To all disabled veterans......

[Texascat]

I was released from active duty in March of 1997. The VA rated me with a 60% permanent disability rating. Since 1997 I have had multiple apointments upon their request with doctors, shrinks, and leazon people. I just found out last week that I was entitled to $300.00/month extra compensation because I have two kids, their ages now are 8 and 4. "I guess it is called dependant pay."I have been not recieving this at all. I don't have a lot of time to study up on everything the VA has to offer, and they sure are not going to volunteer any information unless you ask and do your research. There has been a couple things that have come to a surprise to me over the last couple of years regarding benefits, and certain things veterans are entitled to that I never knew about. I think every veteran knows about the usual loan benefits, free hunting and fishing licenses etc... I have had to learn some of this stuff the hard way, and I would be willing to share as much as I know to who ever is interested. I am also looking for any not so much talked about information that people may have that I may not know about.
FYI:
Also, any disabled veteran who is missing a limb, or that is physically impared and has a service connected disability with at least a 40% disability rating, is entitled to a one time $4500.00 car allowance. You can put the money towards a vehicle, or any kind of adaptive equipment for your vehicle. I found this out about 3 years after my discharge. They will cut you a check for $4500.00 and it takes about three weeks.

Thank you

[12244]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Lots of resources out there, many are hard to find. This man and his organization are helping. www.iava.org

http://www.iava.org/videos/general-v...uction-to-iava

[crazyinoregon]

at 60 percent you are eligible for certain education benefits as well as job placement services. i think that 60 allows you a reduced amount owed on your home taxes with proof of disability....this is simply a letter from the va regional that doesnt speak specifically to what your disability is, just that you are paid at x percent. I dont know if you mentioned liscense plates or not but that is also available at 20 percent and above i believe.

semper fi

[mitch]

In Washington you can also get a combo license for about 11 bucks per year.

[Old Coot]

Any Oregon veteran curious about potential benefits, or who thinks they have a claim to pursue with the federal VA should call the Oregon Department Of Veterans' Affairs at the statewide toll-free number, 1-800-828-8801 and ask to have a Veterans' Benefit Checklist mailed to them, or ask to speak with a benefits counselor.

This State agency will assist veterans on a variety of issues at NO CHARGE. They are a professional advocacy group for vets.

Another source of assistance that may be closer to home for some is the County Veterans' Service Officer. Each county has one.

[Hell-B]

The county has some great resources. They filled all the paperwork out for me.

[anglingaddict]

You are getting back pay on the amount you mentioned for dependants, right?! Yes, you are entitled to it back to the date you were first awarded a disability rating of at least 30%.

Thanks for your service brother!

Semper Fi!

[cubsfan]

Thank you for what you have done and sacrificed!

[Texascat]

Originally Posted by anglingaddict

You are getting back pay on the amount you mentioned for dependants, right?! Yes, you are entitled to it back to the date you were first awarded a disability rating of at least 30%.

Thanks for your service brother!

Semper Fi!

I tried for the back pay and it was denied. The dependant pay totaled up to almost $30,000.00 for the last eight years.
The VA's explaination was that they had sent me a letter/form stating if you have any changes in your family dependants etc.. to please update their records. They don't have a date it was sent, or to what address but they said they sent it to every disabled vet. I don't know, it's kind of a he said she said type deal but I know I never recieved it. FOR SURE If I would have recieved a form, it would have been filed out and sent in. Kind of makes me sick!

[PapaHog]

Both the county and state veteran advisors/advocates were instrumental in my successful application for benefits. Without them I do not believe I would have started receiving benefits.

Jim Palmer at Washington County's Aging and Veteran Services office was and is a real aggressive advocate. He assisted me in filling out all the paperwork for the applications and appeal process. He made sure all appeals were filed on time and all Ts were crossed and all I's were dotted.

[1bigfish]

I try and post this once or twice a year.

Free camping and day use of Oregon State Parks for Veterans with Disabilities; Active Military On Leave.

I got my card already but thought that there may be others out there that didn’t know about this program.

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/fee_waivers.shtml


Oregon State Parks Identification Cards

OPRD issues park access identification cards to every qualifying veteran who submits a completed application for the fee waiver, which applies to the use of RV and tent campsites and visits to all 26 of OPRD’s day-use-fee parks.

To apply for the identification card, veterans with a service-connected disability must:
1. Obtain a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (1220 SW 3rd, Portland OR 97204) stating the veteran has a service-connected disability.
2. Fill out and submit a short, one-page Oregon Parks and Recreation Department application. The application is available in three different ways: online at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/docs/2006_vet_app.pdf, from state park offices and by calling 1-800-551-6949 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
3. Mail or bring the application and a copy of the letter from Veterans Affairs to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Veteran’s Park Pass
2501 SW 1st Ave, Suite 100
Portland OR 97201-4751
After the application is processed, OPRD sends the identification card in the mail, even to veterans who choose to drop off their completed forms. The card is valid for four years.

[12244]

Soldiers with the Oregon National Guard are issued free fishing and hunting licenses as soon as they step off the bus in Salem. I have asked lots of ODFW folks about this policy, in case someone misses the opportunity. I still dont have a clear answer, so please remind your retrurning soldier not to skip the little ODFW machine as soon as they get home.

[crazyinoregon]

Originally Posted by Texascat

I tried for the back pay and it was denied. The dependant pay totaled up to almost $30,000.00 for the last eight years.
The VA's explaination was that they had sent me a letter/form stating if you have any changes in your family dependants etc.. to please update their records. They don't have a date it was sent, or to what address but they said they sent it to every disabled vet. I don't know, it's kind of a he said she said type deal but I know I never recieved it. FOR SURE If I would have recieved a form, it would have been filed out and sent in. Kind of makes me sick!

gather facts and appeal when that comes back appeal again and again. if you are in the right dont let them try to convince you otherwise by bullying.

[anglingaddict]

Originally Posted by crazyinoregon

gather facts and appeal when that comes back appeal again and again. if you are in the right dont let them try to convince you otherwise by bullying.

diddo that!!!!! Your county vet rep will be awesome in helping with this! I know exactly which form they are talking about and yes I received one. No special form to fill out, just a letter asking you to notify them if there are any changes with dependants. They are supposed to have proof that they sent it to you. That could just be an entry in your file. However, if it's not there, how can they say they sent it?! Get your ducks in line, i.e. which dependant came along at which time in relation to your disability award. Your vet rep will want that info and the more you have done up front the better you look to them and they will do even more for you because they know they wont be just spinning their wheels then. My own is that you will have to fight this hard because of the amount. They NEVER like to pay out checks that large! Also, check in with your local American Legion (JOIN if you're now a member already too!!!!) and they will be able to help point you to others who could possibly help you as well. Network, network, network and DON"T GIVE UP!!!!!
Any specific questions feel free to PM me and I will help if I can. I've been through the ringer with the disability stuff.

[JustSteve]

Originally Posted by Texascat

I tried for the back pay and it was denied. The dependant pay totaled up to almost $30,000.00 for the last eight years.
The VA's explaination was that they had sent me a letter/form stating if you have any changes in your family dependants etc.. to please update their records. They don't have a date it was sent, or to what address but they said they sent it to every disabled vet. I don't know, it's kind of a he said she said type deal but I know I never recieved it. FOR SURE If I would have recieved a form, it would have been filed out and sent in. Kind of makes me sick!

Get a legal eagle and hound them to death. I don't know any, but there may be one or two out there who will do pro bono work...even if you got to pay them 33%, that's still 20,000 in your pocket.

Steve

[PapaHog]

Originally Posted by crazyinoregon

gather facts and appeal when that comes back appeal again and again. if you are in the right dont let them try to convince you otherwise by bullying.

I agree, there will be a time when you can not appeal but while you are living you should appeal, appeal and appeal some more.

[crazyinoregon]

the way i see it....they cant prove that they sent you that form but you can prove that those were your kids when you recieved service connection right....