DAV Magazine — January/February 2018
LETTERS
Appeal legislation
I am a life member of the DAV Chapter 198 in Kingsland, Texas. I read the September/October issue of DAV Magazine, and I wish to take issue with the three paths that you say will speed up the processing of a veteran’s claim [“Appeals legislation a win for veterans”]. First, taking the appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. This has always been the case. How would this speed up processing? Second, requesting a higher-level adjudicator to decide the case. What about the veterans whose claims are denied? Third, filing a supplemental claim with new evidence. This provision has been in effect for decades. J.D. Poitevent, Buchanan Dam, Texas
Editor’s response:
1. With this new law, veterans can go directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with simply a Notice of Disagreement, as opposed to the previous, much lengthier process that included waiting to receive a statement of the case and filing a VA Form 9. The VA’s goal wait time for higher-level review is under one year.
2. Those whose claims are denied now have one year to choose another “lane” to appeal, without sacrificing their original effective dates.
3. Veterans have always been able to file a supplemental claim, but under this new law their original effective date is protected.
Help for heroes
In the September/October DAV Magazine, there was a very informative article, “Help for heroes.” You state that the nursing home care bill had been sent to collections, and was now a “new expense” for the veteran’s daughter. Unless the daughter “guaranteed” the payment, she is not responsible to pay the bill. If she is the executor of her dad’s estate, she may have to pay the bill out of any funds left in his estate. A lawyer would advise as to what to pay if there were more claims on the estate than funds available. David Turk, Thompson’s Station, Tenn.
Citizenship for service members
I think the president should give all non-U.S. citizens in the U.S. military their citizenship because they live or die for our country. My dad was an immigrant when he joined the military and was given his citizenship while in the Navy during World War II. Dave Adams, via email
The Choice Program
The Choice Program stipulates that qualified veterans’ medical care and treatment will be provided by civilian physicians, hospitals, etc., under contract with the VA and as a direct substitute for VA doctors or facilities. However, if the VA does not pay providers in full for such services, then they are free to collect the unpaid charges from the veterans. If this flaw is not corrected soon, thousands of us who are enrolled in the Choice Program will incur much legal trouble and expense defending ourselves against third-party providers and their collection agencies. Michael N. Mantegna, Alpharetta, Ga.
TEE Tournament
As a life member of DAV, I had the experience of my life by volunteering at my first National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament. I enjoyed helping other veterans with the activities they signed up for. These men and women had smiles on their faces all day long and kept thanking me for volunteering. I hope to be a part of this next year, and hopefully more vets like myself sign up for this wonderful event. Gregory Mocha, Griffith, Ind.
Privatization
I choose the Asheville VA over private care. They take great care of me, and I can get an appointment with my primary care faster than my wife can get one from her private doctor. The VA is a one-stop shop for me and my fellow veterans, and they understand our needs. Bruce Eicher, Pisgah Forest, N.C.
Facebook
facebook.com/theDAV
DAV, could you explain what the new tax bill would do to disabled veterans in regard to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit? I have heard that this tax credit will be eliminated. Is this true?
Editor’s response:
It is true, yes. Under the House’s proposed tax act, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program would be eliminated. This will eliminate a $9,600 tax credit for businesses who hire certain disabled veterans. DAV is urging Congress to reconsider this elimination.
WRITE TO US
We welcome letters from our readers. Please mail them to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or submit them via email to feedback@dav.org. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every letter due to the volume received. We also welcome feedback on our Facebook (facebook.com/DAV) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq) pages. Letters used are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. Messages involving individual claims are referred to the DAV Service Department.
I am a life member of the DAV Chapter 198 in Kingsland, Texas. I read the September/October issue of DAV Magazine, and I wish to take issue with the three paths that you say will speed up the processing of a veteran’s claim [“Appeals legislation a win for veterans”]. First, taking the appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. This has always been the case. How would this speed up processing? Second, requesting a higher-level adjudicator to decide the case. What about the veterans whose claims are denied? Third, filing a supplemental claim with new evidence. This provision has been in effect for decades. J.D. Poitevent, Buchanan Dam, Texas
Editor’s response:
1. With this new law, veterans can go directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with simply a Notice of Disagreement, as opposed to the previous, much lengthier process that included waiting to receive a statement of the case and filing a VA Form 9. The VA’s goal wait time for higher-level review is under one year.
2. Those whose claims are denied now have one year to choose another “lane” to appeal, without sacrificing their original effective dates.
3. Veterans have always been able to file a supplemental claim, but under this new law their original effective date is protected.
Help for heroes
In the September/October DAV Magazine, there was a very informative article, “Help for heroes.” You state that the nursing home care bill had been sent to collections, and was now a “new expense” for the veteran’s daughter. Unless the daughter “guaranteed” the payment, she is not responsible to pay the bill. If she is the executor of her dad’s estate, she may have to pay the bill out of any funds left in his estate. A lawyer would advise as to what to pay if there were more claims on the estate than funds available. David Turk, Thompson’s Station, Tenn.
Citizenship for service members
I think the president should give all non-U.S. citizens in the U.S. military their citizenship because they live or die for our country. My dad was an immigrant when he joined the military and was given his citizenship while in the Navy during World War II. Dave Adams, via email
The Choice Program
The Choice Program stipulates that qualified veterans’ medical care and treatment will be provided by civilian physicians, hospitals, etc., under contract with the VA and as a direct substitute for VA doctors or facilities. However, if the VA does not pay providers in full for such services, then they are free to collect the unpaid charges from the veterans. If this flaw is not corrected soon, thousands of us who are enrolled in the Choice Program will incur much legal trouble and expense defending ourselves against third-party providers and their collection agencies. Michael N. Mantegna, Alpharetta, Ga.
TEE Tournament
As a life member of DAV, I had the experience of my life by volunteering at my first National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament. I enjoyed helping other veterans with the activities they signed up for. These men and women had smiles on their faces all day long and kept thanking me for volunteering. I hope to be a part of this next year, and hopefully more vets like myself sign up for this wonderful event. Gregory Mocha, Griffith, Ind.
Privatization
I choose the Asheville VA over private care. They take great care of me, and I can get an appointment with my primary care faster than my wife can get one from her private doctor. The VA is a one-stop shop for me and my fellow veterans, and they understand our needs. Bruce Eicher, Pisgah Forest, N.C.
facebook.com/theDAV
DAV, could you explain what the new tax bill would do to disabled veterans in regard to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit? I have heard that this tax credit will be eliminated. Is this true?
Editor’s response:
It is true, yes. Under the House’s proposed tax act, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program would be eliminated. This will eliminate a $9,600 tax credit for businesses who hire certain disabled veterans. DAV is urging Congress to reconsider this elimination.
WRITE TO US
We welcome letters from our readers. Please mail them to DAV Magazine, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076, or submit them via email to feedback@dav.org. We regret we are unable to acknowledge every letter due to the volume received. We also welcome feedback on our Facebook (facebook.com/DAV) and Twitter (twitter.com/davhq) pages. Letters used are subject to editing for clarity, style, accuracy, space and propriety. Messages involving individual claims are referred to the DAV Service Department.
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