Dental Service: Denied

Yesterday I talked to the eligibility clerk concerning my need to see a dentist and she gave me the same information I received from the medical center, I could receive dental care only if I am totally blind or all the other things list on this dental eligibility page. I told her that I had dental insurance and that at the time I enrolled in the Veterans Administrations, or VA, health care program the people handling the enrollment process told me that I should keep my insurance and make sure that I bring the cards (insurance cards) with me each time I come for any treatments, because the VA has a right to charge the cost to my insurance, other than Medicare, VA cannot charge medicare but I should keep it in case I want to see a private physician; or I am traveling and no VA medical facilities are available.

My last question for her showed my concern for not being able to get care for my teeth when I am sure they needed care when I received my discharge from the army. Whom do I talk with about the fact that I needed care for my teeth when I was discharge and I think I was neglected at that time? She said that she could not handle that question and the only person she knew that can is Wayne Webb and his number is 513-475-6440. Well, I thanked the lady and called the number the recording said leave a massage and they would get back to me as soon as possible. The nice lady had just confirmed what I was finding to be true that if we veterans are going to get our benefits in a timely fashion, we better get a third party involved and the best third parties are the Veteran Service Organizations or VSOs. The answering service said this is the American Legion, so if you have needs or need some help to apply for your benefits or any thing you are requesting from the VA get some help by contacting a VSO to aid you in your efforts.

Maybe I should disclose that I am now a card-carrying member of a VSO, I received my card and Branch of Service Pen last week. The fact is I am only a member of the National Organization I am being referred to a local organization and that organization have the right of refusal so until they approve I am just a member of the National Organization. Before making the decision the local group should check the local news papers, because frankly I would not want to join a club if I was a member. (I know you have heard that one before). OK now I am serious again, the VA admits that 11 percent of the decisions they make are errors so you, the veteran should always appeal when denied a benefit or service.

VA Form 21-4142 to Update VA Form 21-526

Yesterday I received another package from the Department of Veterans Affairs: in the cover letter they tell me about the (Tiger Team) at the Cleveland Regional Office. This team will work on my claim and once it’s complete, it will be returned to the regional office in my home state. However they need additional information and evidence in addition to the information submitted with Form 21-526 in which I rightfully claim all the injuries and ailments as a result of being in combat in the Korean War. In the 22-page-package, I am to complete and submit 12 pages of information on VA Form 21-4142 about my injuries and what treatment I receive and where?

This is the problem Senator George Voinovich (Ohio) discussed on the radio the day I went for my eye examination. Much work and hard One questions about your service and in my case the total record was destroyed while in the care of the Federal Government. question ask you to tell the VA how many time your present spouse have been and where and when did he/she get married? This process can and sometime do take months before you get a decision. The VA states correctly when they say that I was notified on February 11, 1955 that my claim had been denied. Almost every time I went to see my private doctors I told them why I had the leg pains and problems with my eyes and nose. In the addendum to Form 21-526 I explained why I didn’t appeal in 1955 and why I waited 55 years before applying for benefits: the reason? I had insurance so I could see my doctors as my health needs required. Senator Voinovich said that these forms should be made easier and the questions should not be so difficult, or at least could be made easier in some cases.

It will take me all of next week to complete Form 21-4142, because they want the name and address of the doctors and hospitals that treated me for the health problems that I list on the form. Yes, I am agreeing with the Senator this is hard work when you have to give the phone number and address of your doctors fifty years ago. My wife read and article in the Plain Dealer newspaper, in the article the reporters follow a disabled veteran’s application for financial aid for his wife because she had to help him because of his service connected injuries, the VA denied the request until a VSO (Veteran Service Organization) got involved. My wife said that the VA approved it and stated that the single person (at the VA) that reviewed the application made a mistake, so now the Veteran’s wife will receive the benefits. The VA admits that the mistake is 12 to 15 percent. The recommendations, always appeal and join a VSO, they get the job done for you.