SquirrellyDan said:

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Teslag said:

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Aston04 said:

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So widespread abuse of disability... So what do we do? Let's cut their taxes even more! Effective tax hike for everyone else! Hooray!

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How widespread do you think it is?

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It's extremely widespread. I don't necessarily blame those who go out and claim disability for things like sleep apnea and other "injuries" that are in no way unique to the service of your country, but I certainly wouldn't be proud of it. There are plenty of 100% disabled veterans who never left an office in DC and are working 6 figure jobs and parking in handicap spots at the gym.

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So how many cases have you analyzed? Any trends in the medical records you noticed?

Quit derailing the thread

&ct=g

Hey Nav said:

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Quote:

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There's are legal practices built around helping service members get disability payments. There are entire message boards where service members and vets talk about exactly what you need to do to "prove" certain ailments. VA doctors will tell you how to answer questions to qualify certain ailments. Vet orgs will tell you how to game the system.

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Yep. Lots of advertisements for that sort or thing.

I've wondered how much of the money awarded for disabilities was due to these lawyers. They don't take on cases unless it's a slam dunk , and they take a big chunk of the award as payments. Not a big fan of this - wish the lawyers were "regulated" as to their payments for these services.

"Vet orgs will tell you how to game the system" is mostly "Vet orgs will assist you in dealing with the brick wall that is the VA and assist in pointing out all the rules and regulations". Would love to hear about Vet orgs that help game the system.

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Actual VA approved lawyers are limited in what they can charge, and it's not very much, IIRC. VSOs, legitimate advisors who help vets file VA claims, don't get paid by the vet at all.

As far as the orgs that help vets game the system, they are gaming the system, but they aren't really helping the vets as much as they help themselves. They're known colloquially as claims sharks, and they aren't disgusting. They prey on older vets who waited years or decades to file claims. They charge exorbitant amounts out of the veteran's back disability pay. They use bought and paid for teledocs to provide dubious diagnoses, or they falsify the docs and often unknowingly make the veteran a party to fraud. Then, when the VA investigates, the company flies clear with their fee and the vet is left holding the bag. The VFW is pushing legislation against them, and Ken Paxton has brought suit against the largest one based in TX, VA Claims Insider. It's a disgusting business.

Thanks.

When I said "vet orgs" I was referring to VFW, AL, DAV, Texas Veterans Commission, etc.

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

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If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the far west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

Teslag said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Teslag said:

---

Aston04 said:

---

So widespread abuse of disability... So what do we do? Let's cut their taxes even more! Effective tax hike for everyone else! Hooray!

---

How widespread do you think it is?

---

It's extremely widespread. I don't necessarily blame those who go out and claim disability for things like sleep apnea and other "injuries" that are in no way unique to the service of your country, but I certainly wouldn't be proud of it. There are plenty of 100% disabled veterans who never left an office in DC and are working 6 figure jobs and parking in handicap spots at the gym.

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So how many cases have you analyzed? Any trends in the medical records you noticed?

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I spent time in the service and an even longer time working as a civilian for the DOD with people who openly discussed their ratings. Is this anecdotal? Yes. Is it representative of everyone? I don't know. But these were all people working in intel agencies with clearances. Make of that what you will.

SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

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If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

I'll speak for myself.

It's like being in a family. You know the **** some of them do but you don't talk about it outside the family.

However if someone outside the family says something then it's on.

Not for the Air Force though. They are all ***s.

Edit to add. That feeling of Family goes way up when they've deployed. You know the **** they dealt with. I give those that just deployed to Kuwait crap though.

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

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No it isn't

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

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No it isn't

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They absolutely are. The fact that you're surprised by this indicates you may think the system needs to be revamped as well.

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

If we want to get into anecdotal evidence, buddy of mine lost his leg due to a motorcycle accident. He was discharged from the military and didn't get a dime of disability to an accident that was in no way service related

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the far west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

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Or three/quarter-life crisis Corvettes.

Teslag said:

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You don't know **** unless you've seen their medical records

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I'm pretty sure he knows more than your grifting ass when he visually observes the person day in and day out. Go take another shot and STFU.

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

No it isn't

---

They absolutely are. The fact that you're surprised by this indicates you may think the system needs to be revamped as well.

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I worked for the VA over a decade, I am intimately familiar with the disability process, those aren't service connected injuries

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

If we want to get into anecdotal evidence, buddy of mine lost his leg due to a motorcycle accident. He was discharged from the military and didn't get a dime of disability to an accident that was in no way service related

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What's is called? Line of Duty. Yes or No. if you get line of duty no then it is all on you. Or am I thinking of something else?

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

If we want to get into anecdotal evidence, buddy of mine lost his leg due to a motorcycle accident. He was discharged from the military and didn't get a dime of disability to an accident that was in no way service related

---

It's not that hard to look up. You don't have to take my word for it.

SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

No it isn't

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They absolutely are. The fact that you're surprised by this indicates you may think the system needs to be revamped as well.

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I think k your post is full of it but can agree the system needs revamped to make the process more efficient

gkaggie08 said:

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JFC, you guys are the energizer bunny when anyone disagrees with ANYTHING vet related. My BIL had to stop his handyman business after a couple years because he said it was killing his back, which he hurt while in the AF. I'm sure he may have a tweaked knee, tennis elbow, or a multitude of other physical ailments that we aren't going to talk about while sipping eggnog at Christmas. My response to Tesla was that my BIL does not have PTSD.

Some of you really get your defenses up if someone disagrees with any program, benefit, etc for veterans.

I'm not going to abandon my conservative principles because whatever goes through a legislative body has a 'disabled veteran' label slapped on it. I've stated in previous posts that veterans deserve additional benefits due to circumstances of their service.

Don't get on your GD soapbox and talk down to every other poster on this board every time a NEW benefit is debated.

---

We get defensive because the same posters are willfully ignorant on this topic every time it comes up. So much stupid **** comes out of people's keyboards every time the topic of VA ratings is discussed, it's ridiculous. Everyone has an anecdote about the guy their cousin's brother saw at the gym with DV plates, or the discussion forum that they heard about where vets discuss how to "game the system". But they sure as hell don't want to hear about the vets that the system left behind, the ones whose clearly service-related injuries who had claims denied due to inadequate documentation or incompetence in the rating system, or the ones whose killed themselves in the VA parking lot in one last futile attempt to draw attention to their mistreatment at the hands of those who were supposed to care for them after their service.

In reality, you don't know what you're talking about, and half of you refuse to listen to posters with actual knowledge of how the VA claims process works because you don't like them. I'm no TeslaAg fan, and I disagree with him on plenty of his posts, but he knows what he is talking about when it comes to the VA. And honestly, you don't. So instead of hiding behind your "conservative principles" how about you learn something about the subject before you spout off about it?

With regards to the bill to change the property tax exemption, feel free to call your congressman and express your opinion. I doubt this bill ever makes it to a vote, but if it does, I doubt your opinion will hold a lot of weight. Texas takes pride in how we care for those of us who served, and I don't expect that to change any time soon.

I know a DV that has a full time job, and can squat 500lbs

maverick2076 said:

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gkaggie08 said:

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JFC, you guys are the energizer bunny when anyone disagrees with ANYTHING vet related. My BIL had to stop his handyman business after a couple years because he said it was killing his back, which he hurt while in the AF. I'm sure he may have a tweaked knee, tennis elbow, or a multitude of other physical ailments that we aren't going to talk about while sipping eggnog at Christmas. My response to Tesla was that my BIL does not have PTSD.

Some of you really get your defenses up if someone disagrees with any program, benefit, etc for veterans.

I'm not going to abandon my conservative principles because whatever goes through a legislative body has a 'disabled veteran' label slapped on it. I've stated in previous posts that veterans deserve additional benefits due to circumstances of their service.

Don't get on your GD soapbox and talk down to every other poster on this board every time a NEW benefit is debated.

---

We get defensive because the same posters are willfully ignorant on this topic every time it comes up. So much stupid **** comes out of people's keyboards every time the topic of VA ratings is discussed, it's ridiculous. Everyone has an anecdote about the guy their cousin's brother saw at the gym with DV plates, or the discussion forum that they heard about where vets discuss how to "game the system". But they sure as hell don't want to hear about the vets that the system left behind, the ones whose clearly service-related injuries who had claims denied due to inadequate documentation or incompetence in the rating system, or the ones whose killed themselves in the VA parking lot in one last futile attempt to draw attention to their mistreatment at the hands of those who were supposed to care for them after their service.

In reality, you don't know what you're talking about, and half of you refuse to listen to posters with actual knowledge of how the VA claims process works because you don't like them. I'm no TeslaAg fan, and I disagree with him on plenty of his posts, but he knows what he is talking about when it comes to the VA. And honestly, you don't. So instead of hiding behind your "conservative principles" how about you learn something about the subject before you spout off about it?

With regards to the bill to change the property tax exemption, feel free to call your congressman and express your opinion. I doubt this bill ever makes it to a vote, but if it does, I doubt your opinion will hold a lot of weight. Texas takes pride in how we care for those of us who served, and I don't expect that to change any time soon.

---

Exactly

maverick2076 said:

---

gkaggie08 said:

---

JFC, you guys are the energizer bunny when anyone disagrees with ANYTHING vet related. My BIL had to stop his handyman business after a couple years because he said it was killing his back, which he hurt while in the AF. I'm sure he may have a tweaked knee, tennis elbow, or a multitude of other physical ailments that we aren't going to talk about while sipping eggnog at Christmas. My response to Tesla was that my BIL does not have PTSD.

Some of you really get your defenses up if someone disagrees with any program, benefit, etc for veterans.

I'm not going to abandon my conservative principles because whatever goes through a legislative body has a 'disabled veteran' label slapped on it. I've stated in previous posts that veterans deserve additional benefits due to circumstances of their service.

Don't get on your GD soapbox and talk down to every other poster on this board every time a NEW benefit is debated.

---

We get defensive because the same posters are willfully ignorant on this topic every time it comes up. So much stupid **** comes out of people's keyboards every time the topic of VA ratings is discussed, it's ridiculous. Everyone has an anecdote about the guy their cousin's brother saw at the gym with DV plates, or the discussion forum that they heard about where vets discuss how to "game the system". But they sure as hell don't want to hear about the vets that the system left behind, the ones whose clearly service-related injuries who had claims denied due to inadequate documentation or incompetence in the rating system, or the ones whose killed themselves in the VA parking lot in one last futile attempt to draw attention to their mistreatment at the hands of those who were supposed to care for them after their service.

In reality, you don't know what you're talking about, and half of you refuse to listen to posters with actual knowledge of how the VA claims process works because you don't like them. I'm no TeslaAg fan, and I disagree with him on plenty of his posts, but he knows what he is talking about when it comes to the VA. And honestly, you don't. So instead of hiding behind your "conservative principles" how about you learn something about the subject before you spout off about it?

With regards to the bill to change the property tax exemption, feel free to call your congressman and express your opinion. I doubt this bill ever makes it to a vote, but if it does, I doubt your opinion will hold a lot of weight. Texas takes pride in how we care for those of us who served, and I don't expect that to change any time soon.

---

If you want to change minds, then maybe you should tell the people that brag about the boats and trucks we bought them to keep their mouths shut. Perception is everything. And you're losing more support from a very conservative group every time it's thrown in our faces that we bought them a new toy and there's nothing we can do about it.

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

No it isn't

---

They absolutely are. The fact that you're surprised by this indicates you may think the system needs to be revamped as well.

---

I worked for the VA over a decade, I am intimately familiar with the disability process, those aren't service connected injuries

---

To qualify as a service connected disability, the condition had to occur or be made worse during active duty status. Please, with your in-depth knowledge of the VA, show me something that would indicate a car accident wouldn't be covered. I'll wait.

Outside of one poster on this site, Teslag, who else is doing that?

SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

No it isn't

---

They absolutely are. The fact that you're surprised by this indicates you may think the system needs to be revamped as well.

---

I worked for the VA over a decade, I am intimately familiar with the disability process, those aren't service connected injuries

---

To qualify as a service connected disability, the condition had to occur or be made worse during active duty status. Please, with your in-depth knowledge of the VA, show me something that would indicate a car accident wouldn't be covered. I'll wait.

---

The disability has to occur as part of their military service. Injuries that occurred outside of their service are simply not covered and if someone did get compensated for something like that, they aren't following the rules of the system

Ag_SGT said:

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Outside of one poster on this site, Teslag, who else is doing that?

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Like I said. Perception is everything. And he's doing more damage to your cause than anything else. I've never once thought about VA benefits before until some over the hill grifter starting bragging about all the toys I bought him. Now, I'm thinking, this **** needs to be looked into.

Police your own.

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

---

SquirrellyDan said:

---

Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

---

If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

---

Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

---

A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

---

No it isn't

---

They absolutely are. The fact that you're surprised by this indicates you may think the system needs to be revamped as well.

---

I worked for the VA over a decade, I am intimately familiar with the disability process, those aren't service connected injuries

---

To qualify as a service connected disability, the condition had to occur or be made worse during active duty status. Please, with your in-depth knowledge of the VA, show me something that would indicate a car accident wouldn't be covered. I'll wait.

---

The disability has to occur as part of their military service. Injuries that occurred outside of their service are simply not covered and if someone did get compensated for something like that, they aren't following the rules of the system

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Simply false. Like I said, it's spelled out on the VA page and plenty of other places. I'm sorry your buddy got screwed, but ignorance isn't an excuse for you. Especially if you worked for the VA.

How did the accident happen is a big question.

Had they just pulled a 24 hour duty?

I had a Battle who wrecked his motorcycle and messed his leg up really bad. He was on profile for the rest of his 20 years. He got retirement and va benefits but the leg wasn't included.

Now at another time we were on a motorcycle ride with the CG and a Soldier wrecked. I didn't know them but can see that would be considered line of duty yes and they may get VA benefits.

Hey Nav said:

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Thanks.

When I said "vet orgs" I was referring to VFW, AL, DAV, Texas Veterans Commission, etc.

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Those guys, accredited VSOs, don't charge the veteran anything. They are certified by the VA to help process claims. From my experience, they really aren't doing anything more than helping the veteran file paperwork. My VSO stressed the need for medical evidence and service connection for any claim I made. Then we went through a list of most common issues/claims service members filed. If I said I had the issue and it was documented, he added it to my file. If I didn't, we moved on. Then he asked if I had any other medical issues. It told him what they were, and he told me if it was something I could claim or not. If it was, we added it to the claim. Then he submitted my paperwork electronically and explained the process of reviewing my claim, getting examined, and being rated. The "coaching" he gave me consisted of the following items:

Once you see that they have started processing your claim online, make sure you answer your phone even if you don't recognize the number, because it could be the VA calling to schedule your exam.

Don't miss your exam dates.

Be honest with everyone, especially BH, even if you are uncomfortable talking about events or memories.

Don't let the doctors push you into moving beyond your limits during the exams.

Once your exams are over, be patient. Don't check the website every day looking for an update or you'll stress yourself out.

And that was the extent of my "coaching".

Ol_Ag_02 said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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Outside of one poster on this site, Teslag, who else is doing that?

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Like I said. Perception is everything. And he's doing more damage to your cause than anything else. I've never once thought about VA benefits before until some over the hill grifter starting bragging about all the toys I bought him. Now, I'm thinking, this **** needs to be looked into.

Police your own.

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I agree in part but I could see other Veterans who feel insulted by this board's take on VA disability becoming more like him out of spite. So I'd say to you as well, police your own

SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

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If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

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Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

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A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

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No it isn't.

suburban cowboy said:

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I know a DV that has a full time job, and can squat 500lbs

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And?

Teslag said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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SquirrellyDan said:

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Ag_SGT said:

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Point us to the numbers of folks getting disability payments that are rated at 100% that never left an office in DC

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If you want anecdotal evidence I have plenty. I worked at NSA when I got out of the army. Plenty of people I knew were 100% disabled after their 4 years working in Maryland. Hurt your back while skiing on vacation? Disability rating. How many tax payers realize that this would be a valid VA rating? "Child hood trauma" that wasn't disclosed but was made worse by the military? That's a rating.

If you want more evidence, drive through neighborhoods on the west side of San Antonio where droves of 23 year old AF "vets" are driving around $100k cars with DV plates.

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Considering how hard it was for me and lord only knows how many others, it was to get a rating with actual proof the condition was service related, I have a hard time believing your anecdotal evidence.

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A car accident, a skiing accident, or any other accident, sustained while under active duty status, is considered service connected. It's not hard to look up.

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No it isn't.

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Apparently these folks don't understand what it means to be a Veteran with a service connected disability, a skiing accident isn't getting me disability pay

There's also apparently a list of approved purchases one must make with their disability compensation. If the purchase in any way brings you happiness you should lose your rating.