Recently Medically Retired... Now What?

[Spooky731]

As of 28NOV15, I have been medically retired from the AF for a diagnosis of MS. I have so many concerns that I find it difficult for my mind to settle on one thing at a time.

First, I was given a DoD rating of 30%/VA Proposed rating of 80%. eBenifits had stated that my rating has been "Pending Decision Approval" since last AUG15. 2 weeks ago a new claim titled IDES appeared on eBenefits with "under review" as the status. Last week, my original claim with all of my conditions listed was deleted and only the IDES (titled) claim remains with the status of "Preparation for Decision." Is this normal??? I thought that once I discharged (mine was honorable, BTW), all of this was going to complete.

Second, what is the point of me signing consent/agreement to my proposed rating if it could actually change?

Third, how often does it change? If you or someone you know have examples of it changing, could you share the circumstances?

Fourth, does anyone know of a more recent timeline of retirement-receipt of formal VA decision-receipt of benefits.

Fifth, should I have gotten a representative like the DAV or Legion? I spoke to a AF JAG when I was still active duty and she said I wasn't getting a terrible deal. Should I get a representative now?

Sixth, VA vs Tricare which did you choose? I live in Las Vegas which makes me eligible for Tricare prime. If I do get 80% with my dependents, I'll receive $1902/month. It's not a lot with the cost of living here. Would Tricare prime be worth it for me? Is VA healthcare terrible here? I hear it depends on location. If you seek VA care before your formal rating decision is complete, doesn't that mean that you'll have to pay for it?

I hope these questions aren't placed in the wrong forum. I just need a little guidance/reassurance in the least. I also have some short term memory loss which further complicates my understanding of this whole process.

 

[gsfowler]

Last week, my original claim with all of my conditions listed was deleted and only the IDES (titled) claim remains with the status of "Preparation for Decision." Is this normal??? I thought that once I discharged (mine was honorable, BTW), all of this was going to complete.

Yes, this is normal, the first claim is the proposed one, the second will be the final claim once you are off of active duty and have provided the VA with your DD-214. Have you uploaded your DD-214 to eBenefits? The PDA will need this to render the final decision, mail you your official rating letter and pay you for your C&P

Second, what is the point of me signing consent/agreement to my proposed rating if it could actually change?

The PDA makes the final decision and they may increase/decrease the actual rating. In my own case they increased it because they service connected and issue that the IDES stated was EPTS

Third, how often does it change? If you or someone you know have examples of it changing, could you share the circumstances?

Not too often, but it can, see my example above

Fourth, does anyone know of a more recent timeline of retirement-receipt of formal VA decision-receipt of benefits.

The VA benefits begin on the first day of the month following your discharge from active duty, in your case that would be Dec 1, payable on Jan 1st. You will get paid once the VA finalizes the claim.

Fifth, should I have gotten a representative like the DAV or Legion? I spoke to a AF JAG when I was still active duty and she said I wasn't getting a terrible deal. Should I get a representative now?

You still can if you would like, automatically your are assigned a VSO, you should have picked one, check on eBenefits, there should be one listed. If there is not one, you should pick one. I use American Legion

Sixth, VA vs Tricare which did you choose? I live in Las Vegas which makes me eligible for Tricare prime. If I do get 80% with my dependents, I'll receive $1902/month. It's not a lot with the cost of living here. Would Tricare prime be worth it for me? Is VA healthcare terrible here? I hear it depends on location. If you seek VA care before your formal rating decision is complete, doesn't that mean that you'll have to pay for it?

I use Tricare prime for my dependents and have Tricare for Life for myself because I have Medicare part a/b. Tricare prime for dependents is a great choice as it gives you family the ability to choose within the Tricare network and has $12 copays.

$1902 is not a lot, you can draw unemployment and file a claim up to a year from being released from active duty, I do not know how much it will be in Vegas, but in CA I was able to get $1950 per month for a year.

You can also file fro TDIU if you are not planning on going to work immediately, if approved, you will be paid at the 100% schedular rate which is just over $3000 per month.

 

[euphonix]

As of 28NOV15, I have been medically retired from the AF for a diagnosis of MS. I have so many concerns that I find it difficult for my mind to settle on one thing at a time.

First, I was given a DoD rating of 30%/VA Proposed rating of 80%. eBenifits had stated that my rating has been "Pending Decision Approval" since last AUG15. 2 weeks ago a new claim titled IDES appeared on eBenefits with "under review" as the status. Last week, my original claim with all of my conditions listed was deleted and only the IDES (titled) claim remains with the status of "Preparation for Decision." Is this normal??? I thought that once I discharged (mine was honorable, BTW), all of this was going to complete.

Second, what is the point of me signing consent/agreement to my proposed rating if it could actually change?

Third, how often does it change? If you or someone you know have examples of it changing, could you share the circumstances?

Fourth, does anyone know of a more recent timeline of retirement-receipt of formal VA decision-receipt of benefits.

Fifth, should I have gotten a representative like the DAV or Legion? I spoke to a AF JAG when I was still active duty and she said I wasn't getting a terrible deal. Should I get a representative now?

Sixth, VA vs Tricare which did you choose? I live in Las Vegas which makes me eligible for Tricare prime. If I do get 80% with my dependents, I'll receive $1902/month. It's not a lot with the cost of living here. Would Tricare prime be worth it for me? Is VA healthcare terrible here? I hear it depends on location. If you seek VA care before your formal rating decision is complete, doesn't that mean that you'll have to pay for it?

I hope these questions aren't placed in the wrong forum. I just need a little guidance/reassurance in the least. I also have some short term memory loss which further complicates my understanding of this whole process.

I live in Las Vegas and use the VA here as my primary care. I have never had any problems with them with the exception of going to the emergency room in North Vegas and even than it was just a long wait and not actually a problem of care. I use the South East clinic in Henderson for primary care and really couldn't be happier with them.

 

[Spooky731]

Yes, this is normal, the first claim is the proposed one, the second will be the final claim once you are off of active duty and have provided the VA with your DD-214. Have you uploaded your DD-214 to eBenefits? The PDA will need this to render the final decision, mail you your official rating letter and pay you for your C&P

I submitted my DD214 at the regional office in person on 2DEC and also via eBenefits on 3DEC.

$1902 is not a lot, you can draw unemployment and file a claim up to a year from being released from active duty, I do not know how much it will be in Vegas, but in CA I was able to get $1950 per month for a year.

You can also file fro TDIU if you are not planning on going to work immediately, if approved, you will be paid at the 100% schedular rate which is just over $3000 per month.

I am not qualified to receive full unemployment in Nevada as of yet. I am receiving ~$1300 in DoD retirement until the va compensation starts. I'm not sure how it will work but they are apparently going to start withholding my retirement once the VA starts paying being that I've served less than 20 yrs.

I know that I do not feel comfortable working in my field (nursing) due to the short term memory loss and constant fatigue. I'm not sure if that does qualify me for TDIU. I'll look into it though.

Late yesterday I looked on eBenefits again. I checked the historical claims section and found the original claim that disappeared. It had apparently been closed. I called the VA today asking if anything was being mailed to me (the claim stating IDES remains unchanged). The rep told me to disregard the closed claim and they are still making the final decision on it all. -sighs- The unknown and waiting games are really starting to get to me.

I do thank you so very much for taking the time to read and respond. You've been most helpful.

 

[Spooky731]

I live in Las Vegas and use the VA here as my primary care. I have never had any problems with them with the exception of going to the emergency room in North Vegas and even than it was just a long wait and not actually a problem of care. I use the South East clinic in Henderson for primary care and really couldn't be happier with them.

Thank you! I was planning to use them as well since I live (south east section of Vegas) closer to Henderson. Thank you for the info. It is very much appreciated.