VA caregiver program

Wow. Nice story and video. Not surprised at all by it.
 
The letter said there was a behind the scenes review process through a records review, but it did not include an examination to identify my needs for ongoing Caregiver support. They will now be paying my spouse for 10/hrs week vs 40, when she really puts in about 80. I haven't even had a physical exam since entering the VA system 3 years ago.

The VA and I haven't been getting along here very well lately and this looks like a little payback:

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/19809102/2012/10/12/houston-vet-shocked-at-vas-threat

My issue is:
1. You have been assigned to a VA facility, are you registered to your closest facility CORRECTLY?
2. You have been assigned to a treatment team along with a PCM. Why haven't you gone in to see them, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure you get care for yourself.
3. You should have contacted the Patient Advocacy at year 1.
4. They can and do have the right to drop ratings on claims and stop additional allotments for you not going to your semi-annual check-ups.
5. This is harsh of me, but as an retired Officer you need to get off your ass (not literally if you can't) and get in there and demand to be seen by your treatment team. You are only doing damage to yourself and your family because YOU ARE NOT ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF.
6. Go to the DAV, American Legion, VFW, WWP and so on. Give them the rights to see your medical info, ask them to help be your advocate.
7. If you were sitting in the ER for hours, why didn't you call for an ambulance to be transported and treated elsewhere? Then you could have filed a HUGE lawsuit for the VA refusing to treat you in the ER!!!
8. The VA is not a lawsuit protected government entity. They loose lawsuits quite a bit.

This really set me off, you need to step up and take care of yourself.
 
Your assumptions are incorrect.

1. I had been going to a VA outpatient clinic monthly for blood tests, but those tapered off to quarterly once I found I was having reactions to several meds and I came off them.
2. Who said I haven't gone to them? I have gone almost monthly with visits combined with mental health, PCM, and home visits. But I have never had a full exam, and they have refused to treat my leg with standard civilian protocols.
3. I've contacted Patient Advocasy at least 10 times and they did nothing. I also filed an complain with the VA IG and never heard back from them, and with my Congressman--no response.
4. I have NEVER missed an appointment.
5. Advocating for myself? Try googling my name and you'll find about 4 Newspaper articles (one a front page) and at least two TV reports about my shoddy VA treatment.
6. I'm a DAV service officer, belong to the American Legion VFW (I had a National Resolution passed recommending conditions be added to the VASRD not rated/treated by the VA--AS IN MY CASE.
7. I had my phone and was calling 911 from the ER when my wife stopped me. She came down with the #2 assistant medical director who just stood by and watched and did nothing. He will be an expert witness when this goes to trial.
8. I've already sought an attorney and we are filing a lawsuit.
9. I formed a support group of over 200 vets and we are all fighting together with the same disease trying to get a rating and treatment from the VA.
10. I even testified before a Congressional Committee about the problems with the VA and they still haven't taken action.

Care to respond to your faulty assumptions? My leg is now on the books for amputation with a civilian provider since without treatment, it has progressed to that point.

This really set me off, you need to step up and take care of yourself.[/quote]
My issue is:
1. You have been assigned to a VA facility, are you registered to your closest facility CORRECTLY?
I have made regular monthly visits for blood terts, etc.,
2. You have been assigned to a treatment team along with a PCM. Why haven't you gone in to see them, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure you get care for yourself.
3. You should have contacted the Patient Advocacy at year 1.
4. They can and do have the right to drop ratings on claims and stop additional allotments for you not going to your semi-annual check-ups.
5. This is harsh of me, but as an retired Officer you need to get off your ass (not literally if you can't) and get in there and demand to be seen by your treatment team. You are only doing damage to yourself and your family because YOU ARE NOT ADVOCATING FOR YOURSELF.
6. Go to the DAV, American Legion, VFW, WWP and so on. Give them the rights to see your medical info, ask them to help be your advocate.
7. If you were sitting in the ER for hours, why didn't you call for an ambulance to be transported and treated elsewhere? Then you could have filed a HUGE lawsuit for the VA refusing to treat you in the ER!!!
8. The VA is not a lawsuit protected government entity. They loose lawsuits quite a bit.

This really set me off, you need to step up and take care of yourself.
 
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My response from Jason, "No, once a benefit is granted, there must be an opportunity to be heard on the matter.
I have not looked at whether there are any "twists" or exceptions dealing with Caregiver program. But, my instinct is that the general rules for all benefits would apply."

I did not have an opportunity to be heard before the benefits were arbitrarily seized. Also, my DAV has put out a call to action. I've sent certified return receipt letters making their way up the chain to every news agency, Shinseki, and Obama.
 
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My response to Ranger about whether the VA can take benefits without due process when he mentioned it might be because the VA is cash strapped and he also asked whether we contacted the Caregiver Coordinator.

"With only about 7500 beneficiaries, it doesn't take that much cash in the overall scheme of things. We felt betrayed by the coordinator since she was consulted before the decision to confiscate benefits was made. We believe she did this without knowledge of my numerous medical conditions. ie. Meniere's disease and inability to stand/walk due RSD and threat of PEs, oxygen use. Every visit I've had, I've been seen in my hospital bed, they stop by and ask once a quarter, "how ya doin" and leave. Usually less than 5 minutes with me. Then they cut my benefits.
 
Your assumptions are incorrect.

1. I had been going to a VA outpatient clinic monthly for blood tests, but those tapered off to quarterly once I found I was having reactions to several meds and I came off them.
2. Who said I haven't gone to them? I have gone almost monthly with visits combined with mental health, PCM, and home visits. But I have never had a full exam, and they have refused to treat my leg with standard civilian protocols.
3. I've contacted Patient Advocasy at least 10 times and they did nothing. I also filed an complain with the VA IG and never heard back from them, and with my Congressman--no response.
4. I have NEVER missed an appointment.
5. Advocating for myself? Try googling my name and you'll find about 4 Newspaper articles (one a front page) and at least two TV reports about my shoddy VA treatment.
6. I'm a DAV service officer, belong to the American Legion VFW (I had a National Resolution passed recommending conditions be added to the VASRD not rated/treated by the VA--AS IN MY CASE.
7. I had my phone and was calling 911 from the ER when my wife stopped me. She came down with the #2 assistant medical director who just stood by and watched and did nothing. He will be an expert witness when this goes to trial.
8. I've already sought an attorney and we are filing a lawsuit.
9. I formed a support group of over 200 vets and we are all fighting together with the same disease trying to get a rating and treatment from the VA.
10. I even testified before a Congressional Committee about the problems with the VA and they still haven't taken action.

Care to respond to your faulty assumptions? My leg is now on the books for amputation with a civilian provider since without treatment, it has progressed to that point.

This really set me off, you need to step up and take care of yourself.
[/quote]
From the post earlier you said that you haven't had a physical exam in 3.5 years, from what it looked like is that you WERE NOT being seen by the VA. So yes people like myself would assume that you were not being treated by the VA.

I apologize for making a fail assumption on your story, and will not talk on this thread anymore.

Please keep up the fight to get your treatments and care as you need them.
 
My response to Ranger about whether the VA can take benefits without due process when he mentioned it might be because the VA is cash strapped and he also asked whether we contacted the Caregiver Coordinator.

"With only about 7500 beneficiaries, it doesn't take that much cash in the overall scheme of things. We felt betrayed by the coordinator since she was consulted before the decision to confiscate benefits was made. We believe she did this without knowledge of my numerous medical conditions. ie. Meniere's disease and inability to stand/walk due RSD and threat of PEs, oxygen use. Every visit I've had, I've been seen in my hospital bed, they stop by and ask once a quarter, "how ya doin" and leave. Usually less than 5 minutes with me. Then they cut my benefits.

You definently have a very large issue to bring to light. I hope tha media picks up it. I suggest sending your letter directly to Bill O'Riely of Fox. He constantly champions veteran issues and would be a very powerful voice in your situation.

I truly hope you can get some relief from what is happening to you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Joe
 
Question to ponder, "Can VA Caregiver benefits be taken away without due process of law?" The VA is sending notices either taking away or reducing benefits without so much as a physical examination. I'm 100% P&T SMC with Aid & Attendance and ours has been reduced by 75% immediately although we can appeal. Not to sure how it goes with VA appeals now a days. They told me my claim was supposed to be completed within 120 days and I received benefits 3.5 years later.

Indeed, never default acceptance to injustice; fight back to the very end! ;)

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
I am gonna check up on you. Your broke butt is gonna be reporting if you don't :p
Well, since you failed to follow up... :D I will still post on my latest experience. Today I went to the Occupational Therapy appointment and went through the questioning (which went well I think) and she even ordered a shower chair and a new shower head with a hose when she found out I was taking cup baths in the tub for the last few weeks. She was quite helpful and took many notes, word for word they way it looked. My wife and I went pretty in depth about my injuries, as I assume she was looking for and seemed to soak it all in. She even asked why no one (VA wise) addressed my sleep issues and she made a note to tell the head of the board to ensure my case manager addressed it my next 6 month eval. She even went forward to say that she was on the board and that they were having it next Monday.

I asked her if I'd get a call to attend and she looked at me like I was crazy... I told her what the person said at that office along with the DAV and American Legion, and she told me that person shouldn't have even contacted us and wasn't the right info and she thought it was a miscommunication of understanding what I was asking the VSOs... So in fact you all were correct and I was a dumbass :mad: for listening to someone who I thought was a professional :mad:. I will carry forward any news next week to see if I met the "7 requirements" to get my wife approved as a CareGiver.
 
Well, since you failed to follow up... :D I will still post on my latest experience. Today I went to the Occupational Therapy appointment and went through the questioning (which went well I think) and she even ordered a shower chair and a new shower head with a hose when she found out I was taking cup baths in the tub for the last few weeks. She was quite helpful and took many notes, word for word they way it looked. My wife and I went pretty in depth about my injuries, as I assume she was looking for and seemed to soak it all in. She even asked why no one (VA wise) addressed my sleep issues and she made a note to tell the head of the board to ensure my case manager addressed it my next 6 month eval. She even went forward to say that she was on the board and that they were having it next Monday.

I asked her if I'd get a call to attend and she looked at me like I was crazy... I told her what the person said at that office along with the DAV and American Legion, and she told me that person shouldn't have even contacted us and wasn't the right info and she thought it was a miscommunication of understanding what I was asking the VSOs... So in fact you all were correct and I was a dumbass :mad: for listening to someone who I thought was a professional :mad:. I will carry forward any news next week to see if I met the "7 requirements" to get my wife approved as a CareGiver.

Sorry I have been very busy during the government shutdown. Since I am temp unemployed, I figured I would use my time wisely, and go golfing :)

I am very happy you followed up and are looking good for the much needed help. Please tell me if there is anything I can help you with, and I will do my best (between tee times that is) :)
 
Sorry I have been very busy during the government shutdown. Since I am temp unemployed, I figured I would use my time wisely, and go golfing :)

I am very happy you followed up and are looking good for the much needed help. Please tell me if there is anything I can help you with, and I will do my best (between tee times that is) :)
Golf?!?! WTH??? :confused:
 
BTW, you have caused me to go completely off topic in this thread. I demand it stops now, AND I MEAN IT!! :)

Seriously, send me a PM if you want to rake me over the coals.

Joe
 
BTW, you have caused me to go completely off topic in this thread. I demand it stops now, AND I MEAN IT!! :)

Seriously, send me a PM if you want to rake me over the coals.

Joe

Hmm, this is indeed funny and laughter is good which I don't get much of these days! Thanks! ;)

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!
 
I'm taking a chance and sent the application in while I'm still on AD but I do have proposed ratings. My wife has taken a leave of absence from her job to assist me while recovering from surgery on 8 Aug. We tried to file for Non-Medical Attendant but was told we do not qualify since we live within 50 miles of the MTF (Walter Reed). Needless to say the income has reduced so I figured we can try the caregiver route since she is already a certified caregiver here in Virginia.

Lets see what's happens!!

ROLL TIDE !!!
 
I'm taking a chance and sent the application in while I'm still on AD but I do have proposed ratings. My wife has taken a leave of absence from her job to assist me while recovering from surgery on 8 Aug. We tried to file for Non-Medical Attendant but was told we do not qualify since we live within 50 miles of the MTF (Walter Reed). Needless to say the income has reduced so I figured we can try the caregiver route since she is already a certified caregiver here in Virginia.

Lets see what's happens!!

ROLL TIDE !!!
While going through the process and talking with occupational therapy they made the statement that temporary disabilities like my foot surgeries are not taken into account. The SM must fill the requirements of on-going disabilities in their "7 requirements" which I have yet to find out what they are. They do take into account TBI and PTSD issues and how the individual operates, how long they can be trusted to be alone, if they are capable to take care of things on their own and so on... Hope this helps!
 
While going through the process and talking with occupational therapy they made the statement that temporary disabilities like my foot surgeries are not taken into account. The SM must fill the requirements of on-going disabilities in their "7 requirements" which I have yet to find out what they are. They do take into account TBI and PTSD issues and how the individual operates, how long they can be trusted to be alone, if they are capable to take care of things on their own and so on... Hope this helps!

Yeah I'm not sure of the 7 requirements either. I do know that with the surgery I had and the recovery process for vestibular issues was more difficult that anticipated. Its been 2 months now and I still depend on the wife to do certain things for me.

We will see what the VA has to say.
 
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