PROTECTING YOUR GI BILL - Research Your School Choice

Hello and I pray you all had a great weekend.  I certainly did.  I am refreshed and ready to start a new week.

Today, even though I am not eligible, I want to stress to all of you the importance of ensuring that you use your GI Bill wisely.  There are so many schools out there that will do whatever it takes to get approved to receive the funds from VA, but when you actually attend they prove to be substandard in the education that they are providing you.

Now this isn't all on the school.  The VA has to do better about vetting the schools that they approve.  I know of one school, in Atlanta, that was approved to provide training under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP).  This school was supposed to be training veterans in Apartment Maintenance and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).  The sad part about it is they were approved to train, but they hadn't even set-up the lab or anything.  There was curriculum or instructors in place and they had no verifiable history of training these programs.

I share this information because one of the only ways that the VA finds out about these schools in because of veteran complaints.  These are usually proprietary and privately owned schools.  My suggestion, if you are able, would be to attend a college or university, where you are more likely to get a better education, even though some of those can be suspect.  Either way, please do your research before you give away your money and your benefits.

I'm sharing a story with you below to show how important it is to report these types of schools.  These individuals were able to make millions of dollars before someone finally reported them.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL - Be blessed!!

"

Colleagues and Fellow Veterans,

Over the past few years you may have heard us using phrases like, “safeguarding the integrity of GI Bill benefits” and “protecting our beneficiaries from bad actors,” – but what does this really mean? Unfortunately, not every school/institution out there has Veterans’ best interests in mind, so we have been working diligently to ensure that our GI Bill beneficiaries don’t fall victim to schools that employ fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive practices.

Just recently, we had a major “win” that we hope will set a precedent for the future:

As a result of a student complaint in our GI Bill Feedback System, the owners of the College of Beauty and Barber Culture in Chesapeake, Va., were sentenced to jail time and required to pay $4.5 million in restitution. The school, which enrolled hundreds of Veterans since 2011, only had a handful pass their licensing exam. The investigation also revealed that many students did not receive the required hours of instruction, which contradicted information submitted to VA. More information about the case can be found here.

We take our Veterans’ education benefits very seriously, which is why we encourage them to conduct thorough research before choosing a school. To assist them, VA is constantly updating the GI Bill Comparison Tool with the number of complaints a school receives, and we add caution flags highlighting important information such as investigations, settlements, accreditation issues, or financial issues.

GI Bill beneficiaries, family, and friends can play a part in helping keep schools honest. Reporting Principles of Excellence violations and fraudulent schools through the GI Bill Feedback System can help other Veterans and dependents to avoid bad actors and protect the integrity of the GI Bill education programs. Students can also call the VA Office of the Inspector General hotline at 1-800-488-8244. In both cases, it’s up to you if you want to provide contact information or remain anonymous.

We will continue to work hard to provide the most accurate and timely information to our beneficiaries. As we navigate these sometimes turbulent waters, we will remain dedicated to providing the best GI Bill experience possible for those who fought for us.

V/R,

Curtis L. Coy
Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
Veterans Benefits Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Washington, DC 20420"

WAS THE CHOICE REALLY MINE? - Utilizing the VA Choice Program

Hello Everyone.  I pray that you are having the greatest day possible.  When I started writing this blog I knew that I was going to have to be transparent in some things, but I really didn't realize how much.  As I've progressed, I've found that the best way to tell you about a subject is to share my own experience.  I've probably told you all more than some of my closest friends but that's what this blog is all about.


So today, I would like to share my experience with you about the Choice program.  When I was initially approved it was for a mammogram, because the wait to get one at the VA clinic was too long.  Many of you may think that the only way to get approved to use Choice is because of the distance you may live from a facility, but both of the times I have used it, it was because of the long appointment wait times.  Anyway, as usual I digress. :-) 


When I first used the Choice program for the mammogram, everything went pretty smooth.  The only hiccup was that the facility where I received my mammogram had double-billed the VA for my services.  This resulted in me getting a bill, even after Choice had paid.  Now this wasn't their fault but of course my first assumption was that it was, but we all know what they say about assuming.


The second time I used Choice was because of the length of time it would take me to get an appointment in podiatry.  I had hurt my ankle back in January 2016, and to this day it still hurts.  I was seen in podiatry initially and given a cane and a brace but this didn't fix my problem.  So in December 2016, I was given a Choice appointment for January 2, 2017.  I went to the appointment and the podiatrist told me that the reason my ankle couldn't heal properly was because of my flat feet.  He told me that we should first try custom inserts before trying to surgically repair the damage.  His office did the molds of my feet and ordered the inserts that day.


GUESS WHAT EVERYBODY!!!  Yep, you guessed it, I still don't have the inserts.  Why you ask?  Well that's a good question.  I don't have them because the VA has not paid for them.  You see when you get any kind of devices, other than those that are surgically implanted into your body, Choice won't pay for them.  These have to be paid for directly by the VA.  So even though I was given a timely appointment, the devices needed to assist in my healing are still M.I.A.  I call the podiatrist's office at least once a week to see if they've received payment and they haven't.


I'm sharing this so you can make an informed decision on whether to use Choice or not, if you are eligible.  If I had waited on a VA podiatry appointment it would have been in February, and if I had needed the inserts they probably would have already been done by now.


Anyway, I hope this helps someone with their "CHOICE".


As always, thank you for your support.


TTYL - Be blessed.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare - Studying For Your C&P Exam

Hello Everyone.  I pray that all has been well with you since I have been gone.  I started a new job recently and I've been consumed with learning what it is that I'm supposed to do so that I can do a good job.  I recently found that this same type of studying needs to take place before you go for your Claims & Pension (C&P) Exam.  While this information is in no way intended to help anyone cheat the system, it is very necessary for anyone who has a scheduled exam or who may want to apply for VA disability some time in the future.

One of the ways many people study is to check the CFR38 online at http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/bookc.asp.  Unfortunately, for me I was adding Fibromyalgia to my already approved lower back pain and I could not locate anything regarding Fibromyalgia in the CFR38 manual, so I had to do my studying by Googling it and just remembering all the things I've learned about Fibromyalgia from my doctor.

So anyway, I had my C&P exam on Friday and I truly believe that the doctor who examined me thought I was stupid or ill-informed or maybe even both.  One thing that anyone who has been diagnosed with Fibro knows is that the doctor will touch specific areas of your body known as "pain points".  If you experience pain when you are touched in these areas it's a pretty good indicator that you are suffering from Fibro.

Two of these points are on your wrist and your ankle.  When I told her that it hurt when she touched me there she said that she was only checking my pulse.  Another area is across your upper chest and neck.  When I told her it hurt when she touched there she said she is just checking my clavicle.  You also have these pain points on your upper back and buttocks, so when she tapped her way up my entire backside I again let her know that it hurt when she touched me in these spots, and as a matter of fact it hurts when someone applies even light pressure to any part of my body. 

What really cracked me up is when she asked me what pain medication I take.  When I told her I use Ibruprofen and Tylenol, she asked me did I take it as needed.  Yes I take it as needed, which is everyday.  That's why the doctor told me to alternate the pain meds so the Ibruprofen doesn't cause damage to any of my other organs.  Although I haven't seen what she has written up I'm sure it will be interesting. 

So being the writer that I am, I immediately wrote a letter regarding my C&P experience and uploaded it to eBenefits.  I advise any of you that have any type of experience in your exam that you do not agree with to do this.  I really feel as if she was trying to find a way to say that I didn't have Fibro based on the exam.  In addition to the CFR38, study up on your condition.  Know what makes it worse and know how it hasn't worsened since you were first diagnosed with it.  Don't give them any room to attempt to pull the wool over your eyes.  You deserve your compensation - don't let them cheat you.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL - Be blessed!!

STOP THE VIOLENCE!! - Keep Your Hands to Yourself!!

Even though I've been out of the military for quite a few years, I've been blessed to stay in contact or been able to reconnect with some of those who I considered to be my friend.  We went through some things together and had a lot of great fun together.  And as close as we were I never noticed what one of them was going through and really didn't know the full story until yesterday.

My friend lives in Savannah and had to come up to the VA today for her BVA hearing.  She called and asked if she could spend the night with me and of course I told her yes.  When she got here we did a lot of small talk, just about what we were going through, our families and that sort of thing.

I assumed that she was going to the BVA because of a physical injury.  In all the years I've known her I never knew she had one, but I decided I would ask.  I was totally blindsided when she told me that she was going for PTSD.  Now mind you, I'm one of those ignorant people who believe that you can only get PTSD if you've been in a war or in some type of terrible accident.  As she explained to me the physical and verbal abuse that she suffered at the hands of her husband I was dumbstruck.  Then to add insult to injury she told me about how her Chief Petty Officer had also harassed her.  Not at just one duty station, but at two different ones, and how no one took her seriously enough to do anymore than slap him on the wrist.

My friend doesn't know I'm sharing her story, but I hope she is okay with it.  And in the interest of fairness I'll share my own.  In no way did I ever suffer what she did physically, but the verbal abuse from my ex-husband had me terrified for a time.  I even lost my 1st home to foreclosure because he wouldn't leave and the police wouldn't make him leave.  I had to make a choice of whether I wanted to protect me or if I wanted to keep a piece of property.  The choice was very easy for me to make.

To all of you suffering in silence I beg and plead with you to do something about it.  Now, many may think that there are only men who are abusers, but be assured, there are some women out there who are abusive themselves.  Whatever your situation I implore you to seek help.  No matter where you are, there is a way out.  And whatever you do, please stop saying that it was your fault.  No one has the right to put their hands on you in a violent manner.  I don't care how mad I am at someone I will not put my hands on them because this opens me up to them possibly hitting me back, and I think I am way to pretty to get beat.

The military also offers you a way out.  I received the following information in a recent email:

Every single day in the United States, approximately three women are killed by an intimate partner. What can you do to take a stand against domestic violence?

Visit NO MORE for more information and ideas.

  

 #StopIPV #SuperBowl501 #Caring4Vets

 

With VA's Caregiver Support Line assistance is just a quick phone call away. Whether you're in need of immediate assistance or have questions about what services you may be eligible for, the caring licensed professionals who answer the support line can: Tell you about the assistance available from VA. Help you access services. Connect you with the Caregiver Support Coordinator at a VA Medical Center near you. Just listen, if that's what you need right now. If you're just getting started with VA, calling the Caregiver Support Line is a great first step to take to learn more about the support that's available to you. While this says it is for caregivers, the help and support is for anyone who finds themselves in an abusive situation. As always, thank you for your support. TTYL - be blessed.

WHERE'S THE MONEY GOING?!! Audit of VAs Financial Statements

Recently the Veterans Office of Inspector General conducted an independent audit on the VAs finances.  The audit was for the fiscal years 2015 and 2016.  I really wanted to be surprised at the results but unfortunately I wasn't.  No surprise here guys.  Mismanagement and more mismanagement of funds.

While I don't depend on my disability to pay my bills or uphold my lifestyle (what there is of it), it bothers me that there is so much waste and the veterans who could really use the help are getting the shaft and have to fight so hard to get what they deserve.  What I really want to see though is what happens to those who have done such a poor job in managing these funds.  It seems that no matter how bad they do they get a pass, and continue to stay in jobs that they don't deserve.

This is only a portion of the bad news coming out of the VA.  For those who really want to work here I would caution you about that.  The VA has gotten a bad rating in regards to employers and they also are so far behind on their Human Resources tasks that it's crazy.  A recent investigation showed that they are over two (2) years behind on their background checks.  Lord only knows who could be working there and taking care of you.  I've added a link to both of these stories below.

As always, thank you for your support,

Be blessed-TTYL.

Audit of VA's Financial Statements for Fiscal Years 2016 and 2015 11/14/2016 07:00 PM EST We contracted with an independent public accounting firm to audit VA’s FY 2016 financial statements as required by the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990. VA received an unmodified opinion meaning that its financial statements were materially accurate. The contractor identified six material weaknesses: IT security controls; education benefits accrued liability; control environment surrounding the compensation, pension, and burial actuarial estimates; community care obligations, reconciliations, and accrued expenses; financial reporting; and CFO organizational structure for VA and VHA. The contractor further identified two significant deficiencies: procurement, undelivered orders, accrued expenses, and reconciliations; and loan guaranty liability estimate. It also reported VA’s substantial noncompliance with applicable Federal financial management systems requirements and the United States Standard General Ledger at the transaction level under the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act (FFMIA). It noted improvements were needed in complying with the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act. The contractor cited instances of noncompliance with section 5315, title 38, United States Code, pertaining to the charging of interest and administrative costs; noncompliance with section 3733, title 38, United States Code, pertaining to the vendee loan program and six violations of the Antideficiency Act identified by VA. Review of Alleged Human Resources Delays at the Atlanta VA Medical Center 01/29/2017 07:00 PM EST VA OIG received and substantiated allegations that the Atlanta VA Medical Center had a backlog of over 300 unadjudicated background investigations and that mandatory drug testing of new hires did not occur for 6 months. VA officials confirmed the VAMC had a backlog of unadjudicated background investigations by mid FY 2015. The Director of VA Central Office’s Personnel Security and Suitability Service said the VAMC had a backlog of about 200 of these investigations as of July 2015. Atlanta HR personnel acknowledged a backlog dating as far back as 2012. Even though the lack of available records limited our ability to quantify the extent of the backlog, we substantiated that backlogs were occurring by determining that the average adjudication processing time at the VAMC was about 170 days. We also substantiated that the Drug Free Workplace Program was not administered from November 2014 to May 2015. These lapses occurred because records within the personnel security program were inadequate, policies were not implemented as required, and HR staff were not adequately trained. VAMC management did not ensure the continuity of the DFWP when the former coordinator left the position in September 2014. Without proper controls over these functions, the VAMC cannot reliably attest to the suitability of its staff, exposing veterans and employees to individuals who have not been properly vetted. The facility lacks assurance that employees in Testing Designated Positions remain suitable for employment. We recommended the Medical Center Director assess the HR program and ensure staff receive appropriate background investigations, provide training on the requirements of the personnel security program, and monitor the DFWP. The Director concurred with our recommendations. We consider the corrective action plans the facility submitted acceptable and will follow up on their implementation.

MAKING LIFE EASIER - Electronic Medical Records

I actually had something totally different that I wanted to talk about but then an interesting article came across my email.  I don't know how many of you have ever heard of this before but they are actually testing a new electronic medical record system for the VA.  What is exciting about this system is that it can interact with the civilian system so if you are going to a private doctor, who is using this software then your medical records can be automatically uploaded to your VA file.

Now, when I first read this I thought how much easier it would make it for use to file our claims without having to go to each and everyone of our civilian doctors, both past and present, to get information that helps us support our claims.  It also keeps track of the type of medical we receive and helps doctors to determine which treatments are most effective for certain types of illnesses.

While I don't know the true extent of this program I plan to keep an eye on it so that I can report back to you everything I find out.  For those who are currently in the military this system is supposed to bring in all of your medical records as well so you shouldn't have to go through the hassle of requesting them.  Everything should be in one location.

I hope this is helpful.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL - be blessed.

This is just the beginning of the article:

"“Liberate the data.” That was a principal design goal for a team of public-private health care technology collaborators established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Health Administration to develop a working and scalable proof-of-concept digital health platform (DHP) to support the department’s long-term vision.

The open-source project demonstrated both proven and emerging technologies for interoperability and advanced functionality innovations from both the public and private sectors. The proof-of-concept delivers capabilities that VA and VHA leadership had identified as strategically important to support clinical and operational policy and program transformation plans needed to address expected changes in veteran populations, service needs and care delivery models.

For example, the demonstration included the capability to obtain patient data from disparate military and commercial electronic records systems, and accept information from a broad range of ancillary services and consumer medical devices. "

If you want to read the whole article here is the link: http://www.news.gatech.edu/2017/01/31/team-demonstrates-digital-health-platform-department-veterans-affairs.

CHOICE IS A CHANGING!!

If you're anything like me, when you want an appointment with your doctor, or any doctor for that matter, you want it sooner rather than later.  Unfortunately, we all know that it is usually later than sooner when it comes to getting a VA appointment.  The Veterans Choice program was supposed to be the solution to this problem.

In my humble opinion, it has not worked out as well as I'm sure they hope it would.  I've heard of individuals complaining about the process, as well as complaining about the lack of response from the employees running the program.  I've used it myself and it has proven to be a bit of a challenge.  I'm also, getting different information from VA employees on whether I should only see my Choice doctor, or whether I should see my Choice and VA doctors for the same condition.  Whew, I tell you I have to take a break from the VA mess some days.  It can become so convoluted.  

The good thing is that the VA has recognized that this is a problem.  Below is a story about an investigation that was conducted on the Choice program by the VA Office of Inspector General, as well as the findings.  I'm also providing a link for you to read the entire 45 page report, just in case you're bored or something. Let's hope that this leads to some great changes in the program that will make it much more user friendly.

As always, thank you for your support.

TTYL -Be blessed!!

https://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-15-04673-333.pdf

"Review of the Implementation of the Veterans Choice Program 01/29/2017 07:00 PM EST We conducted this review at the request of Senator Johnny Isakson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, who expressed concerns about the implementation of the Veterans Choice Program (Choice) and the barriers facing veterans trying to access it. Our review focused on whether veterans were experiencing barriers accessing Choice during its first year of implementation. Choice, as part of the Patient Centered Community Care (PC3) Program, provided care for eligible veterans, when the local VHA medical facilities lack available specialists, have long wait times, or are geographically inaccessible. We reviewed monthly reports to identify average wait times for multiple stages of the Choice process, including the authorization of care, scheduling, and the delivery of health care to veterans. We determined several barriers exist in accessing care through Choice, to include cumbersome authorization and scheduling procedures, inadequate provider networks, and potential veteran liability for treatment costs. After being scheduled with a Choice provider, on average the veteran waited about 13 days to receive care. VHA identified approximately 1.2 million instances in which veterans could not receive VHA appointments from November 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015. During this period, about 283,500 eligible veterans opted into Choice, and 149,000 of these received an appointment with a Choice provider. We calculated a 13 percent rate of Choice utilization (based on appointments provided compared veteran eligible to receive care). We were unable to determine why the other 87 percent did not access Choice. We recommended the Under Secretary for Health streamline procedures for accessing care, develop accurate forecasts of demand for care in the community, reduce providers’ administrative burdens, ensure veterans are not liable for authorized care, and ensure provider payments are made in a timely manner. The Under Secretary for Health concurred with our findings and recommendations."