I think I may be on track for a solution to the VA Disability/IDES problems. Unnecessary complexity.

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 01:33:25 -0400

Im just thinking out loud here and this is just a thought that popped into my head that I wanted to get down before I forget. So there is much more to say about this but here's my thought.

There are only 10 possible disability ratings; 10-100% in increments of 10. But there is almost an infinite way to come up with that number. Because of the extreme complexity to come up with one of these 10 numbers it takes months, or a year or greater to get a rating. Why?

This process needs to be streamlined and simplified because it makes no sense. I have watched Soldiers get paid a years worth of salary literally just waiting for IDES process.

Instead of basing these ratings off of specific diagnosis, lets go off of body system problems.

Head issue 50%, Leg/Arm issue 25% each, Back issue 50%. etc. Of course these are arbitrary numbers but you get the point. Honestly what is the difference between losing your foot or losing everything below your knee, percentage wise? I need a prosthetic or a wheel chair. What is the difference between me having a heart arrhythmia or chronic high blood pressure? I have a heart issue that requires medication and long term treatment.

Although there may be differences from these injuries and sickness, I am speaking relative to the 10 possible numbers for a rating. Is there enough difference to not just make a general rating? How much time and money would that save?

Just an initial thought. Feel free to jump in and brainstorm with me. It is certainly something that needs fixing and right now.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Mar 10 at 2014 1:41 AM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 01:41:21 -0400

Not a bad idea, I have had multiple surgeries so have a disability rating. It was based on the diagnosis, but I am sure there will be other diagnosis that come up later on life like many others.

I think if we do it by body system problems, it would be easier to rerate as time goes on and we get older. We just need to clear our system, this backlog is crazy. I wish doctors we submitted the information could have it approved immediately without having to go through another approval process.

Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 10 at 2014 11:32 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 23:32:38 -0400

SSG Burns,

I like the premise, but I think that the whole system is so based on politics and finding ways to delay and deny many claims that it could never get to the proper and just way of doing what makes sense, while we have all seen the Potomac 2-step that former COS Shinsecki who is the current head of the VA has utilize over the last 3 years alone, it just shows the continuing problem that is involved in the broken system and the repetitive studies and programs they state will streamline and get the backlog down. They get a good month initially where they claim to have shaved off so many thousands of backlogged claims and so on, when in truth the issue is not processed claims, but either claims dropped or the veteran has died or gone another route by accepting other assistance, the reality is that the system is so broke it will take long into the next full generation of retiring veterans to possibly get it back on track and even then there will still be a back log of previous claims from OEF/OIF Soldiers.

I would love to see something similar to your proposal as it would help me with my appeal and even my new claims from over a year ago from new medical issues that have been cropping up since I retired 3 years ago.

Response by SSG Roderick Smith made Mar 11 at 2014 12:27 AM

SSG Roderick Smith — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:27:53 -0400

The whole program is a complete mess. Its not just the ratings process, its the evaluation process too. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2006. I was a PFC, and I had been in the Army about 18 months. I am insulin dependent, and according to AR 40-501 I am non-retainable. Instead, I spent a year on med-hold (now WTU) and I was found fit for duty. I'm not complaining, but seriously? I had a buddy who was diagnosed with the same thing, and he was medically retired. What is the difference? How is there so much wiggle room that two Soldiers with the same medical issue have two completely different outcomes? It makes no sense. I went through another MEB last year in the new IDES system, and not only was I retained again, but it only took them 3 months to do it this time! Again, I'm not complaining about being retained. I love what I do and I'm happy to still have a job. My issue is with the difference in evaluations. How does this happen?