Readers of Tom Philpott’s Military Update column sound off.

VA Clothing Allowance Still Automatic For Amputees

I lost my leg in Vietnam and for over 30 years would automatically receive the veterans’ clothing allowance.  Now I believe the law has changed and it is necessary for a veteran to submit a form before August 1st to be considered for the award.

I bring this to your attention as I believe there are many veterans like me who assume the allowance will be automatic.  I cannot get an answer from anyone at the VA.  They all pass the question along, not knowing if the game board has changed.

To be on the safe side my NSO (National Service Officer) suggested that I submit the form that is available on line.  It is, in my opinion, yet another attempt to cut an entitlement to save money.  But what do I know.

JOE MEHESKI
Vie e-mail

Payment of the allowance is still automatic for amputees.  Any veteran entitled to compensation for a service-connected disability for which he or she uses a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance may receive the Annual Clothing Allowance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The current rate is $716.

There’s been no change in regulation or law regarding this benefit, which is codified at 38 CFR 3.810.  Annual recertification due each August does not apply to amputees, who never need to reapply because their condition is considered static.

Veterans whose condition might change from one year to the next, to possibly no longer require the device (typically, a brace), do have to recertify their need.

The allowance also is available to any veteran whose service-connected skin condition requires prescribed medication that irreparably damages the veteran's outer garments.

An application for the clothing allowance, VA Form 10-8678, can be downloaded from http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-8678-fill.pdf .  Follow directions on the form on where to submit.  You can contact your nearest VA Regional Office for more information.  The toll free number is 1-800-827-1000. – Tom Philpott

PAY FOR LOWERED QUALITY-OF-LIFE PAY

I would like to thank you for following this issue of VA not being ready yet to back additional compensation for disabled veterans for their reduced qualify of life.  There has not been an adjustment to the basic disability rating pay scale, other than for cost of living, in 50 years or so.

I am a retired Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer and have been receiving Special Monthly Compensation for over 10 years. It does not adequately compensate me.  No matter how they flip the way disability compensation should be paid, the fact is current rates are so far behind schedule for meeting actual living costs that the 25 percent increase suggested by Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission is minimal.

I have two separate and distinct 100 percent ratings plus other rated conditions. I have to worry about budgeting to have decent living conditions.  It is not a pleasant existence but I am strong. Many others are not!

All the back and forth about quality of life is an esoteric filibuster.  Four thousand dollars a month should be basic compensation for a 100-percent rating because that is what it takes to live a decent life in America.

Various commissions can study it until we land on Mars but simplicity is the key. Special monthly compensation should double, at a minimum.

DoD-VA joint studies show many areas where improvements are needed for disabled veterans.  A vehicle grant, for example, should cover the cost of a one-ton extended van, custom made, for the veteran, not just a small down payment as it does now. Self employment plans for veterans are a joke. I am working toward one but pay while in school is not adequate.  Special adapted housing grants should cover at least the first $150,000 of the house, and be retroactive for previous grantees.

If the federal government cannot pay for these increases, stipulate that defense contractors fill the needs of disabled veterans as a tax write off. All the veterans’ service agencies out there can only help them within the existing system, which is inadequate in many ways.

The whole family suffers with the veteran.  Severe disabilities affect every daily event for a family throughout the shortened lifetime of a disabled veteran. My wife is my full time aid and attendant.  I would not take all my medications everyday without her constant nudging.  When you have a seriously disabled veteran, the spouse suffers more and should be compensated in real world terms, rather than the current nonsense.

I could go on and on but I’m tired.  Everything about disabled veterans pay reminds me of how my quality of life has suffered in regard to what I could have done in the public sector.

LEON A. HOUSTON II
Chief Machinery Technician
USCG-Ret.

I agree that compensation for loss of quality of life would be nice, but how can one determine that?

I was a tanker for 20 years -- airborne and combat arms all the way.  Tanks beat me up.  My knees hurt.  I lost an eye and broke bones.  How do they consider wear and tear on my knees from running 20 years?  Or [parachute] jumping four years.  Even walking hurt but they did not give me anything because as a combat arms soldier you "suck it up" and Mission First. So since you ate Motrin to get by, never went to sick call because it would incur the harassment and name calling from the other joes.  You MAN-UP!  How will they separate someone who passed out basketballs in the gym their entire career over those who sacrificed their body?

KOMORA S.
Via e-mail

SBP-DIC COVERAGE

I want to express my thanks for your articles on the military Survivor Benefit Plan.  You keep us informed on what is going on and I am very appreciative of it.  I keep hoping this injustice will be corrected while the widows are still alive.

LORI KRIWANEK
Via e-mail

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com.