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 Vallarta Living | Veteran Affairs | November 2006 
Pension Pretermission
 David Lord - PVNN
| | A VA study said that poor veterans generally, "are completely unaware that the program exists. Veterans simply don't know about it." |
Nearly 2 million poor veterans or their impoverished widows are likely missing out on as much as $22 billion a year in pensions from the US government, but the Department of Veterans Affairs has had only limited success in finding them.
Widows are hardest hit. According to a VA estimate, only one in seven of the survivors of the nation's deceased soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who likely could qualify for the pension actually get the monthly checks.
The reason for the lax participation, a VA study said, is that poor veterans generally, "are completely unaware that the program exists. Veterans simply don't know about it."
The total number of pension cases fell to 541,000 in fiscal 2005, the sixth straight year of declines.
The VA Actuary's Office predicts that pension participation is likely to drop further, losing between 7000 and 8000 enrollees a year and falling below 500,000 participants by 2012. At the same time, the separate report estimated, based on census and other data, that an additional 853,000 veterans and 1.1 million survivors - generally widows - could get the pension but don't.
Of all those likely eligible, only 27 percent of veterans and 14 percent of widows receive the money.
Pensions aren't the only thing that veterans are failing to tap. Last year, an estimated 572,000 veterans might be missing out on VA disability-compensation payments, which range from $115 to $2471 a month. The estimate was based on an analysis of VA survey data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
The program provides a monthly check to bring incomes up to a certain level. A veteran can make a minimum of $10,929 a year and qualify for the VA pension, while veterans' widows can make up to $7,329 a year. Vets who are housebound can receive $13,356 per year and widows may receive $8,957 when housebound. (To qualify as housebound you must be in or around the home over 80% of the time due to medical conditions.)
HOW TO GET HELP:
Veterans and their widows or other dependents might be eligible for the Department of Veterans Affairs pension if they meet certain requirements. They include: Veterans must have served during a time of war, even if not in combat, and they must be either permanently disabled or 65 or older. In addition, their incomes must fall under a certain level.
If you are a veteran and think you may qualify for the benefit, you can check the VA's website: www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Milsvc/Docs/Pensoneg.doc for confirmation.
Widows of veterans can also apply, although their incomes must be even lower. If you are the widow of a veteran, you can find all of the information you need at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Milsvc/Docs.
Veterans living here in Mexico are advised to seek professional Accredited guidance. Just send me an email at david.lord@yahoo.com and I'll help you determine the claims/benefits to which you may be entitled to by law.
COMPENSATION RATES for 2007 RISE 3.3%
US Veterans with disabilities as a result of Military Service will receive the following monthly check amounts, which are payable in degrees of 10% to 100%. The dollar amounts start at $115 and climb to $2417 for single Veterans, while a married Veteran gains even more.
The dollar amount below based on the per cent of compensation, the lower row (V-S) shows amount paid to married Veterans.
Essentials of VA medical exam as referenced in Code of Federal Regulations 38. as stated;
This is a guide in the evaluation of disability resulting from all types of diseases and injuries encountered as a result of or incident to military service. The percentage ratings represent as far as can practicably be determined the average impairment in earning capacity resulting from such diseases and injuries and their residual conditions in civil occupations.
Generally, the degrees of disability specified are considered adequate to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses proportionate to the severity of the several grades of disability. For the application of this schedule, accurate and fully descriptive medical examinations are required, with emphasis upon the limitation of activity imposed by the disabling condition.
Over a period of many years, a veteran's disability claim may require re-ratings in accordance with changes in laws, medical knowledge and his or her physical or mental condition. It is thus essential, both in the examination and in the evaluation of disability, that each disability be viewed in relation to its history.
You must be given a proper exam, and in Mexico, I suggest that I represent you before the actual Doctor selected by the Consul General in Guadalajara. It is most unfortunate that exam protocols required by the V.A. rating board in the adjudication process is NOT being followed by the Consul Generals Office. If you have had a problem with the Consuls medical exam or the Doctor's report contact me.
 David Lord served in Vietnam as combat Marine for 1st Battalion 26th Marines, during which time he was severely wounded. He received the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation for his actions during the war in Vietnam. In Mexico, David now represents all veterans south of the U.S. border all the way to Panama, before the V.A. and the Board of Veterans Appeals. David Lord provides service to veterans at no fee. Veterans are welcome to drop in and discuss claims/benefits to which they are entitled by law at his office located at Bayside Properties, 160 Francisca Rodriguez, tel.: 223-4424, call him at home 299-5367, on his cell: 044 (322) 205-1323, or email him at mophmx@@yahoo.com or david.lord@yahoo.com.
Click HERE for more Veteran Affairs with David Lord »»» |
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