Category Archives: Guest authors

IRIS Email response: We need more Veterans working at the VA

Posted on October 4, 2012 by joeaveragevet

The VA loves to tout how they “hire Veterans”.  I wonder if the manager of IRIS, below is a Vet: Discussion Thread  Response via Email Via Email (Department of Veterans Affairs) (Date) 11:38 AM Dear Mr.Joe Average Vet:This is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaints Department, Guest authors, VA BACKLOG | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Absence of Evidence is not Negative Evidence

Posted on October 4, 2012 by joeaveragevet

Yes, I know that one is a mouthful.  However, how many times have we read where the Veteran was denied because “the record shows no evidence of treatment” for this malady? This is precisely what the vA is doing.  They … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Quotes that made me smile today

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Laura

These classic quotes are still fun.  (Mencken’s quote reminded me of the continuing ILP greenhouse saga.) At my age flowers scare me. George Burns What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on? George Carlin I … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Humor | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hi. This is Peggy. I’m not available right now. Please leave a number and the best time to reach you.

Posted on September 26, 2012 by joeaveragevet

This one may have gotten past most Vets advocates.   You see, many of them simply do not trust the information received when you call the VA at 800-827-1000, commonly referred to as Peggy on some Vet’s help sites. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, HOMELESS VETERANS, VA BACKLOG, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

SCOTUS: VA takes 573 days for what should take 2.6 hours!

Posted on September 26, 2012 by joeaveragevet

This was not “plucked from Air” but rather, from a Writ of Cert to SCOTUS.   The Veterans for Common Sense (VCS)  and Veterans United for Truth  have petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) for a  Writ of … Continue reading →

Posted in Complaints Department, Guest authors, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cannabis and HCV claims discussion

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Laura

“When I was a kid, I inhaled.”  “That was the point.” Senator Barack Obama It was refreshing to hear Sen. Obama discuss his youthful cannabis use without shame in 2006.  The adult man considered it a mistake but he was … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, HCV Health, Tips and Tricks, Veterans Law | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

“Questions to Ask Your Veterans”

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Laura

Military Health History Pocket Card This simplistic card was developed by the VA Office of Academic Affiliations.  Their job is to train healthcare students and residents to take care of their Veteran patients at the VA. Scroll to the HCV … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, HCV Health, vA news, Vietnam Disease Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Big fees for private medical records

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Laura

Thoughts while reading AskNod, Chapter 3, Part C:  Collecting the Evidence Ouch, this can get expensive!  We’ve spent about $45.00 in copies from private physicians so far.  One doctor’s minimum charge is $25.00 yet doctor-to-doctor is free. Mr. K is going … Continue reading →

Posted in ASKNOD BOOK, Guest authors, NEW BOOK, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Secret VA benefits: Solar Panels?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by joeaveragevet

Some time ago, I recall reading of a Veteran who asked if there were any “Secret” VA benefits.   The mere “hint” the VA may reserve some or part of its benefit programs for a “favored few” roused the wrath … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, vA news | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mr. K’s first VA Form 21-4138

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Laura

Last night I listened to Nod’s interview with Rick Townsend on Stardust Internet Radio.  Among the things discussed were VA Form 21-4138, better known to some as Statement in Support of Claim and one’s first contact with a VSO. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest authors, Tips and Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments