just
because you don't qualify on the presumptive list is not an absolute
barrier from filing.
Jim;
I injured my thumb on my right hand the VA cut some off, its all scrwed up
and hurts very much. I have no other means of health care at this time,it
needs to be cut off a litter more. What do I do, this is the third time it
will be cut off, mean while, I don't have much work like this. Just go
again? when will they get it right? I'm not a ginny pig. Yes I am a
Vietnam era veteran one of the last with a full ride G. I. Bill big
whop,7-7-76 to 7-7-79 Fort Sill OK, don't they have too fix me wright? or
is this just the way it is. Do I need to Lawer up? This suck's too say the
least,and It's not what they Garroted when I enlisted,the city is where
all this is happening at there not near the hospital Houston has maby I
should go there? Honarbly Discharged veteran
Reply;
The health care at VA is often viewed as the best there is. I have a
choice in my doctors and when I have problems with my health, I choose the
VA. I don't know exactly what the deal is with your thumb and hand but I
used to work in surgery with cases like that so I'll make a guess. The
docs are probably doing their best to save as much tissue as they can. The
less they chop off, the better for you 10 years down the road. Sometimes
this requires multiple surgeries to get it done just right. They wouldn't
be doing you any favors if they just lopped it off down to the nub right
from the start. That would be quicker, sure, but the rule is that the more
they can save, the better your future will be. I do know it's got to be
really frustrating for you. If you can't work, that makes it even worse.
If I were you, I'd put my trust in these guys and let them do what they
think is the right thing for you. It's been my personal experience that
they really do care about us and they work pretty hard to get it right.
Jim;
I served in the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division February 25, 1967 to
February 24, 1968. Some background on myself. I have many health problems
due to Agent Orange from suppressed immune system, peripherial
neuropathy,central and autonomic. Skin carcinoma, excess porphyrinuria,
genital chloracne, PTSD, knee injury (service connected),wear a knee brace
and use a cane due to my balance problems, memory loss and loss of
concentration and other problems. In September 2007 the VA dignosed me
with primary polycythemia and dipslademia am one (1) of the five (5) Viet
Nam Veterans that represented all our Brothers and Sister in the Federal
litigation in 1984. Presently I have more claims pending with the VA. My
advice to all Viet Nam Veterans is to get on the Agent Orange registry to
be on file. Obtain any and all records regarding their time in Viet Nam
and all health records including their Military Medical records. Many
Veterans still do not realize these records are in the possession of the
VA when you file a claim. We were told in the past the Veteran needed
records to prove exposure to AgentOrange when they had these records all
the times. What an amazing delaying tatic this had been. Do not give
up,continue to fight the system and fight for your benifits as long as it
takes, be a major pain. I want to thank you and Larry and all the staff
who work to keep us all informed. Sorry for the long email. God blees you
and everyone and all our Veterans and WELCOME HOME to all our Veterans
from Iraqi, Afganastan and all over the world. Thank you,
Reply;
Your email is perfect! I wish everyone would pay close attention to your
words. I'll be publishing it soon and hope others will follow your advice.
Thanks for sharing!
Jim;
I filed for total unemployability in August 2007. I still havent heard
anything from the VA. What is the time line to hear what the outcome is?
Also, can I claim a social security check as well? Now or after the
outcome. I'm at 60% now. Thanks
Reply
The time to adjudicate an IU claim varies across America. It may take as
little as 6 months, it may drag on for years. I'd guess that 1 year to 18
months is about average today. I'm concerned because you tell me, "I still
havent heard anything from the VA." I hope you mean that the VA hasn't
decided your claim yet? If you really haven't heard anything from them at
all, I have to wonder if they received your claim for processing. Usually
after you file you get numerous letters from VA about previous employers
and submitting more evidence and so on. If you have heard nothing, let me
know and we'll think of how to investigate.
Yes, you can and should file for both SSDI and VA disability at the same
time or close. Having one does not qualify you for the other. But there's
little doubt that if you do get one, it has influence on the other. Both
take forever to resolve but once you get past that, it's one of the few
times that you can collect 2 benefits with no offsets.
You should use a lawyer for the SSDI. If you're denied the VA IU, you need
a lawyer for that too. I'll be happy to refer you to a trusted attorney
who can help with both. Legal help costs nothing unless and until you win
your benefits so it's a smart way to go.
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Scott
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