dse9999 –
First of all, what Bohemond has told you in his post above is all excellent and timely advice. Do heed what he says.
As for your questions:
contacting local office in Canton: yes, that is the best thing you can do now to get your application process going. I assume you have their phone number? Call them and ask for the disability benefits section. When you get the section, do make an appointment to see a service officer, as just walking in unannounced one day may result in a long wait to see anyone. Bring your copy of your DD-214 (service discharge paper) and a copy of your official lab results diagnosing PCa. Service officer will complete your application online, asking additional administrative type questions. That day establishes your application date, from which all else is measured.
Get this done before your treatment begins. If you apply for benefits after treatment begins, your condition is no longer considered presumptive, and you will need to supply more paperwork and the process will be delayed.
name of compensation program: Go to
www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/for most current information. Find "Federal Benefits Guide" in column at right, click on, and read relevant chapters. Also look at
www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-vietnam.asp and
www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/claims-postservice-agent_orange.aspcompensation figures: Go again to
www.benefits.va.gov/COMPENSATION/and click on "Benefit Rates" in column at right.
do benefits apply if my medical treatment is private? Of course, these are separate issues. Whether or not the VA pays for private treatment when VA facilities are available to do the same treatment is another issue, but your VA benefits are already earned.
Now for a very important point that I have assumed applies to you, but we do need to confirm it. Your service in Vietnam actually was in-country, right? That is, you were actually on-the-ground somewhere in the country. This is important, as service members such as Navy personnel who were stationed on ships offshore do not qualify for the benefits we are talking about
.
I hope the above information gets you started. Below I have added some personal notes and observations from my own application process that I hope may be useful:
5 months (hopefully) from filing date to direct deposit of funds (4 months worth of direct deposit, followed by another direct deposit a month later and one more the following month). Award is "presumptive" (that is, they assume you qualify for award if you (1) were in Nam, and (2) you do have PCa). Need discharge form (DD-214) and lab report stating that you have been Dx'd with PCa (such as from Bostwick Labs or Epstein). Medical exam by VA doctor required. Standard exam, with DRE. During my exam the doc asked me to "characterize" the PCa. I wasn't sure what she meant, so I just gave Gleason, PSA and stage. (Yes, "she," BTW, your VA medical examiner may be a lady doctor, not that it matters). She seemed satisfied with that. Be prepared to tell what medications you are on, any side effects you are having, but don't expect the examining doctor or nurses to answer any of your questions about the status of your application, they just do the medical exam.The most important quality you can have during all this VA process is patience. It will take some time, but you will eventually get a decision (although, again, it should be automatic if you were in Nam (that DD214 form) and you have been Dx'd with PCa (lab report).There will be a second VA exam approximately six months following initial award at which they examine you for "residuals" (basically SEs resulting either from PCa or the treatment for it). Residuals can be things like voiding dysfunction, renal dysfunction, etc., and if you have them you might get a permanent disability award which could be 20 %, 30 %, etc. of your initial award.Keep records of everything, meet all deadlines, follow all instructions, and be cooperative at all times (even if you are feeling impatient sometimes).A few others: the monthly cash direct deposit to your account right now will be $ 2858 for single vets ($ 3017 for married ones) and is good for at least six months, until your residuals exam takes place. Following the residuals exam, your subsequent monthly payments may be reduced (unless you can prove medically that your PC is still active), but your now reduced monthly payments will probably be permanent. This money is non-taxable, as the IRS counts it as "compensation" and not as "income." Once you get the monthly cash award, you may also qualify for some exemptions in your home state or county (I got a 25 % reduction in my property taxes, thanks to having this VA assigned disability). There may be other discounts or free availability for some other licenses, fees or services, check with your local or state government offices. Government life insurance is an option, there are vocational rehab options available through the VA, and I believe also free dental benefits under certain circumstances. If you have minor children, there are some educational benefits available for them as well. Well, that's a lot of stuff I've presented, but I hope it helps. The important thing now is to get your application in as soon as possible, and that starts the ball rolling.
If you have any other questions, please do let me know, and Ill be happy to try and help.
Good luck!