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Sorry that you are dealing with that situation. There is reform that is needed for certain VA facilities, they are not all great, but they are also not all bad. We just need to do a better job of filing complaints and responding to those survey so that we can create paper trails of the issues we need to fix.

There is also the alternative to go online and complete, the kiosk were very handy but they were always breaking down with such limited use for some reason. Here is the link to set it up online dvagov-btsss.dynamics365portals.us/ this allows you to file the claims. Not entirely sure how well it works for mobile but I know it is available also. Hope this makes it easier!

Your Welcome!!

@ravensfan410 I see a lot of changes coming and not really benefitting veterans. Most times, when it comes to budget or agency reductions, the VA is always on the top of the list when mentioned. Cannot be certain, but with the possible changes to the rating schedules and the possible changes with this new administration, I can't say im confident.

@@VetAwareProject Thanks for the quick response. I appreciate your honesty.

@@joseromero9933 have to get the info out!

You are a veteran regardless of where you work. That status does not go away. Now, depending on the job you are trying to obtain when going through USAJOBS, you see the designations. If you need assistance you have your congressman and woman to reqch out to for assistance.

Thank you, sounds like a plan. Mission is set. TANGO YANKEE

Sorry to hear that you became homeless, but when was that? This is a program that piloted in 2016 and has been worked on as we continue. It's unfortunate that you may not have been aware of the program or it wasn't in existence when you went through your issue. Also it would be unfair to state that all veterans would be in your position of experience with this program. So to say its not true off of your account only damages the beliefs of other veterans in trying to obtain assistance.

@JustCruzOn you are correct. It didn't existed then. I had to live in a homeless shelter. I got out of Marines in 2000. Not a lot of places hiring machine gunners. I had to get some training from county to become welder only to be ran out due to my military injury.

@IvanCentola again, because you had a bad experience in getting a job in a location that doesn't have much turnover, do not generalize the experience. I left the military from Germany and had multiple friends gain employment through this program with no issue.

@IvanCentola just because you went through an issue does not mean that goes for everyone, so dont create fake issues because you got looked over, your narrative makes veterans not apply because they would think its true. Where I am stating what the benefit is. So please do better of not spreading lies, because of your own experience.

Well if you are a combat Veteran and are trying to become a overseas contractor better chances of being hired compared to a regular civilian. But, I see how that sounds.

@@VetAwareProject I knew a guy, who joined the Marines for 8 years. Was involved with the intelligence part of the Marines, then signed up with...I wanna say Black Rock or something. Became a military contractor guarding stuff over in Kuwait, Afghanistan, whatever. I know that sounds like a friend of a friend of a friend thing. Not trying to dilute anything. I know he was a marine, did the intelligence thing, and signed up with a company that did contractor work. I just don't know the intimate details. I thought of this guy when I saw the clip. Mercenary came to mind. So do apologize if I got the wrong idea. I probably shouldn't say nothing unless I got all the details. But I did.

We just got to keep working until they are all taken care of!

The different levels happen after the evaluation, and the severity of all those issues combined. The best advice is to speak to a VSO in order to properly submit and file to obtain one of those designations. Having multiple ailments combined raises the level, but a full evaluation is conducted before receiving a designation.

Also if you fall under Aid and Attendance or homebound, the criteria has to be met in order to recieve those designations. Also evaluations that will need participation of the person providing care.

@@VetAwareProject Thank you for the quick response. We already arranged an assistant living for him. I appreciate your work. Before I go, I will subscribe. Good luck to your channel Sir!

@@alhambra119 Thank You, and hoping you receive a timely response!

I am not sure of the specifics, reaching out to a VSO would best assist. If you are getting aid and attendance or are considered homebound, you would need to be evaluated in order to recieve the designation. I do not have in depth knowledge on SMC levels, so again please reach out to a VSO with better knowledge to assist you. Hoping the best for you!

@christianeaster2776 completely agree, as a veteran, I went through many hoops and know of many that still are fighting claims and, for care, need to get politicians to understand and help make that change.

@rawgamers963 depending if your still active or not, contact IG for an investigation and also contact your state representative to get ahead of it because DFAS will not assist woth the issue.

@chrissmith-rv5ro its about making sure veterans are taken care of, not any of the other things you mentioned. We get kicked to the curb and many do not know the resources available to them. Thats the real issue!

No Problem, and Thanks Again for the opportunity!

www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/ this is through the VA that gives you the ability to search for those within your mile radius. Also, reaching out to A VFW Post, American Legion, and also usually within VA Medical Facility, they can lead you to them. Hope this helps!

This would be a question that I would refer to a VSO. As I am not aware of levels being paid for possible attempts on life. If it is aid and attendance, it would be due to needing assistance with eating, feeding, or clothing. For having meds controlled by your wife does not necessarily fall under a level, but I insist in you speaking to a VSO for better clarification and guidance.

No you do not have to be recieving a pension, you apply for this and get evaluated, if you meet those requirements which are on my other video then you recieve it. VA isn't trying to just give it to you. Still a process without the pension.

The attached link for Combined Ratings Table Title 38 Chapter 1 Part 4.25 www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.25 this will show you the benefits, % you can get from each benefit, and the criteria to get this %. Hope this helps!

No Problem!

No problem

You already know!

Happy for you!

Can you be a bit more specific on the question, on the meaning of secure. If you qualify and meet the requirements you will recieve it as long as you meet the prerequisites. You will still go through C&P in order to obtain it.

@@VetAwareProject I mean will the VA reexamine in 2 or 3 years or is IT P T

The VA will re-examine if necessary, but its usually a P&T case scenario where it stays. For the SMC the examinations are more extensive, so if you recieve it is most likely a situation that will not get better or change. As with many there is a loss of limb involved.

These are last years numbers, the video has been updated with the 2024 numbers.

For further information from a veteran that currently receives SMC please read the replies below.

No. This is the total amount you will recieve. This is the disability pay plus SMC combined. You don't add your pay rate to these amounts. Some people will see this and think they're going to be getting $8k+ a month.

@@XploreAz Can you show me where you found that piece of information. I am looking and through Military OneSource I found this "SMC is paid in addition to the VA’s standard disability compensation rates and is based on the severity of the disability" on their website. The same statement can be found on Military.com.

@@VetAwareProject I know this because I receive SMC. All Special Monthly Compensation Rates are given instead of the standard VA Disability Rates, except for Category K. Category K is given in addition to your standard disability pay.

@@VetAwareProject the wording is confusing. Yes it’s in addition to standard disability rates, but the totals you showed in the video is what the disability rates plus SMC rates equal. It isn’t the standard disability rates plus those rates in your video.

Do you reside in the state of Massachusetts?

No, I currently live in Florida.

@johndamiano2014 im currently unaware of Florida having the benefit, I know the state of Massachusetts has the program, I will see what I can find and get back to you.

@@VetAwareProjectAppreciate it Thank you

I am not able to find a $2000 annuity payment for disabled veterans outside the state of Massachusetts, I would suggest reaching out to a VSO for better clarification for the state of Florida. As each state has different benefits.