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JIM STRICKLAND'S MAIL BAG: VOLUME #15 FOR
2009 --
Veterans' Advocate Jim Strickland answers
questions
from VA Watchdog dot Org readers.
Jim Strickland -- Veterans' Advocate
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...
To find an answer to a specific VA benefits
question, use the VA Watchdog search engine...
click here...
And, be sure to use Jim's: A Military
Veterans Guide To Disability Compensation and Pension Benefits -- A
Compendium of Resources and Knowledge For The Disabled Veteran --
click here...
Your comments accepted at bottom of
page.
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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.
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Jim;
Heard from my buddy in CA last Friday. In trembling voice of disbelief he
informed me that his bank account was now $27,000.00 richer courtesy of
Uncle Sugar. It made him physically ill. I called him on Saturday to make
sure he was pursuing recompense for DEA and he assured me that he was
doing just that this week. Could not have happened to a nicer guy.
“I guess you know I’m holding you personally responsible for all this !!”
he told me. “Mea Culpa..” was my reply. We look forward to his son, 20, in
the Pre-Med program at UC being "Dr." one day.
Reply;
I enjoy most of my communication with my brothers and sisters. I'll
confess that some clenches my jaw and some I enjoy more than the rest.
Yours fell into that latter category long ago.
You were friends with the veteran since your service together during
Vietnam. You were literally in a "fighting hole" together and saw more
physical combat than many others. You never claimed anything heroic to me,
it was just how it was.
Later, you did well for yourself, your friend not so much. Over the years
you helped him along and exhibited the finest kind of the bond of
brotherhood...you were there for him and his family. That you were of
completely different backgrounds, races and educational attainments made
no difference to you. You never lost touch with him from the moment you
met in the RVN.
A couple of years ago you recognized that his struggle for his earned
benefits from the VBA was too much for him. You contacted me and together
we marched through the precise steps necessary to set his record straight.
Today you are both winners. This is how it works best...one veteran
committed to lending a hand up to one other veteran. Our silly hats and
pins and patches and ceremonies count for nothing without the sort of
commitment you've displayed.
I am proud to salute you sir.
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Jim;
I continue to spread the word about VA Watchdog at every visit to the VA
or DAV. I’m considering having a
www.vawatchdog.org rubber stamp made so that I can stop having
to write it down for folks all the time. Like yourselves, I do run into
quite a few that are looking for a free ride. They don’t care much for it
when I tell them, “You’re not a victim, you’re a volunteer. Quit smoking,
drinking and eating like a pig !”
Continued Blessings on Your Efforts.
Reply;
Thank you sir. Well said.
I can't help but think that your DAV & VA friends must do a bit of
eye-rolling when you suggest that they go to VA Watchdog dot org. I've
been a bit harsh on occasion so I may not be seen as being on their BFF
list.
click for more information -- a disabled veteran
owned business
The rubber stamp is actually a pretty good idea. I carry business cards
with me that I print up on my computer. They're inexpensive and serve as a
great reminder to our as yet unenlightened brothers and sisters. I don't
bother with my name and such...just the
http://www.vawatchdog.org is
all that's required.
I've considered tattoos of that URL but my wife hasn't looked kindly on
the idea so it's tabled for now. I'll let you know if that happens!
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Jim;
I really am impressed with your website and newsletter. Man you put the
pedal to the metal. I can now stay abreast of changes and incidents as
they occur in the VA, especially as it relates to my quality of care at
the VA.
My question is how can I find out if the New Orleans VA Regional Office
was on the shredding scam list, and if anyone spot checked that place to
ensure compliance???
Reply;
Assume that it was. Act accordingly. We won't know details until the VA
OIG report happens but if you believe your claim was affected,
instructions are available on VA Watchdog dot org. Use the provided search
engine and read up on your rights.
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Jim;
Thank you for all you do. I've followed your site for many years. I need
clarification as to when I hit my 10 year mark, or maybe I'm already past
it. I'm a Nam combat vet, PTSD.
Rating Decision on 12/14/2000 (which came after I appealed the 30 percent)
states "is increased to 70 percent retroactive to original date
 of
claim, effective July 15, 1997."
I then applied for IU.
Rating Decision on 2/21/2001 states "individual unemployability is granted
effective December 1, 2000." (it also came w/Dep.Edu. Asst & "total
service connected disability, permanent in nature"
Because I have 2 effective dates, one for PTSD and one for IU I'm not sure
if the 10 year mark is coming up or has already passed.
Can't thank you enough for all you do. I've learned a ton on the site and
passed it along to help a number of my vet friends.
Reply;
You'll only be concerned with the effective date for your 100% rating.
That's December 1, 2000. Be watchful for any correspondence from VA in the
next year.
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Jim;
I just read your volume # 12 on Va watchdog. Im comming up on my 10yr mark
P&T. If im called into the va for a revaluation-How do I protect my P&T?
Thanks!
Reply;
Great question!
You simply attend any scheduled exams and tell the truth. Then if you
later receive a letter proposing to reduce your benefit, you don't panic
but you do follow the provided (by the VBA) instructions to the letter so
that you can interrupt the process.
This means filing a timely NOD (within 30 days) and demanding a hearing.
While that's happening you gather evidence as to why they can't reduce
your rating and you dig in for the battle.
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posted by Larry Scott
Founder and Editor
VA Watchdog dot Org
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