Good Afternoon Everyone, I have been out of the military for a little over 7 years now. I have come to these forums many times in the past for answers. I am curious about SBP this time around. I didnt realize there was a window to get out of SBP and I missed it. I also am a few years behind on paying SBP. I want to start making payments to catch up but their payment tool didnt seem to take any other amounts than what is due. Is there a way to make an account somewhere to make payments of... Read more ..read more

I have a claim currently in progress to increase my rating for depression through the VA. I also asked my primary doctor if we could check my testosterone levels in my last appointment. Will the claim examiners take into consideration low testosterone when doing my depression claim? I’m worried my claim would be denied because they may want to see how I respond to testosterone replacement therapy before granting an increase. I’m worried that the replacement therapy will only help my physical... Read more ..read more

Imagine a Reservist/Guardsmen who joined up right after high school (age 18). After 20 good years (with a mix of inactive and active time) they turn 38 and receive their 20 year letter. At that point they must make an election for Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Program (RCSBP) -- or receive an automatic election if they don't. Now imagine -- 2 years later -- at age 40, they end up going through IDES and end up on the PDRL: their RCSBP election is voided and they must make a new... Read more ..read more

Ok, hang with me… I was medically separated for combat related conditions at 75% and receive 100% from VA, and awarded 100% CRSC. My monthly payment is broken down from MyPay below. GROSS PAY - $4,648.00 (High 3 at 75%) VA WAIVER - $3,946.25 (VA + Spouse) NET PAY - $701.75 (DOD Retirement Pay) CRSC - $847.25 Total - $5,495.25 Question: When I have a child, will I receive an additional VA monthly amount of $152.62 ($4,098.87 - with 1 child and spouse)? Or will the number just... Read more ..read more

I haven't been on this forum since I was medically retired in 2019. I'm one of those that seek help and then offer none in return after retiring, but I'm at a loss. The fast and dirty: In march of this year I went from 80% to 100% and was put on the permanent list. Awesome, only took 5 years. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and my wife is getting her annual checkup and the front desk lets her know that her Tricare is no longer good. Weird. She can't do anything while there, so I call... Read more ..read more

I get SSDI ($1897) and I am thinking of taking courses to become a massage therapist which is considered under Chapter 33 educational benefits a technical school. I believe the school is 6 mo and I would receive about $1500 in housing allowance monthly. I believe this money is not considered income but I would like to confirm that. Also would like to know if by going to school full time or part time would affect my SSDI as it could be considered as me being well enough. Also, what happens if... Read more ..read more

I'm going to post this in two locations with the hopes of gaining insight from some of the more seasoned people here. I was medically retired in 2017 and rated 100% P&T by VA. As I'm sure many of you can agree the VA healthcare system is TERRIBLE in my area. So bad it deters me from even going to get seen for something like a potential concussion. It would be a 6-8 hour process just to get seen. My family and I have Tricare For Life from the medical retirement. I have a Primary Care... Read more ..read more

This article is about one of the best and most underutilized VA programs- your home loan benefit. Home ownership remains one of the key ways that people use to build wealth. Add in tax benefits to the equity that flows from home ownership makes this, for most people, one of the best ways to secure your financial freedom. Best VA mortgage lenders in 2024 — Bankrate A current or veteran military person? Here are the top VA lenders for you. apple.news ..read more

I'm currently looking over my SBP Elections (married with 3 kids) trying to figure out what route to choose as I am 100% P&T but my retirement time is comprised mostly of Reserve duty and 7/8 years AD time...I saw the DFAS info where it said, "...discontinue your participation in the SBP due to VA disability" and I am wondering how this is all taken into consideration. Thanks gents, CM ..read more

Texas attorney general sues company accused of preying on veterans The attorney general’s charges against VA Claims Insider echo allegations in an investigation The Texas Tribune published in July. www.texastribune.org ..read more