VA Disability Benefits Taking Too Long part 2

Years ago, I wrote an article, pasted at the bottom of this, about benefits taking too long to come though.  I have had some recent experience that is baffling to me, and I wanted to hear from other vets on what their experiences have been like.

I'm back!

I wanted to write to let everybody know that I am going to be more active in writing on this blog once again.  It's been a while, and a lot has happened with me, but I want to devote more time to helping fellow veterans.

There has been a shift in how the VA is treating veterans because of the spotlight on the VA in the media, and I wanted to hear from people to see what has been the biggest change they have seen so far.  It could be from any part of the VA, whether it is medical, eligibility, vocational rehab, or any other program.

Please share your thoughts and check in with the blog to see what I am writing about.  Thank you again!

Help a Massachusetts Vet

I came accross this article on MyFoxBoston.com at this address:

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/uxbridge-veteran-asking-for-donations-to-ease-constant-pain-with-surgery-20120411


UXBRIDGE, Mass (FOX25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - An Uxbridge man injured while serving in Iraq in 2005 is trying to raise money for an operation that will help ease his constant pain.
Sgt. Stephen Mandile suffered brain and spinal cord injuries during a Humvee crash in Baghdad. The 34-year-old has a hard time walking and must take 21 pills a day.
Mandile says he applied to have the surgery done by the V.A., but he says the request was denied.
The procedure involves implanting a pain pump in Mandile's body. It will cost as much as $50,000. Mandile and his wife say they decided to ask for help after their daughter was born.

If you would like to learn more about the fund please click on the link: sgtmandile.com/

Read more: http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/news/local/uxbridge-veteran-asking-for-donations-to-ease-constant-pain-with-surgery-20120411#ixzz1rrDpEBVJ

Is a VA Home Loan Worth It?

Most Veterans know about the Department of Veterans' Affairs Home Loan program, and think that it will help them get their first home.  It is a great program, but before signing up for it take a look at other mortgage offers.  When I bought my first home, I found a better mortgage offer from the Department of Agriculture.  Everybody's situation is different, but in my situation, the option I chose worked best.  I did not have 20% to put down on my home, and most mortgages, including VA Home Loans require 20% down or you have to pay an extra fee every month until you have paid your mortgage down enough.  The Dept of Agriculture loan did not have that requirement, and I got a great rate.

https://www.vahomeloancenters.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/va-home-loan-300x234.jpg

Guest Post about PTSD Treatment

Drug Treatments & Alternatives for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The most common psychotherapy and prescription treatments for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that often develops following a traumatic event involving the threat of your personal safety. It can manifest itself in anyone, at any age, but typically develops following horrific events—such as a car crash or a natural disaster—or after a traumatic injury or threat of one’s safety—take an ongoing danger such as child abuse or even war.

The National Institute of Mental Health links PTSD with numerous symptoms, including:

• Flashbacks
• Bad dreams
• Frightening thoughts
• Feelings of guilt
• Worry/anxiety
• Depression
• Fear avoidance behavior
• Memory problems
• Loss of interest in social activities
• Persistent feelings of stress and tension
• Irritability
• Sleeplessness or insomnia

Common drug treatments for PTSD

Debt Deal and Veteran's Benefits

The new debt deal was signed and the government has to make billions of dollars in cuts to government spending.  Multiple sources have stated that these cuts will not affect veteran's benefits, but I am a bit skeptical.  The main reason that I am not so sure that this will not affect benefits is that the government is likely to stop hiring new positions, and we have already seen hiring freezes within the VA.  There are millions of new benefit claims each year and that number is growing.  If they cannot hire more people to compensate for all of these new claims it will make each claim take longer to approve.

http://www.veteransnewsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/sorry-we-broke-obama.jpg

 

VA Disability Ratings Taking Too Long

I know that a lot of people have had issues with how long it takes to get the decision for their disability rating.  I have been waiting since May 2010 for my paperwork to go through and for the medical evaluations to go through.  I have been out of work, and paying the bills is really tough.  This is an issue that all veterans are affected by, and it is something that needs to change.  We need to come together and figure out a way to make some changes in the way the VA works.