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Veterans

In reply to the discussion: question re vet benefits [View all]

Silver Gaia

(4,514 posts)
8. It is my understanding that there is a difference
Wed Jan 2, 2019, 07:38 AM
Jan 2019

regarding whether or not the veteran can work depending on the type of 100% rating. If the rating is 100% service-connected permanent and total, then working according to whatever the disability might physically allow one to do is fine and does not affect the rating or the amount. However, sometimes the rating is given as 100% service-connected due to unemployability, and in that case, since the rating of 100% was given due to the fact that the disability makes one unemployable, working would negate the reason for the 100% rating, and an adjustment would be made.

You are correct about CHAMPVA. I'm not sure about keeping it in the case of divorce, though. It might be that the ex-spouse keeps it unless the veteran remarries, but then it would go to the new spouse. It is kept if the veteran dies, though (along with a small portion of the disability payment). And it does become your secondary when you are old enough for Medicare. The only catch is that you have to have both Medicare Part A and Part B to keep CHAMPVA, and there's a fee for Part B, so keep that in mind. The prescription benefit is super, though! Meds by Mail is cost-free.

There's no vision plan and no dental, but CHAMPVA recipients are now eligible for Delta Dental, a plan previously only available to Medicare recipients. It's cheap, and they pay like most dental insurance.

The other thing you should have are educational benefits under Chapter 35. They will pay college tuition for a spouse and dependent children. Between this and Pell Grants, our daughter's BA was cost-free. The same would apply to you should you want or need to get a degree.

I agree that this is NOT charity or government assistance. It is an EARNED benefit. The veteran gave of him or her self in service to our country, and the country is obliged to repay them for what they lost in that service. They did their duty to protect us, now it is the duty of citizens to protect them in return.

And finally, yes, veterans helping veterans is how things work, so don't be afraid to ask questions! As I mentioned above, we found the DAV to be an excellent advocate organization for disabled vets. They are based on veterans helping veterans. They will help you file your paperwork and be your advocate to argue your case if need be. They're good people, in my experience.

I hope all of this helps!

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