Jim,
Just a quick note about my RO. I filed a claim for Aid & Attendance last August (I'm already 100%) ( It was recommended by VA employees)after an accident which I fell and suffered a spinal cord injury. I have been accepted into the VA spinal cord injury program at James A. Haley VAMC. The VA is already paying for a home care assistant(not near the total cost) December 3,2012 I finally got my divorce after an 8 year battle and delivered it to the VA RO in January 2013. Yesterday May 9, 2013 I got the notice of reduction in Benefit due to divorce (I knew this would happen)
I find it interesting that this took only 4 month to process the decree while the aid & attendance is closing in on a year. Remember, they are already funding something under another program for the same thing. Things go a lot faster when VA reduces what the VA pays. When they owe the veteran money, things slow down.
Reply:
I'm sorry to hear of the accident where you fell and injured yourself. I hope you'll get along reasonably well.
You're correct. When a veteran passes away or there is any slight hint of a reason to reduce or eliminate a benefit, the need for paperwork, evidence and hard proof is quickly diminished or eliminated and that money is kept by the VA. VA will quickly act in the interests of VA and even if an error is made, they will go for it like there was no tomorrow. But, when it comes to delivering a benefit and a few dollars to a veteran, VA has all the time in the world to demand the veteran prove eligibility to the nth degree.
The system feels more corrupt every day as we march further into 2013. VA has always seemed a little seedy and unprofessional and situations like yours make us wonder if VA really is at war with the only customer they have...the veteran. That they have been delivering huge bonuses to each other for a job well done while taking their time to help you is a national disgrace.