Posted on Mar 6, 2015
What do we do when we know that someone is receiving VA Benefits that they do not deserve?
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I know of a Marine LCpl that is receiving a 100% Disability rating from the VA and he is in a wheel chair but yet he is on Facebook running and jumping around and playing basketball. He even has his picture posted, in his Dress Blues, as he sits in his wheel chair with the First Lady by his side
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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That's a great question, Sgt David G Duchesneau, but sometimes it's hard to determine, and we're not doctors. I had a friend who got 20% disability, and she spent six months (or so) in the Navy. I thought it was a rip-off, but I can't "feel her pain." Your example is a gross one. What to do then? I guess there's a fraud line at the VA. In fact, I know there is, because my sister is a forensic accountant for the VA, and she investigates those sorts of cases, among many other cases of fraud, waste, and abuse.
Yep, here's a web page about the VA OIG hotline, and one of the examples they cite is fraudulent VA disability claims, so I guess that's something you could report here:
http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/
Yep, here's a web page about the VA OIG hotline, and one of the examples they cite is fraudulent VA disability claims, so I guess that's something you could report here:
http://www.va.gov/oig/hotline/
VA OIG Hotline Homepage
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
Thanks, CW5 Scott Montgomery, for your response. At first I thought the same thing as you, I am not a doctor, but I do know fraud when I see it. I've been investigating Fraud Claims, Workers' Comp, for 24 years now and I know fraud when I see it. Hell, I even had a conversation with this Marine and he admitted to me that he is getting 100% and he knows that he should not have been awarded that rating. I guess it is all about who you know? Thanks or the Hot Line link!
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CSM Mark Gerecht
I have to concur we cannot determine someone's pain. But if this is true. I have difficulty with it. If it is truly fraud
Now I personally know individuals that are a 100% disabled and rightly so based on their condition but you would never know it by looking at them.
It comes down to doing the right thing if you honestly believe there is a case of fraud I would encourage you to report it
Now I personally know individuals that are a 100% disabled and rightly so based on their condition but you would never know it by looking at them.
It comes down to doing the right thing if you honestly believe there is a case of fraud I would encourage you to report it
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The problem is determining whether they do or don't "deserve" them. The other issue is whether his disability rating is directly related to what you think it is.
He might be 100% P&T Disabled for PTS, but have fatigue issues at a much lower rating which necessitate the chair.
The general statistic of fraud for VA is less than 5%. There is a fraud hotline as CW5 (Join to see) says, and they'll investigate, but I would advise caution.
The VA tends to get it wrong the other way (denying valid claims), and a 100% person's income is limited to VA + SSI plus whatever their spouse makes for the most part.
He might be 100% P&T Disabled for PTS, but have fatigue issues at a much lower rating which necessitate the chair.
The general statistic of fraud for VA is less than 5%. There is a fraud hotline as CW5 (Join to see) says, and they'll investigate, but I would advise caution.
The VA tends to get it wrong the other way (denying valid claims), and a 100% person's income is limited to VA + SSI plus whatever their spouse makes for the most part.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt David G Duchesneau The way 100% disability works, he would. But keep in mind, if you are 100% P(ermanent) and T(otal), you're not allowed to work, so that's all you get.
I have a Navy friend who was medically retired (under 20~ years). She doesn't received concurrent pay. She is 100% disabled. The $3k number is accurate. I know it seems like a lot, but $36~k a year won't cover rent where I live.
I have a Navy friend who was medically retired (under 20~ years). She doesn't received concurrent pay. She is 100% disabled. The $3k number is accurate. I know it seems like a lot, but $36~k a year won't cover rent where I live.
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Sgt David G Duchesneau
This Marine is not only collecting, but he owns several businesses and he advertises them and his services. Hell he is all over Facebook and other Social Media sites. He is even listed here on RP.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt David G Duchesneau I can't speak to his specifics. I can only provide a little background on how some of the system works.
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Its like everything else in life, some who deserve it do not get it, some get it who do not deserve it. Its the problem when you have systems, they have cracks. My son survived 5 IED hits in Iraq, he had bleeding for 5 years out of the side of his head on and off that the last year and a half of active duty, they could not figure out why and what to do about it. He has 80% hearing loss on one side, you have to stand on the right side to talk to him. After 2 years of waiting in the system, he got into the VA, they did a hearing test, and claimed he has perfect hearing. Being a proud lad, he got a FK the VA and the government attitude about it at this point. And I have not even started about the PTSD issues I watch him go through. And I have met several people in my life who claimed to be getting 100% disability, and you scratch your head to figure out whats wrong with them. But like I said, its going to happen with systems, because there is no perfect screen process. He is heading off to college this fall to use his GI bill before they take that away. I told him to not let it go, because in 20 years, its going to give him issues, but like I said, he is young, and stubborn.... Wonder where he got that from eh....
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