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Q412:  I am currently trying to stop the Veterans Benefits Administration from down grading my disability from 10% to 0%. I have been working with the Kern County Veterans Service in Bakersfield, CA.  I just received the letter stating they are going to down grade me. This letter is time sensitive for me to respond for an extension. I need help in doing this. I am having a difficult time contacting the Veterans Service as they are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis.  What should I do? 

If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here. 

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A1:  You will have to get a lawyer that deals with VA disability. Did they specify why? Make sure you make copies of all paperwork, Keep any correspondence letters, email etc. for your lawyer. Fight ,Fight, Fight! Good Luck.  (TP)  5/10/20

      

A2:  I have a question for you did you miss an appointment or something? If you have treatment records for the disability in question make sure you send the records in to prove treatment.  (MJ)  5/10/20

    

A3:  Not sure why you would be reduced from 10% to 0%, but when the VA makes such decisions they also let you know the options you have in disagreeing their decision such as, provide additional evidence about your rated condition. I recommend you contact your local DAV Chapter Service Officer (CSOs) and ask for assistance. Bring them all of your documents.  Good luck.  (JL)  5/10/20

     

A4:  A letter from a private doctor stating that the veterans service connected disability has not improved. This has to be submitted ASAP. Get a proof of mailing from the Post office and a tracking number.  (SM)  5/10/20

     

  

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

       

A5:  I would write to or call your congressman's office that they are doing this so that you can not time sensitive file an extension to prove you have not improved and if you have any secondary conditions due to what you have let the congressman know. That is what I expected was going to happen so that the VA has an advantage of getting away with this atrocity and should be considered an illegal act committed by them. Taking advantage of a situation to shaft us veterans so they can take away what we are entitled to. My best wishes that this will help and also try to call the Veterans Affairs Office for if Administration is open and the VA Hospital is open they would be another one to contact and file a complaint against the VA and the methods they are using since they have all the cards in their hands. May or may not work with them but worth a try to at least get it delayed until this virus crisis is controlled.  (JRM)  5/10/20

      

A6:  Get ahold of your local state and federal representatives for whatever party you are afliated with. Next contact your local VSO or veterans service officer either in the VA hospital where you are or at your county seat. Contact DAV and Vietnam vets of America get in touch with them explain your situation and get assistance for bills, food, etc to help cover the loss of income that might occur while you fight the VA. It might seem like alot of people to talk to but your life is how you fight for it. They will help and they have boundless resources to help you. Get in touch with the Creators of VetTV in California Donnie is San ex Marine Capt and he will definitely help you out with whatever you need just Google VetTV and reach out.  After all of that you might even see an increase in benefits if you play your cards right and have competent representatives out there.  (ST)  5/10/20

       

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

       

A7:  What disability is the VA wanting to cut.   Send me an email then I will help you with this.  (GR)  10/5/20

   

A8:  Try calling the Veteran Services office. They may have a number listed in one of the prompts for assistance.  (MR)  5/10/20

      

A9:  Call -800-827-1000 and ask for an extension of time due to COVID-19.  (RJ)  5/11/20

      

A10:  The VA pays the squeaky wheel. If you haven't been complaining about your disability, then it isn't a problem.... therefore they don't need to pay "damages" any longer. Make an appointment. Complain to the doctor about your symptoms.  (BB)  5/11/20