VETERANS CORNER: Challenged by the 90% dilemma

by Gary Kennedy

I have been really challenged by the 90 percent dilemma that many veterans are battling with. When you climb the ladder of percentages, for some reason things become stagnant at 90 percent. It really seems like a position that a veteran doesn’t really want to deal with and most don’t understand it. When you are elevated to 90 percent most veterans feel good about it. However, they very quickly find some draw backs to that rating. For those veterans who don’t understand the V.A. math end up in confusion.

This is a time to be speaking with an advocate who is familiar with this seeming road block. An example would be if you do the math correctly you might end up with an 84 percent which in V.A. reality is only 80 percent. It has to end up on the north side of 85 percent to climb the ladder. So, if you get 94 percent then again you would only be 90 percent. If you received 95 percent then you are looking at the 100 percent you have been seeking. It is not as easy as it sounds. When you were back in the low 90’s it figured out you would need an added 10 percent disability for each step of the way. Again once you achieve 95 percent or more you have reached your goal. It’s easier if you have the V.A. chart in front of you and you learn how to use it. It seems to me the powers that be don’t want to make it easier; I think they are afraid everyone will end up with a 100 percent; as the Beach Boys would say, “wouldn’t it be nice”.

I hear most of you guys say, “I wouldn’t bother with it but I have to think of the future of my family”. The D.I.C. process can be a nightmare when you have to fill all the rules. I’ve seen some fail. It’s always smart to go to V.B.A. in building 248, second floor and speak with a certified service officer. Courtney is the group leader I believe. They are friendly, courteous and a knowledgeable group and act as a collective, which is a good thing as you have the expertise of all. They don’t let anything go unsolved. They are there for you and it will be very obvious during your visit. There are some things that lay persons don’t know or are unaware of but they have ongoing training, so all the current directives are given to them as soon as they become available. There are usually four specialists on duty, Courtney, Terry, Kevin and Sherry. You can call 207-621-6938 and make an appointment or you can be a walk-in if you happen to be in the area.

Also, I mentioned earlier about climbing the percentage ladders and being stuck at 90 percent. In time that could take care of itself but for some, time is a problem. So, my advice is to have one of the service people look at your claim and see what could be missing or what could be increased. They are obligated to give you good sound advice and to help you with the best development of your claim. You would be surprised at what they might find. If something does happen to the veteran then you and spouse will have placed this claim in a good place. Next, and something you won’t hear from most Advocates, is the last details of this claim. I suggest that you speak with the medical examiner who writes the death certificate and explain all the medical problems that your spouse had and that it is important that he writes a report favoring your situation. Get a copy of the death certificate to use as needed.

There are some rules and regulations that must be followed. I won’t give you all of that here but there are things such as your length of marriage and MOS in the service. How many years have passed 10, five or one year. The length of your marriage can be important, were you still together and does anyone else have a claim to the same benefit. Generally there is no problem, however, it’s better to dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s. Again V.B.A. will know what I am talking about and will explain this to you.

Your spouse just wants his or her family protected when they are no longer there to protect them. So, the least they can do is guide you to a safe place as I am trying to do. Most of you have my email, garyek55@gmail.com feel free to use it. We have a new President and many are worried that could be a problem; I can assure you such is not the case. Most of you are set in the system now and the others would not realize any change as they are new to the system so it would be normal for them. I don’t have much to say this week but I hope I answered a couple of questions. Let me know if you want to talk about anything in particular and we can dive right in. God bless you and yours and have a wonderful weekend together. We don’t have many left.