Question:
What benefits are awarded or you receive with my newly awarded 100% TDIU? How long does it take to process after my VARO hearing? I am being awarded back to July 2011 minus a couple of six months temporary 100% after surgeries.
Jim's Reply:
There are 3 significant benefits that come available when the veteran is rated as 100% permanently disabled. The 100% rating may be either TDIU (unemployability) or it may be schedular and the 100% rating must be permanent rather than temporary. In order of what I think are most valuable, there's
- CHAMPVA Health Insurance
- DEA
- Commisary and Exchange and other on-base privileges . You'll also be offered life insurance
The length of time to process the award varies with the complexity of the award.
There will be quality reviews and accounting processes that occur and it can take from a couple of weeks to months for the first monetary deposits to happen. If the amount of the retro pay is more than $20,000.00 or thereabouts, you may be targeted for a fiduciary appointment evaluation. This is particularly true if your rating is based on mental health disabilities. If that's the case, you'll want to learn about the program early on to avoid any pitfalls.