VA Question

[only a gt]

I got out of the Corps back in July, and spent the next two months wading through the mounds of paperwork to get my GI Bill benefits set up and whatnot. Going round and round with them frustrated the hell out of me, and I haven't bothered to talk to them about anything else. I'm wondering though, was I supposed to have gone and had a check-up or anything like that right when I got out? I'm pretty sure they are supposed to pay some percentage for hearing loss and some other problems, but not really sure what I need to do about it and what exactly they are supposed to be doing for me. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

 

[01yellercobra]

You should have had an outgoing physical. You need to contact them and set one up.

 

[FX4 SAPPER]

hearing loss is %10 if its severe enough to qualify. There is no time limit to submit a Disability claim, however you would have had 90 days from your ETS/Separation whatever the Corps calls it to schedule a Dental Cleaning through the VA if you did not have an OUTPROC exam. Fill out the paperwork and claim as much as you can

 

[Rochard]

I thought everyone got a check up the moment before they gave you the boot....

 

[only a gt]

They told me I didn't have enough time before my EAS to get one, so they just took a list of whatever I felt was wrong and sent me on my way.

 

[99navert]

I would join your local American Legion post (or another service group) and have them assist you through the VA process. You will have to go through the Disability Compensation process in order to begin receiving monthly payments for your disabilities. You should be able to get the forms online, or contact to your local VA medical facility. I had to see a general doctor and also several specialist in order for the VA to make a decision on my percentage of compensation. It might be a hassle but an extra paycheck every month helps, even if it is only a few hundred dollars. Also, if you are an OIF/OEF/GWOT veteran you are entitled to five years of medical care through the VA regardless of your rating (at least when I got out in '08 that's how it was). If you have anymore questions I'll try to help you out the best I can, my dad is a County Veterans Service Officer so it made my transition much easier. In addition to a service organization, check to see if your state has CVSO's, as they are a big help and not employed by the VA bureaucracy.

 

[only a gt]

Does that 5 years start at EAS or when you apply? Also, is it healthcare for anything or only service-related problems? Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[99navert]

The 5 years begin at your EAS, and you can receive treatment for anything that is suspected to be combat related. I would call 1-800-827-1000 to get the process started. It is the VA, so as anything government related its going to make you want to pull your hair out at times but once you are in and get your initial appointments and paperwork finished everything becomes a lot simpler.

 

[only a gt]

Ok thanks. I would rather be hung upside-down by my ankles as an IRS agent shoves bamboo shoots under my fingernails than deal with the VA anymore, but that's how it goes I guess.

 

[99navert]

I did some research for you and your state divides Veterans' Service Officers up into Congressional districts instead of by county. They will be much easier to deal with and can act as a middle man between you and the Federal VA so that you don't have to endure as much bamboo pain.

Check out this pamphlet CT VA Trifold

 

[KingBlack]

i work for the Dept of Veterans Affairs, compensations and disabilities. anything that is medically documented up to 1 yr after your discharge is considered service connected... contact me