Refile for Past MST Claims that were denied.
If your claim was denied for a disability caused by MST, the VA encourages you to request a decision review. They changed the process for claims related to MST. They improved by adding specialized training for claim processors. If you’d like to request a decision review, contact a Veterans Benefits Administration MST outreach coordinator at your local VA regional office.
This is the VA Promise to MST Victims.
Treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to a Veteran’s experiences for MST is free. No documentation for MST is required for healthcare. Some Veterans can receive this free MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA care. Here is the NEXT STEP TO GET HELP. To get a disability rating, you must prove you are a victim of MST.If your claim was denied for a disiblity caused by MS the VA encourages you to request a decision review. They changed the process for claims related to MST. They improved by adding specialized training for claim processors. If you’d like to request a decision review, contact a Veterans Benefits Administration MST outreach coordinator at your local VA regional office. https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp
VA Math
How does the VA determine combined VA disability ratings?
Let’s say you are rated at 90% you might have to get another disability rated at least 30% or more to be given a total of 100% disability. Yep, it is hard to explain. Your disabilities can total 140, and they give you 90%. The process of VA math always considers the highest rating first and then moves through the remaining disability ratings in order of greatest to least for VA benefits. Also, the VA only considers percentages in increments of 10. This is why 44% is rounded down to 40%.
Memory? “I wish I had one.” …. Depends on being organized.
- Some VETS say to write a daily journal. If you’re concerned about privacy, be sure to use a very difficult password to remember so it is protected in a free cloud.
- A fellow vet gave this tip about the BLUE BUTTONS on My Healthy Vet.com
- Keep all the letters, forms, and documents in an accordion folder, and create a file system. You are not going to believe how much paperwork you are going to have.
- Do not ignore what the VA sends to you. Take it to your VSO if you do not understand it. You will be given handouts, pamphlets brochures from many sources. You cannot trust your memory.
- Write Notes on the back of the First Page of every letter you get from the VA. Write about the who, what, why, where, when how issues and what actions you have to take or have taken.
- The VA is very big on burying you with paperwork. They send 5 to 10 or more pages per letter. Staple them together in numeric order. Write the date you received it at the TOP of the first page. Be organized to find it quickly. Take it with you to every VSO and VA appointment.
- Get an account on My HealthyVet.
Talk to Other Veterans.
Start now talking to Veterans about their experiences with the VA. When you go to your appointments there is a lot of hurry-up-wait in rooms with other veterans like you. Talk to them. Exchange information. Hear their story and tell your story. There is a wealth of information sitting next to you or you can give information to the next veteran. We are all brothers and sisters. I am not saying believe what you hear but check it out with your VSO or Doctors to find the truth.
Social Media has many groups about Vets Helping Vets but I have seen way too much anger in them, misguided information, and people lying about the VA. Use it at your own risk.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
You’re working with a federal bureaucracy to prove your service-connected disability. This process might include setbacks and hurdles. If your claim gets denied, don’t give up—reapply and keep pushing forward. Persistence is essential. Be honest, voice your concerns, and stay steady in your efforts. Most importantly, don’t face this alone. Bring a loved one to your appointments to serve as your advocate and support.
The VA is here to support us. When you contact anyone at the VA, it’s important to be respectful. Honesty is essential; dishonesty about disabilities is considered fraud. Avoid participating in illegal activities. If you feel overwhelmed or triggered, let them know, and they will help you. The VA is not trying to deny any benefits you are entitled to; in fact, they provide all the information you need to take care of yourself. You just have to ask or seek it out, just like I did when I created this website.
If you know of any fraudulent acts, please report them. The VA Office of Inspector General investigates a variety of potential crimes, including financial crimes, threats against VA personnel and property, and actions that may harm patients.