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MAIL CALL! YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, JIM STRICKLAND HAS

ANSWERS -- 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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This Reader's Follow-Up:

I just wanted to let you know that (your consultant) was a big help with the problems we were having concerning my Dad's Pension and HUD. Unfortunately, we now realize that we were involved with one of the scams that you mentioned in your article by (an Internet 'service' for Veterans). I should have been suspicious because this guy actually started calling me after I had gotten quotes from him. He repeatedly told us that the "PROGRAM" would not effect my Dad's rent or any other programs in any way because it was not included as income. He made sure that they billed us for every cent my Dad had coming and when we found that he was going to receive a larger amount they increased the charges to include that also. When I first read your article I started to worry because even the wording was exactly the same as what he said to us. "They have ways of cutting through the red tape that no one else does", etc. Even when he came to my Dad's he continued the lies with my Dad, my sister and myself present. My Dad kept asking him over and over again about this effecting anything. Because my Dad is a "SENIOR" he was more aware of the concerns. And (the owner of the Internet based 'care' service) lied over and over again.

I remember thinking he was going to get angry because my Dad kept asking all those questions. But he stay very calm and kept re-assuring us this wasn't the case. It was going to be the answer to all of our problems. My Dad was just getting what he deserves for fighting for our country. I think that (the owner) actually goes after the people that he doesn't expect to be accepted into the program because we got all of our money back. Unless we now have to re-pay the 7 months of pensions that he has gotten. But he did get paid for all those months in full. I am so angry,and hurt. And my concern for my Dad, I can't even begin to tell you. I am taking a copy of the email that I got back From (your consultant) to his administrator where he is living. (I want) them to know what has happened and that I believe we have been scammed.

They also were not aware of the VA Program ,so I actually did some of their work for them too. Hope that helps them realize that we were just trying to help our Dad.

You got me started in the right direction. And I had my answers in less then 24 hours. Sure wish life always worked that way. Anyways, thank you for your help. Thank GOD there are people like you out there looking out for all of our parents.

A Reader's Question:

Saw your article at VA Watchdog.org. It is excellent. I am a member of a Veterans Information website. The site was set-up the latter part of last year and is just now getting up steam. At the site we have a section called VA CLAIMS DISCUSSION. Would like to somehow get your information into that section. The ideal way would be for you to become a member at the site (which is free) and have you post it in the first person. If you want, feel free to introduce yourself in the Who Are You Section and then start posting.

You obviously have a great deal of talent, knowledge, and experience. There is no doubt in my mind that you would be welcome as a Moderator of your own section (if you desire) or a Moderator of an existing section. All you have to do is let the administrator know of your willingness to do that.

If you decide not to participate in any way can you please give us permission to post the subject article and possibly other articles from your archives? Again, our preference would be for you to do the posting personally; but I or another Veteran at the site would be honored to post your articles for you.

Thank you in advance for what you do for the Veteran Community.

My Reply:

Thanks for the kind words. I'm afraid I'm not much of a joiner of web sites, even the great ones. Please understand that I'm already a bit too much of a slave to my on-line work and have to be cautious about spending any more time staring at the screen. On a given day I'm balancing writing, answering emails and assisting Vets with claims actions v. having a life. My problems with arthritis will sometimes mean that my wife is drafted into active duty to help me with typing on this keyboard.

I love the task (and so does she...I hope) but can't do more for other web sites. However, you have my permission to use any of my material that you may find on VA Watchdog.

I request that when you use my stuff that no changes are made to any context, that it be reproduced in whole, not in part and that full credit be given to the author and to VA Watchdog.

Generally speaking, everything I write is free for others to use. I receive no remuneration for what I do, I'm a volunteer and do this gladly for my Brothers and Sisters who may benefit from my experiences. I'll stop by your site today and have a look around. Thank you for contacting me and thanks for your dedication to our cause.

Working together, one Vet reaching out to another, we can make great things happen.

 

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Larry Scott  --