VET COMP & PEN

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Frequently Asked Questions

At Vet Comp & Pen, we understand that identifying medical evidence for VA claims can be overwhelming. There is so much information to keep track of. We have culled our resources to provide information to answer our most frequently asked questions to help save you time. This information can also help you get the most from your free evaluation with a member of our staff.

Disclaimer: Please note that in no way does this information serve as legal advice.
There is no guarantee of accuracy. Please consult a professional for individual circumstances.

What is a VA Rating Decision Letter?

The VA rating decision letter is the letter that outlines the VA’s decision regarding your disability claim. The VA will decide if your impairments are service-connected and eligible for benefits. Your impairments will also receive a VA disability benefits rating. This rating can be anywhere from 0% (not severe enough to be compensable by law) to 100% (so severe they are fully covered). These VA ratings will determine your monthly payments. This letter will also list the sum of your benefits, and when you are going to begin receiving VA disability payments.

What is a VA Disability Rating?

A VA Disability Rating is a percentage of possible benefits decided by the VA’s Rating Authorities to a disabled Veteran. The VA Disability Rating determines the amount of VA Disability Benefits a Veteran will receive for service-related conditions. The VA Disability Rating reflects the severity and impact of the disability. For example, a 0% VA Disability Rating is given to a condition that the VA recognizes as a service-related injury but does not qualify for compensation; however, you can still receive some benefits. Disability ratings are rounded off to the nearest 10, i.e., 50%, 60%, 70%.

What is the Total Combined VA Disability Rating?

The Total Combined VA Disability Rating is the combination of all of the conditions afflicting a Veteran. After each condition or ailment is given a VA Disability Rating, all the ratings are calculated to give a Total Combined VA Disability Rating. This overall VA Disability Rating is then used to determine the exact amount of VA disability benefits the Veteran will receive.

What is the C&P Exam?

The C&P Exam is an important part of the VA disability claims process. It is performed by either a VA salaried physician or a contracted physician to document the severity of the Veteran’s medical condition. In some cases, more than one C&P Exam will be required. A general physician usually conducts the first C&P Exam. For some conditions, an exam with a specialist will be required.

How is Vet Comp and Pen different from a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)?

As a service, Vet Comp & Pen provides medical consulting to support VA claims with medical evidence. Our professionals are on hand to help you develop the correct medical evidence to support your claim. Our goal is to get you the highest rating you medically, legally and ethically qualify for. However, we do not fill out claims or provide legal and medical advice. We help you medically strategize evidence to support your claim.

Veterans Service Officers help Veterans fill out forms, file claims, and learn about available VA services. They also represent individuals and present claims at VA hearings. Unlike Vet Comp & Pen, VSOs provide a government service that is free to Veterans.

Vet Comp & Pen is a private organization, so as a client, you are our main priority. We give you our full attention while helping you develop medical evidence to support your claim.

Is Vet Comp & Pen free?

We offer a free consultation to see if we are a fit for you. Vet Comp & Pen only receives payment when you choose to work with us, and you subsequently receive a claim benefit. We NEVER charge any medical consulting fees unless you receive a benefit from our services.

Can Vet Comp & Pen assist Veterans even if we are not located near their offices?

Vet Comp & Pen is a national organization. Our team can help you medically support your claims in any of the 50 states and other US territories. 

How can I find the effective date of my disability award?

A good rule of thumb is the effective date is the date the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) receives your application for benefits. In some cases, it is the date your specific disability became eligible for benefits. Regardless of the processing time, it will default to either of those dates when rewarding benefits, often whichever is the later of the two.

How long do I have to file a VA Disability Compensation Appeal?

Veterans have one year from the date of their Rating Decision Letter to file an appeal.

Can a Veteran receive both VA and Social Security benefits?

A Veteran can receive both VA disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at the same time. Receiving VA disability benefits may impact your eligibility for SSI benefits.

If you’re a Veteran getting VA benefits because of a non-service-related disability, your Social Security benefits are not affected. However, your VA benefits may be reduced if you are receiving Social Security payments.

Can a Veteran work while receiving VA disability?

A Veteran generally can still work when receiving VA disability. However, typically, to receive individual unemployability rating or a 100 percent schedular rating for certain disabilities, a Veteran cannot work full time or make over a certain amount of money per year. That amount is generally anything above the poverty line.

Are VA service-connected benefits taxable?

Veterans’ benefits are excluded from federal taxable income. The following amounts paid to Veterans or their families are not taxable:

  • Money for education or training
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Disability compensation for disabilities paid either to Veterans or their families
  • Pension payments to Veterans or their dependents
How long will the VA take to decide my appeal?

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 has restructured the claims  and appeals process. As of its passing:

  • Supplemental Claims: VA’s goal for completing Supplemental Claim decisions is an average of 125 days.
  • Higher-Level Review: VA’s goal for completing Higher-Level Reviews is an average of 125 days.
  • Appeals to the Board of Veterans Appeals: VA lists varying adjudication timelines for each docket.
    • Direct Docket: VA has set a goal to decide claims in this docket within 365 days.
    • Evidence Docket: VA states that claims in this docket may take longer than 365 days.
    • Hearing Docket: Appeals in this docket are projected to take the longest amount of time to adjudicate, with wait times that may exceed 365 days.
How does the new VA disability appeals process work?

The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 has restructured the appeals process. If you have received an unfavorable rating decision on an initial VA compensation claim, VA’s new disability appeals process allows Veterans to choose from three different review options when filing an appeal:

  • Higher-Level Review: In a Higher-Level Review, Veterans request the Regional Office (RO) issue another decision based on a higher level of review. This review is conducted by a more experienced rating specialist at the Regional Office. The higher-level reviewer has the ability to overturn a previous decision based on a number of factors including a clear and unmistakable error (CUE). Veterans are not allowed to submit additional evidence in support of their claims. 
  • Supplemental Claim: A Supplemental Claim is the submission of new and relevant evidence. The VA has a duty to assist Veterans in gathering evidence to support their claims. When using this appeal, Veterans will maintain the same effective dates for their claims when submitting new and relevant evidence as long as the supplemental claim is submitted within one year of their Regional Office’s initial decision. 
  • Notice of Disagreement: Veterans can appeal their cases directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals following an unfavorable decision.  Now Veterans are able to skip the second level of review that previously existed. They are also able to apply for three different appeals: a direct appeal, a hearing, or an evidence appeal. 

Additionally, if a Veteran receives an unfavorable result, he or she can appeal using the other strategies. For example, a Veteran can file a Supplemental Claim or Notice of Disagreement after an unfavorable Higher-Level Review. 

Help. My question is not answered here. 
Feel free to sign up for a free consultation if your question is not addressed here or if you need more specific help. We are happy to help.

Please note that in no way does this information serve as legal advice. There is no guarantee of accuracy. Please consult a professional for individual circumstances.

Help. My question is not answered here.

Feel free to sign up for a free consultation if your question is not addressed 
here or if you need more assistance. We are happy to help.

FREE MEDICAL EVALUATION
“I absolutely encourage every qualified veteran to use the services of Vet Comp & Pen!”
Rick Baker
Rick Baker2/13/2020
“Friendly, they take you step by step. They make the process easy and fast as they can. We have tried another source, and in 7 yrs they did noting for us, we felt like if we were left out in the cold. In a short time, we so far have gotten an increase. and they are still working on other issues that the VA said no to. Great people, always there for you!!!”
Nancy Sharp Stevens
Nancy Sharp Stevens1/17/2020
“They have helped me on a number of items, and are still helping me today. At my last C&P Exam, the examiner said "Wow! 33 page report of evidence! This is amazing!" -- Not a robot or fake review or anything. They just really have been this great for me.”
Chris W
Chris W1/21/2020
"Gave this outfit a go after hearing from several old friends who had benefited from their expertise. Everything they told me was as advertised. Good to have experts helping me through the process of claims."
Steve Veeck
Steve Veeck2/22/2020
"Great people to work with. They work hard for you!"
Jim Broyles
Jim Broyles1/26/2020
"As all veterans know the process to file a claim and hope to get one approved is complicated, difficult and frustrating at times. Vet Comp and Pen Medical Consulting LLC came to me highly recommended by another veteran who completed the process with them. I have been very impressed with their professionalism, and knowledge of how to navigate the claim process. I have to put my claim specialist on the spot...Ms. Maribel Rivera is my claims upload specialist and was so patient with me helping me to fix my claim properly. Thank you for your continued support from one Veteran to another."
Bear Thomas
Bear Thomas1/2/2020
"I just want to say I talked to this group in august and I got my benefits jumped from 40 percent to 70 percent. Thank you Vet and comp and pen"
Johnny Waycaster
Johnny Waycaster1/10/2020
"I am not as high tech as I’d like to be. Every time I am having difficulty the Staff always calmly and peacefully guide me to accomplish what I need."
Darlene Mobley
Darlene Mobley3/3/2020
"VET COMP AND PENS Professionalism and knowledge will not be topped. The employees have always been great and a "BIG HELP" which gives me so much confidence. I have been recommending them to every VET with problems filing claims or if its their first time"
Delbert Winfield
Delbert Winfield 2/14/2020
"If I could give these guys 10 stars, I would. Whatever assistance you need for as long as you need it, VC&P is always ready. I screwed up my own claim three times prior and never budged from 20% when filing on my own. They got me from 20% to 90% while doing all the heavy lifting in one claim. All I had to do was show up to appointments, sign documents, and mail things off. VC&P is the real deal, I’ve recommended it to my friends and family. They have the knowledge and expertise, let them help you."
David Barrera
David Barrera2/26/2020
"I don’t have any negative comments about your company. Very professional group of people that are doing a lot for the veterans to be able to get the compensation that they deserved after exposing their lives for the country. Very please with the turn around of the text, email, phone con and the instructions. Thanks for a job well done."
Peter Lanzo
Peter Lanzo2/24/2020
"The professionalism they have shown is outstanding. The package that was prepared to submit to the VA was so well written. The time spent finding all the medical support for each issue had to be time consuming, however it showed they really wanted what was best for me and my family."
Willie Jr Stargell
Willie Jr Stargell2/24/2020
“Vet comp and pen has been incredible to say the least. I really never put much thought into even going down this road because of all the stories you here. They made everything very simple and were there for me every step of the way. Thank you VCP for all your help!”
Jason Paxton
Jason Paxton2/28/2020
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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

At Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLC (“VCP”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), your information privacy is paramount. We will never sell, trade, or rent your private information to any unauthorized third party! This statement details the use, storage, and security of your private information essential to offering the advantages of a personalized and interactive online experience.

I. How and why we gather your information

When you register for access to certain features or pages on our website, you may be asked to provide personally identifiable information, such as your name, email address, social security number, personal health information (PHI), street address, or telephone number. Like most websites, we automatically receive information, such as your Internet Service Provider and aggregate, anonymous information which does not personally identify you but tracks the usage patterns of all our users to learn such things as which pages or features are most appealing. We use Google Analytics to track from what search engine or website our website visitors come and Facebook and Google remarking pixels to help direct follow-up advertising. Also, we use cookie technology to recognize you and retain information from your visit, such as your username and password.

The use of these electronic tools may or may not be apparent to visitors but only serves to enhance our service and your experience. We gather your information to communicate with you, deliver more individualized content and advertising, administer our website, offer troubleshooting, process e-commerce transactions, and manage sweepstakes and contests.

II. Consent

When you make a direct payment, authenticate your payment card, or access certain features on our website, your private information may be requested. We infer your consent to collect this information and use it specifically for the purpose you have permitted and no other purpose. If, at any time, your information is required for another purpose, your consent will be expressly requested.

In certain cases, you can choose to not provide us with information. For example, you may set your browser to refuse cookies. However, you may be unable to access certain features on our website or be asked to re-enter your username and password each time you visit; additionally, without certain information, we may not be able to customize the website’s features according to your preferences.

In certain cases, you can choose to not provide us with information. For example, you may set your browser to refuse cookies. However, you may be unable to access certain features on our website or be asked to re-enter your username and password each time you visit; additionally, without certain information, we may not be able to customize the website’s features according to your preferences.

III. Disclosure

We will use your information only as permitted by law. In the course of developing our business, we may sell, buy, merge, or partner with other companies or businesses. In such transactions, user information may be among the transferred assets. Information may be shared with our business partners, but these data do not include any personally identifiable information unless your explicit authorization is obtained. Authorized third parties who provide technical support of our website, such as our web hosting service, may also access this information.

We may disclose your information in response to a court order, when we are reasonably required by law, as related to the collection of overdue payment, or to law enforcement authorities as deemed appropriate or necessary. Note: we may not provide you with notice prior to disclosure in these circumstances.

IV. Storage

Personally identifiable information, such as your name, email address, social security number, street address, personal health information (PHI), and phone number, is stored and protected behind a firewall, on a secure server hosted by Infusionsoft and/or Dropbox, both HIPAA compliant, authorized third-party providers.

We may disclose your information in response to a court order, when we are reasonably required by law, as related to the collection of overdue payment, or to law enforcement authorities as deemed appropriate or necessary. Note: we may not provide you with notice prior to disclosure in these circumstances.

V. Payment

Our payment processing solution is managed by Heartland Payment Systems. Through Heartland’s platform, you may make one-time payments or recurring payments until your balance is paid in full. PCI-DSS standards safeguard your payment card information when processed by Heartland. The payment process is monitored solely by Heartland Payment Systems, and VCP never seizes or stores your payment card information.

VI. Third Parties

Your private information may be stored and protected on a secure server managed by Infusionsoft, a private company that offers a customer relationship management application to small businesses. Infusionsoft’s Privacy Policy can be found here: Infusionsoft Privacy Policy.

Your private information may also be stored and protected on a secure server managed by Dropbox, a cloud-based file hosting service. Dropbox’s Privacy Policy can be found here: Dropbox Privacy Policy.

Some links on our website may direct you to another site, and it is strongly recommended that our clients review the privacy policy of these affiliated sites before submitting personally identifiable information. Also, our third-party providers’ facilities may not be located within the same jurisdiction as VCP or you. Therefore, your personal information may be governed by different information laws enacted in different locations.

VII. Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously. The best industry practices are implemented so that your information is not disclosed, accessed inappropriately, altered, or destroyed. Our third-party providers ensure that your information is encrypted according to PCI-DSS standards or is firewalled and stored on a secure server. The success of our third-party providers, like ours, depends on the security of our clients’ information; therefore, we take your privacy as seriously as you do.

VIII. The Age of Consent

VetCompAndPen.com does not knowingly collect or solicit personally identifiable information from or about children under the age of 13, except as permitted by law. If we discover that we have received any information from a child under the age of 13 in violation of this policy, we will delete that information immediately. If you believe VetCompAndPen.com has any information from or about anyone under the age of 13, please contact us at this email address: [email protected]

IX. Changes to this Policy

As we adopt additional technology, we may also gather information through other means. As such, VetCompAndPen.com reserves the right to change this policy at any time. Please check our Privacy Policy periodically for changes. Your continued use of our website following changes to these terms implies your acceptance of those changes. Information collected prior to the time any change is posted will be used according to the rules and laws that applied at the time the information was collected.

X. Governing Law

This policy and the use of this website are governed by Florida law. If a dispute arises under this policy, we agree to first attempt to resolve it with the help of a mutually agreed-upon mediator in the following location: Alachua County, Florida.

Any costs and fees other than attorney fees associated with the mediation will be shared equally by each of us. If it proves impossible to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution through mediation, we agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration at the following location: Alachua County, Florida, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Judgement upon the award rendered by the arbitration may be entered in any court with jurisdiction to do so. VCP is controlled, operated and administered entirely within Wyoming & Florida.

This statement and the policies outlined herein are not intended to and do not create any contractual or other legal right on behalf of any party.

XI. Contact Information

If you have questions or you want to correct, supplement, or delete any of your information that we are currently managing, contact us at: [email protected] , or you may contact us by mail at:

Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLC

410 SW 140th Terrace

Newberry, FL 32669

 

COPYRIGHT

VetCompAndPen.com and all documents and consulting by-products are © copyrighted by Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLC and protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, with ALL rights reserved. No part of our content, claims, strategy etc. may be copied, or changed in any format, sold, or used in any way without express written permission from Vet Comp & Pen Medical Consulting, LLC.