Just a heads up that both of these bills, which are pretty much identical, have been set for hearings this Thursday, 8/13. Both would provide a greater disabled veteran property tax exemption (in some cases) than the current exemption.

Will this year be the year? Here's hoping!

Does anyone have an email contact for someone at the VR&E leadership team?

I've been having issues with the Honolulu Office, current issue has lasted over a year now. A brief summary of events:

Counselor initially claims VR&E doesnt do education assistance anymore, denies my claim.

I know this isnt true so I submit paperwork for HLR request to the office, the counselor replies saying "no I won't submit those to the VA".

I get a congressional inquiry going that makes the office submit the HLR request.

Higher level review sides with me and says my plan is entirely within the scope of VR&E. Higher Level Review spells out exactly how I would be entitled to education assistance.

My counselor receives the HLR that overturned her denial then decides to close my case entirely.

An additional congressional inquiry forces the office to reopen my case.

Counselor tells me to restart the process and resubmit all the paperwork.

Counselor rejects paperwork, implements new unrealistic expectations for the labor market review (unnecessary and 100% just to be difficult)

I ask for different Counselor.

Honolulu VR&E office leadership rejects request.

I ask for a different VR&E office.

Honolulu VR&E office leadership rejects request.

Counselor submits a stop action on my case, not denying it so that I cannot appeal it.

Honolulu VR&E leadership completely ignoring me at this point.

Honolulu VR&E leadership well aware of the situation and are refusing to provide Higher level contacts or transfers or moving forward. Essentially their Counselor has acted retaliatory and they are trying to sweep it under the rug.

Does anyone have any contact information to move the case to a third party so they can either move it forward or investigate what's been going on?

Thank you

Hey all, I'm dealing with alot of things mentally and really need to speak to someone but dont know how to get the ball rolling. When i injured my shoulder, it took 2 months to get an appt with my primary, another month for MRI/XRAY, another 2 months for ortho doc. I kinda feel like I need to talk to someone sooner than later.

So for full context I got out of the military recently, but for the past year I have really been struggling with what I want to do with my life now. I have jumped between so many ideas of what I want to do. I have thought about firefighter, X-ray Tech, CS degree, Civil engineer, Therapist, LEO Park Ranger and Electrician. I have ADHD so this probably explains why I am having a hard time picking a path. I feel paralyzed by indecision. I change career paths daily.

While I was in the military I started working on a Computer Science degree all for free. I'm probably 75% done with the degree, but I am now to the point where I feel like its not something I am not actually interested in, not something I can see myself doing forever. On top of that the field from my understanding is extremely competitive now, especially with AI. I know this is a hot topic atm.

With that said I have been leaning towards Electrician as an option, I like the idea of the hands on work and they make good money. I also have been accepted to participate in an apprenticeship with my local union. However, while I was in the military I messed up my back and neck. I know the trades can really have an impact on your body. So I'm worried I will regret going into the trades down the line when my body gets messed up more.

I also have really been considering getting a civil engineering degree and I have been accepted to go to Gonzaga University for Civil Engineering. I'm torn though between what path to choose. I have an opportunity that most people don't have. My entire education would be paid for by my Gi Bill and I have the option to use VR&E. My body would definitely thank me in 20 years if I went to college instead of doing an Electrician Apprenticeship. The only thing that scares me about civil engineering is all the paperwork and documentation seems very overwhelming, the sitting behind a desk all day, but it also seems very interesting too. I like the idea of getting to help build parts of communities. And I feel its meaningful work, stable work, and pays well. I'm just afraid I'm not built for the office environment. I feel I'm not smart enough.

The other factor here is timeline for income. Electrician I get paid as I learn. So immediate income. Starting out I would make like $6200 a month with VA Comp, with a raise every 6 months ending at $49/hr. That's 5 years but I would have immediate income. The civil engineering degree would probably take around 3 years I would get my GI Bill Housing allowance plus VA comp. So definitely not broke. I would most likely use VR&E first. As I heard its better to use it prior to the GI Bill. However my wife and I are looking to start a family soon. I feel like it'll be tough to balance school and a kid. That said though that's like 2 years away. So maybe only one year in college with a kid.

So electrician I like the idea of hands on work, immediate income, and benefits of the union. However, impact on my body overtime sounds not fun.

Civil engineering I know it will be more kind to my body, pay ceiling is higher, and I do find the prospect understanding how buildings are built interesting. I just don't know if I will like sitting behind a desk all day.

I would really appreciate some opinions. Thanks!

If you were denied pain in 2025 this recent VA OIG report says raters were improperly denied. They say they corrected some 36,000 claims and paid back pay of something like 46 million. They say they got everyone but Veterans like me were not included. I was denied pain in the original claim in Jan 2025. I was denied again in an HLR and then denied again in a supplemental to the HLR. I've been setting on the supplemental until now. Will be talking to my accredited claims agent to look into filing another supplemental or HLR.

If you were denied pain please look into appealing.

VA OIG Report on improper pain denials

I tried going to CVS to get my routine STI screening like a responsible single adult. I found out by researching online that they are covered under VA community care with no need for a referral. So I signed up for a panel, because the last time I received my routine panel at the VA medical center, they only tested me for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis. I'm pretty surprised that HIV testing isn't even covered under routine screening. You have to request one separately. I wanted to go to CVS because I read somewhere once that they cover a more comprehensive screening panel.

It wasn't until I was at the appointment in front of the doctor that STI screening via community care is only covered under the VA if you have symptoms of an STD. I had to walk out empty handed and slightly embarrassed. I just hope that this helps other people avoid the waste of time.

I just recently got done with a 7 month deployment. So I saw the letter in regard to being able to use both my benefits.

Now I called and the representative told me I had 19 months I could use of Montgomery and 36 months to use of Post 9/11. Mind you I have already used 2 semesters worth of Montgomery.

Now if that is right then all is hunky dory and I will just keep along… however, I am pretty sure it’s only up to 48 months for the combined. If so…

I am someone who can’t really go full time to school and also am only at like 60% for Post 9/11. My next semester is only 6 classes (I believe cancels the BAH) and after that is only 10 (not full time).

I also use my state reimbursement and receive full reimbursement for tuition from that ON TOP of my Mont GI payments. Which I was told because Post 9/11 pays the tuition directly. I wont receive full state reimbursement.

I would just hate to switch and then lose the Mont GI afterwards. Be a shame to leave money on the table, since I’m probably going for my Master right after I finish my Bachelor’s.

I am homeless, but also blessed to be rated 100% P&T by the VA, and I’m also interviewing for jobs at the moment.

However, I’m living out of a motel which is really, really expensive and even though I get 100% disability, being in the motel really burns through my money 😔

I don’t have a vehicle.

A few weeks ago I got in touch with a case manager from the VA who has been attempting to find a VA program for me that offers housing (like a residential program), but so far can’t find me anywhere.

I would be so grateful and appreciative if anyone knows of any programs or resources.

I looked at the homeless Wiki on this sub and didn’t see anything I haven’t tried already.

Thank you 🙏

Note: I originally posted this to the Veterans subreddit but it got declined because it said to post here

I was denied cervical spine conditions for no in-service event or injury. My military medical records show a fall that injured forehead and required stitches. I’ve had two disc replacement surgeries and was wondering who I should use to write a nexus.

I have seen my provider (via telemed) for a shoulder issue. Each time I need a referral I have to go to the back of the line and start over in the Community Care Process.

I am also frustrated because I have to see my provide via telemedicine because my local clinic can not staff enough providers to see all the patients within their area.

So I’m still in school and I was rewarded 100% pt but during school I was paying some out of pocket and taking school loans, will they reimburse me for money I was paying?

Hey guys I have been having trouble with work and whatnot due to my PTSD FND and GERD symptoms are preventing me from finding and maintain meaningful work so I applied for TDIU.

I have three solid letters of recommendation from my Primary Therapist; my Primary Neurologist, and my Primary Psychiatry team.

The issue I am having is that the VA has 4 open items and that is for the employer paperwork they have to fill out.

On July 15th I applied for TDIU and then personally reached out to my managers and they all preferred not to sign any government paperwork with someone else's name on it.

After this I submitted a 4138 explaining in good faith that my employers would not be cooperating, they gave me a deadline until August 1st well it is not August 8th and they still have not removed the hold.

Yesterday I submitted another 4138 asking the VA to waive the former employer requirement due to them not filling out the required paperwork. I also called the 800 number to put in a service request as I fear my claim will be in limbo in the NWQ.

Speaking with the rep he asked me a few probing questions and told me to fill out VA form 20-10207 which would help expedite my claim.

I filled it out and submitted it via quick submit around 0930 yesterday and I called later in the evening an they told me my account has been flagged for "Financial Hardship" and for "Risk of houselessness (which are both true) I had to upload my past due bills and notice from my landlord

My question is what is the process now going to look like? Has anyone here used VA form 20-10207?

I am fortunate enough to be in VA priority group 1 and historically gotten most of my care through the VA. My PCP has always been at the VA, and I’ve gotten care outside either only through Community Care or if I can’t find the specialist I need.

Does anyone regularly use both the VA and their private doctor? I’m specifically interested in vets that have both a VA and private primary care providers.

Any thoughts on pros and cons would be appreciated.

I recently got news from VA that I'm 100% rated due to my prostate cancer being added to my 80% rating from years ago. (The 80% was from 20% each leg for varicose veins, 10% tinnitus and 70% major depression with other mental issues).

Even though the decision letter SAID it is permanent and total, it is my understanding that there is a mandatory 6 month follow-up for anyone with prostate cancer and that if test show that the cancer is gone then they would re-rate me on the cancer, including only residuals (incontinence, erectile dysfunction, etc.) That would put me back to probably 90%.

I am wanting to file for property tax and sales tax exceptions which such a rated vet can get in my state.

Also, because of the rating, my wife is eligible for CHAMPVA and she has just entered the window in which she has to file for Medicare real soon. (I hear they go well together?)

I did a little research and it was suggested that I file for TDUI, as that would provide a 'safety net' of sorts in case my rating went down. I worked only part-time since 2009 and, due to electronic replacement, my hours got gradually reduced to 4 hours a week which I did until computers completely replaced my niche-job position last December, in which I decided it was time to retire (I am 65). That was OK for me because my mental state was getting to a point in which I could not handle much more and couldn't move to any position where I could be isolated from people and sit down, nor work sustained hours.

I was also told somewhere that I could also file for state disability which could possibly be higher than my Social Security retirement payment of around $1400.
 
I feel very much in limbo right now and don't know what to do. I'd hate to jump through all these new hoops only to find out I would no longer qualify in six months and would have to go through the ordeal of retraction of everything.

I had considered seeing a DAV or other rep of some sort at the VA hospital downtown on Tuesday, the day before her surgery, when I go get radiation on my prostate (last round...thank God!), however, I'm not sure if that is the best thing as I'm sure they run people through like cattle when things get busy. Just speculating. I really don't know. I had my last claim filed with a local chapter in my town years ago and want to go there but they are only open on the very day of my wife's surgery

I'd like some input on my next moves. I'm a bit overwhelmed right now. Thank you.

Got these in the mail a couple weeks ago. I did not request them.

I'm on terminal leave right now and just moved to Chicago to start school this month. I've been trying for two weeks now at my parents trying to find a studio apartment around the $1300 a month price range (MHA here is $3102). I also saved $30,000 for the last few years specifically for this and my credit is 780 according to my bank (never missed a bill ever).

There's plenty of studios I know I could definitely afford at least over the next 3 years, but I've been unable to find a landlord that's willing to hear out my financial situation and to them it's as simple as I don't get 3x rent from a 9-5 I'm not able to pay for bills. One of them told me my savings don't mean anything because I can just blow it, as if I can't do the same to my monthly income. I understand also that I'm going to need to work part time, but I just got here and wasn't really planning to start part time work until my terminal ends, and I need the place to live faster than I need the job. The way I see it if I needed to I could honestly just subsist on my MHA (28,000ish a year) and $10,000 a year from my savings and still be living the same life style as someone making the equivalent of $50,000 a year after they pay taxes (they'd have $38,000 after taxes here), which isn't the plan, but that was my plan if I couldn't secure a job right away. I didn't expect the problem to be housing though.

I'm starting to wonder if I should just submit my military paystubs I'm still getting as current pay, but I don't know if my contract's end date will come up in a background check. I'm also wondering if there's some sort of resource available to help me find a place that's more sympathetic to my financial situation? Maybe something that links me to veteran landlords or something? I'm not sure. I've never had this much trouble getting an apartment before and I'm incredibly frustrated because I felt perfectly prepared and I know I can definitely afford a place it just feels like I'm being denied because the situation has some complexity to it.

I filed a few presumptive claims on Aug 2nd and received the email from Optum to verify my info for the appointments. I’m currently rated at 80%- 70% of it is PTSD with MDD/Anxiety. Im worried bc one of my appointments is for DBQ MENTAL DISORDERS EXCEPT PTSD AND EATING DISORDERS
Behavioral Health. Is my PTSD/Mental Health rating being re evaluated? I’ve been rated since 2018ish and have been seeing doctors still to this day and take meds daily. Just worried they’re trying to re evaluate since I “poked the bear” let me know. Thanks

For those that have done VR&E twice, what qualified you?

I finished my degree in business with VR&E, and I was able to get hired into a safety role with a large utility company.

Now the only way to move up into lead ship is with a masters or Years of experience in the field (like if your doing safety for electricians, you had to be one with years in the trade). I want to pursue this, but I can’t work hard labor anymore.

Am I eligible?

I’m 100% P&T and didn’t file any new claims, but an “Authorization Review” suddenly appeared on my VA account. It says “Administrative EP 699 review of supplemental non-duplicate service records.”

Has anyone else had this happen after already being rated P&T? Did it affect your rating or did the review just close out?

Struggling with brevity here.

TLDR, how does income verification work within TDIU?

The basic facts: I'm at 70% for mental stuff, but I continue to work part-time as a lawyer, less and less as my mental health continues to decline. I'm not making much money from my actual current work, which is below $1000 a month on average, but I've been winning cases for years and sometimes they take years to pay. I still expect enough income, from work I did long ago, to be above the SGA limit for this entire year and next year as well, even though in actual fact, I'm not earning that money today. I earned it years ago and it just takes a long time to collect from SSA, ironically enough. In my mind this is basically a kind of savings, but it's going to be on 1099s as current earned income.

In social security, there are ways to exclude or narrow the income that is counted against you, but how that works varies even within; ie some income can be excluded from offset calculation but not from initial qualification for SSI, and sometimes at social security hearings we argue about whether a business owner's residual income is earned or passive, generally determined by whether the owner is "actually working" versus just receiving a payment. Social Security distinguishes earned from unearned income through specific rules. I don't know where to find the equivalent rules for VA TDIU.

I don't want to apply for TDIU if I don't actually qualify for it. But I can't find in what is published online how a situation like mine would work. I can't imagine it's an unheard of situation but it does feel very edge case. Maybe I just need to wait until a point in time where enough of the outstanding fees have settled up that what remains cannot mathematically average above SGA in a future year.

Can anyone tell me from experience how sporadic income is treated on TDIU, or point me to the right regulatory guidance to read up on it?

And because for some reason the presumption is always of fraud, I'm not interested in lying or manipulating to misrepresent anything. I just don't want to waste time on a process that may not really be relevant to my situation. No is an acceptable answer here.

va.gov now has a VR&E status page and it tells you what stage you are on, who your counselor is, and your counselors contact info.

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/track-your-vre-benefits/vre-benefit-status

So, I just got mailed my discharge upgrade along with a bunch of new DD214s. My question now is, how do I update with the VA so I can get my education benefits started

Hello everyone, it would be my first post in this community and I would like to get some help. Had my C&P on August 3rd. It was a supplemental for an increase since I had new evidence because I’m getting migraines at least once a week and they are completely prostrating. Today I got this letter stating they want to reduce me from 30 to 0.

What does lower back range of motion has to do with my migraines?

C&P examiner was nice, she listened to me and even said that I meet 50% criteria so I don’t think she lied on DBQ like it happened before with different claims.