For Caregivers of Veterans

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Thanks Mary!
 
thanks so much Mary. How do we get our local VA to actually put some of those services in place!
 
I don't know Missy, that surely is a problem. I can't even stand that every time his condition decreases we have to go the VA....I wish the new ruling of 100% would kick in sooner rather than later. Every time you turn around it is another thing that needs evaluation. They just schedule appointments without asking you if it is a good day or not. As a teacher this creates such a problem, getting subs, making plans or even making the calls during the day to get the darn thing re-scheduled. Not complaining just saying.....
 
Don't get me wrong. I cannot imagine how we would be managing without the VA. If you have to have this hienous disease, it sure helps to be a vet!
 
I agree with you Missy all the way around. The VA is such a big, complicated organization it just isn't easy to navigate nor is it consistent from one VA to another.
 
when do you think they will make it a 100% instant ruling ? I agree making vets go through the stages starting at 30% with als is kind of cruel, however if my hubby gets covered it will be a blessing from what I have heard......P.S. once papers are sent in to PVA how long does it take to make a decision?:roll:
 
The VA seems to make it a priority for vets with ALS. My husband's PVA sent in the paperwork July 1 and it was done by mid August with the first deposit in September. I have read that the 100% is in the final rule stage - saw on a government website - and I understand from another board that it is expected to be in place by May. I hope it all goes well for you.
 
Rick gets all his care at the VA hospital clinics here. (an hour away)He has a limosine type walker that was free and his three specialists.... pulmonary, neurology, and neuro-physhe for behavior changes. He no longer pays anything for any appointments. But he is only on 10% disability for his diabetes, since they say now that his disease is "underterminate." The specialist that retired was the one who gave him the ALS diagnosis. We lived with it for 18 months, and then when he tried to get disability "they" suspiciously took back the ALS diagnosis and said they have to do more tests. It's been 3.5 years now and at least "they" agree he has had progression.
So, the VA is good and bad. We're fine though because he has a Navy pension and social security disability.
 
Once the PVA has all of the paperwork, it should take very little time (six weeks or less) to get the first check. The amount awarded will also be backdated to the original filing date.
 
Well things are just dragging along when it comes to the VA, they called my husband the other day ( not the pva ) asking him if they could expidite his claim so my husband said yes, then today the PVA called and said that was the WRONG answer as this way they can give you 30% and then thats it! each time you go downhill you have to go see the VA doctor so now we are trapped and locked in, and they now want my husband to see a VA doctor to make their own diagnoses, we both feel like giving up on the whole process this is too much Bull%%#@ on top of more BULL&^%$,
 
do not give up. We got the original claim at 30%, it only took a week to get it up to 100% plus SMC(special monthly compensation) There are widows benefits($1100 a month), plus up to $30,000 life insurance available at less than $75 a month. 100% without SMC is $2800 a month. With SMC, it can go to $7,000 a month.
 
we are so disheartnened right now just one thing after another 2 2 2 many knock backs, the PVA called today and said you will now have to see a VA doctor "just because he said yes to one answer", the PVA is fighting for him but they can only do so much, as to widow benefits if anything happens to my husband I am leaving the country so I doubt that is feasable for me, my major issue is how we need support NOW not months down the track or when someone pushing a pen decides they will help him. @Sadie I know you had a desperate struggle & I am so glad you got from 30% to 100% so quickly THANK GOD, our situation is a little different in as much as Don has a job and even though this has become so difficult physically he won't leave until we have financial help because we would be homeless within a week, now that would just BE It! not to mention we live in small town usa where there is little help & we do not know hardly anyone as we only moved here 7 months ago :0(
 
Believe me, I know your pain in getting started with the VA. I know what your are talking about with the expedited help. I did not agree to that. My husband, technically, had a job, too. He had just started short term disability when we first met with the PVA. He was approved at 40% to start with. (4/30/10) He was declared 100% in 07/10. Lori is right. DON'T GIVE UP. You will be giving up complete financial security. Also, the VA pays lots of widows pensions to people who live outside of the US !
 
Good morning to all.

I was wondering how many here have used the in home hospice and or skilled nursing. How good have they been to you?
Are they really there for you 24/7? I have heard that they are understaffed, which is easy to understand, but, what has
you experience been?
My Vet is diagnosed, terminal. 6 mos. We all know what that means. But, on a ventilator we also know that he is very capable
of living much longer. Anyone with similar situation. Under the circumstances, we are fine, but caregivers burn out, if not careful.

Is anyone living alone and providing all the home health care by yourself? I have two women who can put my vet on a
bed pan by themselves. Getting him off and cleaned is another story, but they do it. No hoyier lift. (SP)
We have one, they just don't use it. So, I am in need of the VA for some relief. Any stories of success?

Thanks,

Jim
 
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