5 secrets of Short Sale Survival
Posted: 13 Jul 2011 06:28 AM PDT
Thanks to Neal for this guest post on things he learned about surviving a short sale. A generation ago a “short sale” was a special on Capri pants at and the local department store. A decade ago a “short sale” was a stock transaction that bet on failure.And now, it’s something completely different, and depressingly omnipresent.
A short sale is a way for you to get out from under your upsidedown mortgage and lessen the blow of foreclosure. At least, it offers a way to have to admit that you were foreclosed upon. We all know what the term “short sale” means these days. Many folks know less about what it involves, and more alarmingly, what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that short stick.
5 Secrets to Survive a Short Sale
Here are five little nuances that, if you’re just now considering this, you may not yet have been told, all of them something you need to weigh.
1. In comparing a short sale to a foreclosure, you’re basically trading one pain for another. Because in either case the bank won’t like you, and in return will send the credit bureaus a smear campaign with your name on it. Foreclosure will mercilessly ruin your credit for seven years. A short sale, if you can pull it off, will put a black mark next to your name for two, and give you quicker access to credit-rebuilding programs, which are suddenly all the rage.
But don’t sign up yet. Because your credit score isn’t the only variable involved.
2. Foreclosure is relatively easy. You just stop making mortgage payments, and then one day you get notified that you need to be out the door by a specific date. Which may or may not be the date you really need to be out of the house (some folks have been known to squat in their own home for up to year after a foreclosure notice).
When the real date arrives, you just pack your stuff and go. Simple.
3. By comparison, a short sale is like taking out your own appendix versus going to the emergency room. Nothing easy about it, and orders of magnitude more painful. First, you have to stop making your payments completely or the bank won’t even talk to you about a short sale. Don’t even thing about making a partial payment because, after all, you’re one of the good guys, it’ll back-fire on you.
What they will do, however, is turn your account over to a collection agency who will call you with some of the nastiest, most confrontational rants you’ve ever heard. Best advice here, if you truly are heading toward a short sale: don’t answer the phone. Instead, call your bank (not the collection agency) yourself every six weeks or so and tell them – yes, tell them – that you’ve chosen to do a short sale on the house, and you’re ready when they are, and in the meantime, no further payments are forthcoming.)
It gets worse from there. Once the short sale fuse has been lit, the bank will have a market appraisal done on your house, and your ego won’t like the number. They’ll want the highest price they can get, which is contrary to your desire to sell the house as quickly as possible. And by the way, at this point you are completely out of the conversation, on any and all issues. Just sit back and let your real estate agent handle the chaos.
Which brings us to the next little secret.
4. You absolutely need to work with an experienced short sale real estate professional. Ask for references and credentials. Anybody with a business card with the words “real estate” on it will say they can do it, but only a fraction actually specialize in it. Why do you need a specialists? Because the runaround you’re in for is astounding, and you need someone who can cut through the crap the bank will throw down in this process.
An attorney is a good idea, too, but that’s no secret.
5. There’s no such thing as a free lunch or a completely scott-free mortgage forgiveness, according to the I.R.S. You will receive a Form 1099-S in an amount equal to the amount of the loan forgiveness that results from a completed short sale. There are ways around actually claiming this income on your tax return, including the possible extension of Obama-generated tax breaks based on certain factors that you, your CPA and your attorney need to kick around.
But exempting this “income” from taxes is not remotely a sure thing, making this the dirty little secret of short selling.
6. There’s help out there. Go online and search for “short sale advice,” as well as “government programs for foreclosure avoidance.” The programs have income thresholds and expiring timelines, and this landscape is shifting constantly.
The banks, for example, have an incentive to help you apply for a kickback of up to $3000 — because they get a kickback of their own from taxpayers, which means you should thank all your neighbors for the help if you go this route – as part of the matrix-like cluster-bomb of paperwork and closing costs you’ll encounter.
Remember, while you may feel alone with your problems, you’re not.
Short sales are at an all-time high, and banks are resigning themselves to it as an alternative to foreclosure, which is the epitome of a pain-in-the-asset where they are concerned.
Just remember, though, that the short sale buyer is a close DNA match with the common shark, and they’re on your porch smelling blood for the sole purpose of capitalizing on your misfortune. Thus, coffee and cookies during showing are not expected… save the five bucks and buy yourself a sandwich. Just don’t tell your bank that’s how you’re spending your money, because they’re looking for any reason at all to tell you no.
Nolan Hoffman is the lead writer for onlinebanks.com and also blogs about his short sale experiences at debtkid.com.
A short sale is a way for you to get out from under your upsidedown mortgage and lessen the blow of foreclosure. At least, it offers a way to have to admit that you were foreclosed upon. We all know what the term “short sale” means these days. Many folks know less about what it involves, and more alarmingly, what it feels like to be on the receiving end of that short stick.
5 Secrets to Survive a Short Sale
Here are five little nuances that, if you’re just now considering this, you may not yet have been told, all of them something you need to weigh.
1. In comparing a short sale to a foreclosure, you’re basically trading one pain for another. Because in either case the bank won’t like you, and in return will send the credit bureaus a smear campaign with your name on it. Foreclosure will mercilessly ruin your credit for seven years. A short sale, if you can pull it off, will put a black mark next to your name for two, and give you quicker access to credit-rebuilding programs, which are suddenly all the rage.
But don’t sign up yet. Because your credit score isn’t the only variable involved.
2. Foreclosure is relatively easy. You just stop making mortgage payments, and then one day you get notified that you need to be out the door by a specific date. Which may or may not be the date you really need to be out of the house (some folks have been known to squat in their own home for up to year after a foreclosure notice).
When the real date arrives, you just pack your stuff and go. Simple.
3. By comparison, a short sale is like taking out your own appendix versus going to the emergency room. Nothing easy about it, and orders of magnitude more painful. First, you have to stop making your payments completely or the bank won’t even talk to you about a short sale. Don’t even thing about making a partial payment because, after all, you’re one of the good guys, it’ll back-fire on you.
What they will do, however, is turn your account over to a collection agency who will call you with some of the nastiest, most confrontational rants you’ve ever heard. Best advice here, if you truly are heading toward a short sale: don’t answer the phone. Instead, call your bank (not the collection agency) yourself every six weeks or so and tell them – yes, tell them – that you’ve chosen to do a short sale on the house, and you’re ready when they are, and in the meantime, no further payments are forthcoming.)
It gets worse from there. Once the short sale fuse has been lit, the bank will have a market appraisal done on your house, and your ego won’t like the number. They’ll want the highest price they can get, which is contrary to your desire to sell the house as quickly as possible. And by the way, at this point you are completely out of the conversation, on any and all issues. Just sit back and let your real estate agent handle the chaos.
Which brings us to the next little secret.
4. You absolutely need to work with an experienced short sale real estate professional. Ask for references and credentials. Anybody with a business card with the words “real estate” on it will say they can do it, but only a fraction actually specialize in it. Why do you need a specialists? Because the runaround you’re in for is astounding, and you need someone who can cut through the crap the bank will throw down in this process.
An attorney is a good idea, too, but that’s no secret.
5. There’s no such thing as a free lunch or a completely scott-free mortgage forgiveness, according to the I.R.S. You will receive a Form 1099-S in an amount equal to the amount of the loan forgiveness that results from a completed short sale. There are ways around actually claiming this income on your tax return, including the possible extension of Obama-generated tax breaks based on certain factors that you, your CPA and your attorney need to kick around.
But exempting this “income” from taxes is not remotely a sure thing, making this the dirty little secret of short selling.
6. There’s help out there. Go online and search for “short sale advice,” as well as “government programs for foreclosure avoidance.” The programs have income thresholds and expiring timelines, and this landscape is shifting constantly.
The banks, for example, have an incentive to help you apply for a kickback of up to $3000 — because they get a kickback of their own from taxpayers, which means you should thank all your neighbors for the help if you go this route – as part of the matrix-like cluster-bomb of paperwork and closing costs you’ll encounter.
Remember, while you may feel alone with your problems, you’re not.
Short sales are at an all-time high, and banks are resigning themselves to it as an alternative to foreclosure, which is the epitome of a pain-in-the-asset where they are concerned.
Just remember, though, that the short sale buyer is a close DNA match with the common shark, and they’re on your porch smelling blood for the sole purpose of capitalizing on your misfortune. Thus, coffee and cookies during showing are not expected… save the five bucks and buy yourself a sandwich. Just don’t tell your bank that’s how you’re spending your money, because they’re looking for any reason at all to tell you no.
Nolan Hoffman is the lead writer for onlinebanks.com and also blogs about his short sale experiences at debtkid.com.
Accupuncture For Veterans
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Veteran's Acronyms, Intialisms, and Abbreviations
38 CFR = Title 38 Code of Federal Regulations
38 USC = Title 38 of the United States Code
A&A = Aid and Attendance
AAFES = Army & Air Force Exchange Service
AD = Active Duty
ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act
AFEES = Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station
AISI = As I see it
AL = American Legion
AMC = Appeals Management Center
AMVETS = AMVETS
AO = Agent Orange
APAP = Automatic Positive Airway Pressure
BCMR = Board of Corrections for Military Records
BCD = Bad Conduct Discharge
BDD = Benefits Delivery by Discharge sometimes called BBD, Benefits by Discharge
BEQ = Bachelor Enlisted Quarters
BiPAP = Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure.
BOQ = Bachelor Officers Quarters
BVA = Board of Veterans Appeals
BX = Base Exchange
C&P = Compensation and Pension
C-File = Claims File
C-File # = Claims File ID Number (Now your SSAN)
CAD = Coronary Artery Disease
CARES = Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services
CAVC = Court of Appeals for Veterans Causes
CBOC = Community Based Outpatient Clinic
CHAMPVA = Civilian Hearth and Medical Program VA. a medical program for dependants of 100% disabled veterans.
Chapter 61 = refers to US Code, Title 10, Chapter 61 Disability Retirements
Chapter 71 = refers to US Code, Title 10, Chapter 71 TOS Retirements
COLA = Cost of Living Allowence
COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CRDP = Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
CRSC = Combat Related Special Compensation
CUE = Clear and Umistakeable Error
C&UE = Clear and Umistakeable Error
DAV = Disabled American Veterans
DC = Diagnostic Code also Death Certificate
DD = Dishonorable Discharge
DD-2 = Armed Forces Identification Card
DD-149 = Application for the Correction of Military Record
DD-214 = Certificate of Realase or Discharge from Active Duty
DD-293 = Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
DD-1172 Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card - DEERS Enrollment
DD-1173 = United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card
DD-2765 = Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card
DeCA = Defense Commissary Agency
DFAS = Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DIC Dependants Indemnity Compensation
DMII = Diabetes Mellitus Type II
DoD = Department of Defense
DRB = Discharge Review Board
DRO = Decision Review Officer
DSM IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition
DVA = Department of Veterans Affairs
EAJA = Equal Access to Justice Act
EAS = End of Active Service
EAOS = End of Active Obligated Service
EED = Earlier/Earliest Effective Date
ESG = Environmental Support Group
FICA = Federal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security withholding tax)
FOIA = Freedom of Information Act
FR = Federal Register
FWIW = For what it's worth
GAF = Global Assessment of Function
GIB = GI Bill
GWI = Gulf War I
GWII = Gulf War II
HIPPA = Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996
HISA = Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Program
ILP = Independent Living Program
IME = Independent Medical Evaluations
IMO = Independant Medical Opinion
IOM = Institute of Medicine
IRIS = Inquiry Routing & Information System
ISTM = It Seems To Me
ILP = Independent Living Program
I/U = Individual Unemployability
LOD = Line of Duty
M21-1MR = VA Claims Adjudication Manual
MEB = Medical Evaluation Board
MGIB = Montgomery GI Bill
MOAA = Military Officers Association of America
MoPH = Military Order of the Purple Heart
MOS = Military Occupation Specialty
MWR = Morale, Welfare & Recreation
NARA = National Archives Records Administration
NEC = Navy Enlisted Classification (code)
NEX = Navy Exchange
NDAA = National Defense Authorization Act
NDR = Non-Duty Related
NIH = National Institutes of Health
NOD = Notice of Disagreement
NP = Nurse Practicioner
NPRC = National Personnel Records Center
NSC = Non Service Connected
NSO = National Service Officer (Usually DAV)
NVLSP = National Veterans Legal Services Program
OEF = Operation Enduring Freedom
OGC = (VA) Office of General Council
OIF = Operation Iraqi Freedom
OTOH = On the Other Hand
P&T = Permanently and Totally Disabled
PA = Physicians Assistant
PARDS = Partner Assisted Rating Decision System (a fast track claim)
PC = Prostate Cancer
PCP = Primary Care Physician
PDRL = Permanantly Disabled Retired List
PEB Physical Evaluation Board
PEBLO Physical Evaluation Board Liason Officer
PG = Persian Gulf
PM = Private Message
PN = Peripheral Neuropathy
POA = Power of Attorney
PTSD = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PVD=Peripheral Vascular Disease
PVA = Paralyzed Veterans of America
PX = Post Exchange
QTC = Quality Treatment Corporation (a VA medical contractor)
REDUX = Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986
RO = Regional Office
RVSR = Rating Veterans Service Represenative
SAH = Specially Adapted Housing
SBP = Survivors Benefit Plan
SC = Service Connected
SEA = SouthEast Asia
SF-180 = Standard Form, Requests Pertaining to Military Records
SGLI = Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
SMC-n = Special Monthly Compensation where "n" is K thru R
SMR = Service Medical Records
SO = Service Officer
SOC = Statement of the Case
SR = Service Records
SRB = Service Record Book (Marines)
SS = Social Security
SSA = Social Security Administration
SSAN = Social Security Account Number
SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI = Suplemental Security Income
SSOC = Supplemental Statement of the Case
TAD = Temporary Additional Duty (Navy)
TAP = Transition Assistance Program
TDIU = Totaly Disabled based on Individual Unemployability
TDRL = Temporary Disabled Retired List
TDY = Temporary Duty
TERA = Temporary Early Retirement Authority
TMOP = Tricare Mail Order Pharmacy
TOS = Time of Service
TREA = The Retired Enlisted Association
Tricare = Medical program for retiree's and military dependants.
Tricare for Life (TFL) = Medical program for retiree's and military dependants over age 65
TRIP = Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation of claims
UCMJ = Uniform Code of Military Justice
URL = Uniform Resource Locator
VA = Veterans Administration
VA Catalog 1 = VA Catalog of Forms
Official Hub for Federal Forms
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for Medical Benefits (Enroll)
VA Form 10-5345 Request For And Authorization To Release Medical Records or Health Information
VA Form 9 = Appeal to Board of Veterans Appeals
VA Form 20-572 = Request for Change of Address/Cancellation of Direct Deposit
VA Form 21-22 = Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative
VA Form 21-22A = Appointment of Attorney or Agent as Claimant’s Representative
VA Form 21-526 = Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension
VA Form 21-530 = Application for Burial Benefits
VA Form 21-534 = Application for DIC, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits By a Surv. Spouse or Child
VA Form 21-534a = Application for DIC By a Surv. Spouse or Child (In-Service Death Only)
VA Form 21-601 = Application for Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary
VA Form 21-686c = Declaration Of Status Of Dependents
VA Form 21-674 = Request for Approval of School Attendance
VA Form 21-4138 = Statement in Support of Claim
VA Form 21-4140-1 = Employment Questionaire
VA Form 21-4142 = Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the DVA
VA Form 21-8940 = Veteran’s Application for. Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.
VA Form 22-1990 = Application for VA Education Benefits (VONAPP)
VA Form 24-0296 = Direct Deposit Enrollment
VA Form 26-1817 = Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement (Unmarried Surviving Spouses)
VA Form 26-1880 = Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Home Loan Guarantee)
VA Form 28-1900 = Disabled Veteran’s Application for Vocational Rehabilitation (VONAPP)
VA Form 28-8890 = Important Information about Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
VAMC = VA Medical Center
VAOPGCPREC = Veterans Affairs Opinion, General Counsel, Precedent
VARO = Veterans Affairs Regional Office
VASRD = VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (CFR Title 38, Volume 1, Part 4)
VBA = Veterans Benefits Administration
VCAA = The Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000
VEAP = Veterans' Educational Assistance Program
VFW = Veterans of Foreign Wars
VGLI = Veterans Group Life Insurance
VHA = Veterans Health Administration
VHA Form 10-10EZ = Application for Health Benefits
VHA Form 10-5345 Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information
VISN = Veterans Integrated Service Network
VISTA = Veterans Health Information System & Technology Architecture
VJRA = Veterans Judicial Review Act
VONAPP = Veterans ON-line APPlication
VRA = Veterans Recruitment Appointment
VRE = Vocational Rehabilitation & Education
VSR = Veterans Service Represenative
VSC = Veterans Service Center
VSCM = Veterans Service Center Manager
VSO = Veteran Service Organization, sometimes Veterans Service Officer
VVA = Vietnam Veterans of America
Text Messaging Abbreviations & Acronyms
The Largest List of Text Message Shorthand (IM, SMS) and Internet Acronyms Found of the Web - kept current and up-to-date by NetLingo The Internet Dictionary: Online Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms, Acronyms, Text Messaging, Smileys ;-)
Text Messaging, Chat Abbreviations & Smiley Faces - Webopedia
Text » Internet Acronyms
Tips - Chat and SMS Text Acronyms | Amset.info
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Military Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations
Military Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations
DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/subjectare.../military.html
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA)
NACVSO Home Page [National Association of County Veteran Service Officers]
TMC Members
38 USC = Title 38 of the United States Code
A&A = Aid and Attendance
AAFES = Army & Air Force Exchange Service
AD = Active Duty
ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act
AFEES = Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station
AISI = As I see it
AL = American Legion
AMC = Appeals Management Center
AMVETS = AMVETS
AO = Agent Orange
APAP = Automatic Positive Airway Pressure
BCMR = Board of Corrections for Military Records
BCD = Bad Conduct Discharge
BDD = Benefits Delivery by Discharge sometimes called BBD, Benefits by Discharge
BEQ = Bachelor Enlisted Quarters
BiPAP = Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure.
BOQ = Bachelor Officers Quarters
BVA = Board of Veterans Appeals
BX = Base Exchange
C&P = Compensation and Pension
C-File = Claims File
C-File # = Claims File ID Number (Now your SSAN)
CAD = Coronary Artery Disease
CARES = Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services
CAVC = Court of Appeals for Veterans Causes
CBOC = Community Based Outpatient Clinic
CHAMPVA = Civilian Hearth and Medical Program VA. a medical program for dependants of 100% disabled veterans.
Chapter 61 = refers to US Code, Title 10, Chapter 61 Disability Retirements
Chapter 71 = refers to US Code, Title 10, Chapter 71 TOS Retirements
COLA = Cost of Living Allowence
COPD = Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
CPAP = Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CRDP = Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay
CRSC = Combat Related Special Compensation
CUE = Clear and Umistakeable Error
C&UE = Clear and Umistakeable Error
DAV = Disabled American Veterans
DC = Diagnostic Code also Death Certificate
DD = Dishonorable Discharge
DD-2 = Armed Forces Identification Card
DD-149 = Application for the Correction of Military Record
DD-214 = Certificate of Realase or Discharge from Active Duty
DD-293 = Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States
DD-1172 Application for Uniformed Services Identification Card - DEERS Enrollment
DD-1173 = United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card
DD-2765 = Department of Defense/Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card
DeCA = Defense Commissary Agency
DFAS = Defense Finance and Accounting Service
DIC Dependants Indemnity Compensation
DMII = Diabetes Mellitus Type II
DoD = Department of Defense
DRB = Discharge Review Board
DRO = Decision Review Officer
DSM IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition
DVA = Department of Veterans Affairs
EAJA = Equal Access to Justice Act
EAS = End of Active Service
EAOS = End of Active Obligated Service
EED = Earlier/Earliest Effective Date
ESG = Environmental Support Group
FICA = Federal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security withholding tax)
FOIA = Freedom of Information Act
FR = Federal Register
FWIW = For what it's worth
GAF = Global Assessment of Function
GIB = GI Bill
GWI = Gulf War I
GWII = Gulf War II
HIPPA = Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996
HISA = Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Program
ILP = Independent Living Program
IME = Independent Medical Evaluations
IMO = Independant Medical Opinion
IOM = Institute of Medicine
IRIS = Inquiry Routing & Information System
ISTM = It Seems To Me
ILP = Independent Living Program
I/U = Individual Unemployability
LOD = Line of Duty
M21-1MR = VA Claims Adjudication Manual
MEB = Medical Evaluation Board
MGIB = Montgomery GI Bill
MOAA = Military Officers Association of America
MoPH = Military Order of the Purple Heart
MOS = Military Occupation Specialty
MWR = Morale, Welfare & Recreation
NARA = National Archives Records Administration
NEC = Navy Enlisted Classification (code)
NEX = Navy Exchange
NDAA = National Defense Authorization Act
NDR = Non-Duty Related
NIH = National Institutes of Health
NOD = Notice of Disagreement
NP = Nurse Practicioner
NPRC = National Personnel Records Center
NSC = Non Service Connected
NSO = National Service Officer (Usually DAV)
NVLSP = National Veterans Legal Services Program
OEF = Operation Enduring Freedom
OGC = (VA) Office of General Council
OIF = Operation Iraqi Freedom
OTOH = On the Other Hand
P&T = Permanently and Totally Disabled
PA = Physicians Assistant
PARDS = Partner Assisted Rating Decision System (a fast track claim)
PC = Prostate Cancer
PCP = Primary Care Physician
PDRL = Permanantly Disabled Retired List
PEB Physical Evaluation Board
PEBLO Physical Evaluation Board Liason Officer
PG = Persian Gulf
PM = Private Message
PN = Peripheral Neuropathy
POA = Power of Attorney
PTSD = Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PVD=Peripheral Vascular Disease
PVA = Paralyzed Veterans of America
PX = Post Exchange
QTC = Quality Treatment Corporation (a VA medical contractor)
REDUX = Military Retirement Reform Act of 1986
RO = Regional Office
RVSR = Rating Veterans Service Represenative
SAH = Specially Adapted Housing
SBP = Survivors Benefit Plan
SC = Service Connected
SEA = SouthEast Asia
SF-180 = Standard Form, Requests Pertaining to Military Records
SGLI = Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
SMC-n = Special Monthly Compensation where "n" is K thru R
SMR = Service Medical Records
SO = Service Officer
SOC = Statement of the Case
SR = Service Records
SRB = Service Record Book (Marines)
SS = Social Security
SSA = Social Security Administration
SSAN = Social Security Account Number
SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance
SSI = Suplemental Security Income
SSOC = Supplemental Statement of the Case
TAD = Temporary Additional Duty (Navy)
TAP = Transition Assistance Program
TDIU = Totaly Disabled based on Individual Unemployability
TDRL = Temporary Disabled Retired List
TDY = Temporary Duty
TERA = Temporary Early Retirement Authority
TMOP = Tricare Mail Order Pharmacy
TOS = Time of Service
TREA = The Retired Enlisted Association
Tricare = Medical program for retiree's and military dependants.
Tricare for Life (TFL) = Medical program for retiree's and military dependants over age 65
TRIP = Training, Responsibility, Involvement and Preparation of claims
UCMJ = Uniform Code of Military Justice
URL = Uniform Resource Locator
VA = Veterans Administration
VA Catalog 1 = VA Catalog of Forms
Official Hub for Federal Forms
VA Form 10-10EZ - Application for Medical Benefits (Enroll)
VA Form 10-5345 Request For And Authorization To Release Medical Records or Health Information
VA Form 9 = Appeal to Board of Veterans Appeals
VA Form 20-572 = Request for Change of Address/Cancellation of Direct Deposit
VA Form 21-22 = Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative
VA Form 21-22A = Appointment of Attorney or Agent as Claimant’s Representative
VA Form 21-526 = Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension
VA Form 21-530 = Application for Burial Benefits
VA Form 21-534 = Application for DIC, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits By a Surv. Spouse or Child
VA Form 21-534a = Application for DIC By a Surv. Spouse or Child (In-Service Death Only)
VA Form 21-601 = Application for Accrued Amounts Due a Deceased Beneficiary
VA Form 21-686c = Declaration Of Status Of Dependents
VA Form 21-674 = Request for Approval of School Attendance
VA Form 21-4138 = Statement in Support of Claim
VA Form 21-4140-1 = Employment Questionaire
VA Form 21-4142 = Authorization and Consent to Release Information to the DVA
VA Form 21-8940 = Veteran’s Application for. Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability.
VA Form 22-1990 = Application for VA Education Benefits (VONAPP)
VA Form 24-0296 = Direct Deposit Enrollment
VA Form 26-1817 = Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement (Unmarried Surviving Spouses)
VA Form 26-1880 = Request for a Certificate of Eligibility (VA Home Loan Guarantee)
VA Form 28-1900 = Disabled Veteran’s Application for Vocational Rehabilitation (VONAPP)
VA Form 28-8890 = Important Information about Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
VAMC = VA Medical Center
VAOPGCPREC = Veterans Affairs Opinion, General Counsel, Precedent
VARO = Veterans Affairs Regional Office
VASRD = VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (CFR Title 38, Volume 1, Part 4)
VBA = Veterans Benefits Administration
VCAA = The Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000
VEAP = Veterans' Educational Assistance Program
VFW = Veterans of Foreign Wars
VGLI = Veterans Group Life Insurance
VHA = Veterans Health Administration
VHA Form 10-10EZ = Application for Health Benefits
VHA Form 10-5345 Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information
VISN = Veterans Integrated Service Network
VISTA = Veterans Health Information System & Technology Architecture
VJRA = Veterans Judicial Review Act
VONAPP = Veterans ON-line APPlication
VRA = Veterans Recruitment Appointment
VRE = Vocational Rehabilitation & Education
VSR = Veterans Service Represenative
VSC = Veterans Service Center
VSCM = Veterans Service Center Manager
VSO = Veteran Service Organization, sometimes Veterans Service Officer
VVA = Vietnam Veterans of America
Text Messaging Abbreviations & Acronyms
The Largest List of Text Message Shorthand (IM, SMS) and Internet Acronyms Found of the Web - kept current and up-to-date by NetLingo The Internet Dictionary: Online Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms, Acronyms, Text Messaging, Smileys ;-)
Text Messaging, Chat Abbreviations & Smiley Faces - Webopedia
Text » Internet Acronyms
Tips - Chat and SMS Text Acronyms | Amset.info
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Military Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations
Military Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations
DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms
http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/subjectare.../military.html
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA)
NACVSO Home Page [National Association of County Veteran Service Officers]
TMC Members
Prepare yourself...Just in case.
Be Prepared for an Emergency
You will be more effective when crisis comes if you are prepared for it. These steps will help. On this page:
Learn about mental illness
Learn to recognize red flags
Know the laws in your state
Recruit backup support
Develop an Emergency Contacts list
Get a signed release of information form
Build a CARE Kit
Learn about mental illness
READ ABOUT mental illness and its treatment in books or online and/or watch educational videos like the PBS special "Minds on the Edge."
ATTEND public lectures or classes about mental illness offered in your community. Your public library, community college and local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) affiliate are typical sponsors.
ENROLL in NAMI’s 12-week “Family-to-Family” course for families of people with severe mental illness. The course is free, and the information is practical and useful.
ASK TO MEET with your loved one’s mental health provider(s) to get specific information about triggers and effective interventions in your own loved one.
READ“Hope for Overwhelmed Family Caregivers ” on our website. This special issue of the Treatment Advocacy Center's newsletter Catalyst is devoted entirely to family-member strategies.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT "Eliminating Barriers: Tips for Advocates on Busting Through." This one-page flier is a quick summary of the strategies in the Catalyst family issue.
Learn to recognize red flags (Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2001 by Irene S. Levine. All rights reserved.)
BE ALERT to new symptoms or changes in severity of old ones. Differentiate normal from prolonged responses lasting more than 4-6 weeks.
REMEMBER that it is "normal" to react to extreme stress with symptoms of depression, anxiety, changes in eating patterns, sleep disturbances, difficulties concentrating, and irritability.
ENCOURAGE your family member to talk to their clinician for careful assessment if symptoms do not abate.
REMIND your family member that now is not the time to forget to take medicine that is already being taken. Going off meds against medical advice can only make things worse.
MONITOR the inappropriate use of alcohol or drugs to self-medicate.
PAY ATTENTION to physical problems that may compound mental health issues.
Know the laws in your state.
Several forms of psychiatric intervention exist to address mental health crises, but they differ from state to state. You must know the ones that apply where your loved one resides.
Recruit backup support.
Ask a stable and reliable family member, friend, neighbor, associate or other interested person to be on standby to back you up in an emergency. You may need more than one, e.g., someone who could personally look in with a loved one if you cannot; someone who could go with you to an ER and be an effective advocate for you and your loved one if you are too upset; someone who will stay at home with your other children while you go to the police station, etc.
Develop an emergency contacts list.
List telephone numbers, email addresses and any other information for reaching all the following that are applicable:
Your standby support person(s)
Mobile crisis team
Psychiatric case manager
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) or PACT team
Local mental health center or department
Telephone hotline numbers for different crises: mental illness, suicide, domestic violence
Local hospital/local emergency room
24/7 non-911 police/paramedic numbers
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), if local law enforcement has one
Local advocates who can advise or support you
Sympathetic public official with whom you’ve established a relationship
Homeless shelter(s)
Friends of your family member
Employers or others who will need to be notified immediately if your loved one is hospitalized
Private attorney/Legal Aid Services/public defender familiar with mental health law
Make multiple copies of the list or store it in your portable electronic device. Provide copies to your standby support person and anyone who might be called upon to act in your absence. Never leave home without your list. Keep a copy at home, at work, in your car, in the briefcase you carry on trips – anywhere you might be when a crisis arises. Revisit and revise it regularly to make sure numbers and names are not out of date.
Get a signed release of information form. If possible, have your loved one sign an authorization/release of information form so that health care providers can talk with you in a crisis. Your local hospital, mental health department, medial provider or similar should be able to supply you with the form. File a copy with any local facility where your loved one might be treated in a crisis and keep the original in your CARE Kit (below).
Build a CARE Kit
In addition to a “short list” of essential telephone numbers, a portable CARE (Critical Advocacy Resources for Emergencies) Kit will equip you for meeting with the variety of professionals you may encounter in a crisis.
We suggest keeping your CARE Kit in a three-ring binder, file box or other easy-to-carry system and using letter-sized, one-sided paper or another format that can easily be faxed or e-mailed to police and mental health agencies.
Keep your CARE kit where you can find it immediately and transport it easily in an emergency. Among the items it should contain?
Psychiatric and medical history
A brief, easy-to-read summary of vital statistics, psychiatric history and medication records to help medical providers make informed choices during a crisis. Limit this page to key facts. Leave space to add a description of clothing last worn in case that information is needed.
Full name and date of birth
Full address
Psychiatric diagnosis(e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder)
Age at diagnosis
Any other pertinent medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, allergies)
Current symptoms
Current condition (e.g., suicidal, homeless, missing, vulnerable, violent, abusing substances, other)
Psychiatrist’s name and number
Local service provider’s name and provider (e.g., mental health clinic, therapist)
Current medication name(s)
Dates of previous hospitalizations and locations
Past medication(s) that have helped
Past medication(s) that have not helped
Past history of symptomatic behaviors (e.g., running up huge debt, getting into car accidents, threatening family members, failing to care for basic needs)
Dates of previous arrests or incarceration and charge(s)
Current photograph
Key physical characteristics: height, age, weight, hair color
Full name, contact numbers and address for person to be contacted in an emergency
Leave space to add a description of clothing last worn in case that information is needed.
Handouts, forms and other informational materials. Examples might include:
State standards for emergency psychiatric evaluation
State standards for civil commitment
Petition forms for civil commitment – multiple blank copies. Complete any general information ahead of time.
Handouts, brochures, or other materials supplied to you by hospitals, law enforcement, mental health agencies, or others
Authorization for release of information already signed by your loved one, if applicable
Advance directive, if applicable. Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals with mental illness to dictate aspects of their care in the event they become incapacitated by illness. The specific details of these legal documents vary widely from state to state but may include such information as who is authorized to make medical decisions if the individual is incapacitated. Most advance directives are immediately revocable, which is a significant limitation on the effectiveness of these instruments as that can allow individuals to nullify their previous treatment decisions even when suffering from impaired judgment.
Identify resources
Locate the NAMI chapter nearest you. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a family support and advocacy organization for people with psychiatric disorders and their families. Local chapters hold regular meetings. Local and state leaders are usually knowledgeable and willing to advise on the treatment options and procedures. Find your chapter online or via the national hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
Network with other families you can identify who have loved ones with mental illness. Ask them what strategies worked – or didn’t – in getting intervention for their loved ones in your community. Ask for the names of caring and effective service providers they know and other resources they have used with success. Your experience may be different, but it’s good to know what others’ have been.
Identify the local facility or emergency room that performs emergency psychiatric evaluations. Call or visit and find out what procedures are followed when someone in a mental illness crisis presents there. Request copies of any relevant handouts they have outlining procedures.
Identify any resources in your community for averting crisis or preventing one from escalating. One example is a hospital “safe room” where families or law enforcement may take someone who is becoming symptomatic, but not yet ill enough to be committed, and get temporary supervision or medication. A mobile crisis team is another.
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Treatment Advocacy Center
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Health News
Health NewsFlash********
Craving Salt????
The reasons for food cravings are complex and interesting. A craving may be physiological or even psychological.
This bulletin concerns biochemical reasons for salt cravings. Future bulletins will address other common cravings, such as those for sugar, chocolate, carbohydrates, fat, dairy products or meat.
Principles Of Cravings
Several principles apply in regard to food cravings. The first is that in our experience, cravings occur for definite reasons. They are not accidental or random. Often knowing a person's cravings offers clues as to the condition of their body chemistry. A corollary is that correction of the biochemical reason for a craving generally results in a lessening of that craving.
A second principle is that the same craving can occur for very different reasons. For example, both slow and fast oxidizers may crave salt, but for different reasons. Therefore, it is helpful to determine the metabolic type and specific imbalances in order to explain a food craving.
A third principle is that the body always attempts to become balanced and whole. The attempt can be temporary and ill-advised, but may be the best that can be done under the circumstances.
What Is Salt?
Today's table salt is a refined, "junk food" product. It contains mainly sodium and chloride. It is extensively refined, stripped of all its other naturally-occurring minerals. These are sold separately and the residue is sold as salt. It may be bleached white and aluminum added to keep it from caking.
Processed foods and fast foods often contain excessive amounts of this type of salt. This includes fast-food burgers, sandwiches, fries, tacos, chips and baked goods, just to name a few. One meal may contain enough salt for a week. Chinese and other spicy foods are often laced with a related product, monosodium glutamate or MSG. Salt and MSG are commonly used to disguise the lack of real taste in poor quality food.
We recommend avoiding ALL refined salt products. Their consumption may lead to mineral deficiencies, imbalances, allergic reactions and aluminum excess. One reason for salt craving may be a real need for the trace minerals contained in natural salt. Eating refined salt, of course, does little to satisfy this need.
Use only unrefined sea salt, such as Celtic Salt or other brands available in health food stores. These can be good sources of trace minerals. They usually do not cause the adverse affects associated with eating refined salt such as swelling, high blood pressure, headaches and allergic reactions.
Slow Oxidation And Salt
In slow oxidizers, the hair sodium level tends to be low due to a deficient level of the adrenal hormone, aldosterone. This hormone causes the retention of sodium at the level of the kidneys. Low aldosterone increases sodium excretion through the urine.
Sodium is a key element in maintaining fluid balance, blood pressure and joint health. Sodium chloride is changed into hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Eating extra salt may help alleviate symptoms of low sodium including low blood pressure, fatigue, feeling cold in the winter and low hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach. The effect, however, is temporary unless adrenal gland activity is enhanced as well.
Fast Oxidation And Salt
In fast oxidizers, the hair sodium level tends to be high. However, these individuals may also crave salt. Fast oxidizers are accustomed to a high sodium level. Eating salt may enhance the oxidation rate, or be an attempt to maintain the sodium level, especially as the adrenal glands weaken.
One manifestation of this weakness is a low hair sodium/potassium ratio. Although eating salt will not correct this ratio, it is possible that the inverted ratio could contribute to some cases of salt craving.
True fast oxidizers also have a more acid metabolism. This is because a faster oxidation rate produces more acidic end-products of metabolism such as lactic acid. Eating salt may help balance the pH by alkalinizing the blood.
Note that salt does not have an alkalinizing effect on everyone. The minerals in salt have an alkaline reaction in the body. However, if the salt enhances the oxidation rate, for example, salt might have an acidifying effect on the blood.
Other Reasons For Salt Craving
Balancing the pH: As stated above, the mineral content and the effects of salt on body chemistry can change the pH of the tissues and the blood. Some nutritional authorities assert that salt is used in cooking to help balance the pH of certain foods, such as grains.
Balancing Yin and Yang: According to the oriental science of balancing the qualities of yin and yang, salt has a very yang quality. Those who are too yin may crave salt to restore balance. In our experience, these are often slow oxidizers. This may help explain why some people add salt to yin foods, such as fruits or salads.
Biological Transmutation: Dr. C. L. Kervan, a French researcher, found that living organisms may transmute sodium into potassium.
Dr. Kervan's research involved oil rig workers in the Sahara desert. They craved salt and ate quite a bit. However, with careful measurement, they were found to perspire and urinate less sodium and much more potassium than they ingested.
Furthermore, Dr. Kervan found the sodium/potassium transmutation absorbs heat, cooling the body. This may explain a salt craving if one is an athlete, or working or living in a hot climate.
Many repeatable experiments appear to validate the truth of biological transmutation of the elements. Dr. Kervan's book, Biological Transmutations, is highly recommended.
Salt Substitutes
Salt substitutes vary widely. Some are mainly salt with a few spices added. Others contain no sodium whatsoever, substituting potassium or other compounds for the sodium.
Unrefined sea salt is often safe and a good choice. If salt is not tolerated well, a substitute made with potassium or spices may work.
In summary, salt craving can be complex and may be healthful, providing one satisfies it with the real item.
******
Craving Salt????
The reasons for food cravings are complex and interesting. A craving may be physiological or even psychological.
This bulletin concerns biochemical reasons for salt cravings. Future bulletins will address other common cravings, such as those for sugar, chocolate, carbohydrates, fat, dairy products or meat.
Principles Of Cravings
Several principles apply in regard to food cravings. The first is that in our experience, cravings occur for definite reasons. They are not accidental or random. Often knowing a person's cravings offers clues as to the condition of their body chemistry. A corollary is that correction of the biochemical reason for a craving generally results in a lessening of that craving.
A second principle is that the same craving can occur for very different reasons. For example, both slow and fast oxidizers may crave salt, but for different reasons. Therefore, it is helpful to determine the metabolic type and specific imbalances in order to explain a food craving.
A third principle is that the body always attempts to become balanced and whole. The attempt can be temporary and ill-advised, but may be the best that can be done under the circumstances.
What Is Salt?
Today's table salt is a refined, "junk food" product. It contains mainly sodium and chloride. It is extensively refined, stripped of all its other naturally-occurring minerals. These are sold separately and the residue is sold as salt. It may be bleached white and aluminum added to keep it from caking.
Processed foods and fast foods often contain excessive amounts of this type of salt. This includes fast-food burgers, sandwiches, fries, tacos, chips and baked goods, just to name a few. One meal may contain enough salt for a week. Chinese and other spicy foods are often laced with a related product, monosodium glutamate or MSG. Salt and MSG are commonly used to disguise the lack of real taste in poor quality food.
We recommend avoiding ALL refined salt products. Their consumption may lead to mineral deficiencies, imbalances, allergic reactions and aluminum excess. One reason for salt craving may be a real need for the trace minerals contained in natural salt. Eating refined salt, of course, does little to satisfy this need.
Use only unrefined sea salt, such as Celtic Salt or other brands available in health food stores. These can be good sources of trace minerals. They usually do not cause the adverse affects associated with eating refined salt such as swelling, high blood pressure, headaches and allergic reactions.
Slow Oxidation And Salt
In slow oxidizers, the hair sodium level tends to be low due to a deficient level of the adrenal hormone, aldosterone. This hormone causes the retention of sodium at the level of the kidneys. Low aldosterone increases sodium excretion through the urine.
Sodium is a key element in maintaining fluid balance, blood pressure and joint health. Sodium chloride is changed into hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Eating extra salt may help alleviate symptoms of low sodium including low blood pressure, fatigue, feeling cold in the winter and low hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach. The effect, however, is temporary unless adrenal gland activity is enhanced as well.
Fast Oxidation And Salt
In fast oxidizers, the hair sodium level tends to be high. However, these individuals may also crave salt. Fast oxidizers are accustomed to a high sodium level. Eating salt may enhance the oxidation rate, or be an attempt to maintain the sodium level, especially as the adrenal glands weaken.
One manifestation of this weakness is a low hair sodium/potassium ratio. Although eating salt will not correct this ratio, it is possible that the inverted ratio could contribute to some cases of salt craving.
True fast oxidizers also have a more acid metabolism. This is because a faster oxidation rate produces more acidic end-products of metabolism such as lactic acid. Eating salt may help balance the pH by alkalinizing the blood.
Note that salt does not have an alkalinizing effect on everyone. The minerals in salt have an alkaline reaction in the body. However, if the salt enhances the oxidation rate, for example, salt might have an acidifying effect on the blood.
Other Reasons For Salt Craving
Balancing the pH: As stated above, the mineral content and the effects of salt on body chemistry can change the pH of the tissues and the blood. Some nutritional authorities assert that salt is used in cooking to help balance the pH of certain foods, such as grains.
Balancing Yin and Yang: According to the oriental science of balancing the qualities of yin and yang, salt has a very yang quality. Those who are too yin may crave salt to restore balance. In our experience, these are often slow oxidizers. This may help explain why some people add salt to yin foods, such as fruits or salads.
Biological Transmutation: Dr. C. L. Kervan, a French researcher, found that living organisms may transmute sodium into potassium.
Dr. Kervan's research involved oil rig workers in the Sahara desert. They craved salt and ate quite a bit. However, with careful measurement, they were found to perspire and urinate less sodium and much more potassium than they ingested.
Furthermore, Dr. Kervan found the sodium/potassium transmutation absorbs heat, cooling the body. This may explain a salt craving if one is an athlete, or working or living in a hot climate.
Many repeatable experiments appear to validate the truth of biological transmutation of the elements. Dr. Kervan's book, Biological Transmutations, is highly recommended.
Salt Substitutes
Salt substitutes vary widely. Some are mainly salt with a few spices added. Others contain no sodium whatsoever, substituting potassium or other compounds for the sodium.
Unrefined sea salt is often safe and a good choice. If salt is not tolerated well, a substitute made with potassium or spices may work.
In summary, salt craving can be complex and may be healthful, providing one satisfies it with the real item.
******
IRS Recoupment (severance Vets only)
How to Recoup Taxes Paid on Disability
Severance pay From the Armed Forces
Many medically discharged vets, including some good friends of mine, don't know they are entitled to get the taxes back if they get a VA rating. The one's who do know they are entitled (like I did) don't know how to go about doing it. If I can spare anyone what I went through trying to figure it out, its worth it.
Dorothy
IRS publications 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) & 525 (Taxable & Non-taxable Income, page 17) both state that “if you receive a lump-sum disability severance payment and are later awarded VA disability benefits, exclude 100% of the severance benefit from your income.” But neither publication says how.
Who is eligible?
According to page one of an information paper published online by the Presidio of Monterey Staff Judge Advocate, veterans who have:
a designation of 10 a, b, or c on DA Form 199 (findings from the Physical Evaluation Board). The rest of this page will deal with the last situation -
a retroactive disability determination from the VA. (Information Paper). This last one means the VA has awarded a disability rating for the same condition for which someone is discharged.
This paper has limitations, and it is difficult to read. It basically states that the veteran needs to:
Get a VA disability rating for the same condition for which they received a discharge.
Request a corrected W-2 from DFAS indicating the non-taxable income.
Use that corrected W-2 to file a 1040X for said year. The IRS will return the overpayment of taxes.
But, DFAS will not issue a corrected W-2 indicating this non-taxable income unless the request is made within the same year as the original W-2 was issued. Most veterans know it is almost impossible to get a VA disability rating in less than a year.
How to get back your taxes paid on lump-sum disability severance pay:
Once you have a retrograde VA disability rating:
Fill out a 1040X subtracting the lump-sum disability payment from your taxable income. Make reference to Publication 525, Taxable & Non-Taxable Income.
Attach the following documentation:
a. The enclosed explanation letter, addressed to your IRS Regional Service Center.
b. A copy of your VA disability award documentation.
c. A copy of your separation orders.
d. A copy of your DD-214 (does not have to be notarized)
e. A copy of your original W-2 from the year the taxes were paid.
f. A copy of your federal tax return from the year the taxes were paid.
Here's a sample letter in which you can put your name, address, and other information: Click Here.
On the top of each page in the packet, write:
a. Your full name
b. Social Security Number
c. The phrase “St. Clair vs. the United States.”
Mail this packet to your IRS Regional Service Center. The address for each is in Publication 17, or online at www.irs.gov.
Note: The 1040X generally must be filed within 3 years of the original tax return. There are some exceptions, see your local IRS office or the instructions for Form 1040X. Once the tax refund is paid, your state taxes may be re-filed. Procedures vary by state.
I apologize for any inaccuracies in the above. I put it together using my own recent experience, online research, and innumerable phone conversations I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
--Dorothy
Reference List
Information Paper. Retrieved June 16, 2008, from http://pom-ima.monterey.army.mil/sites/installation/sja/taxes/Disability%20Severance%20Pay%20Tax%20Refund.pdf. (pp. 1-8).
Internal Revenue Service. (2007). Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals. Publication 17. (p.50).
Internal Revenue Service. (2007). Taxable and Non-Taxable Income. Publication 525. (p. 17).
Allan B. Colombo
Copyright©2008
Founded 1997
Severance pay From the Armed Forces
Many medically discharged vets, including some good friends of mine, don't know they are entitled to get the taxes back if they get a VA rating. The one's who do know they are entitled (like I did) don't know how to go about doing it. If I can spare anyone what I went through trying to figure it out, its worth it.
Dorothy
IRS publications 17 (Your Federal Income Tax) & 525 (Taxable & Non-taxable Income, page 17) both state that “if you receive a lump-sum disability severance payment and are later awarded VA disability benefits, exclude 100% of the severance benefit from your income.” But neither publication says how.
Who is eligible?
According to page one of an information paper published online by the Presidio of Monterey Staff Judge Advocate, veterans who have:
a designation of 10 a, b, or c on DA Form 199 (findings from the Physical Evaluation Board). The rest of this page will deal with the last situation -
a retroactive disability determination from the VA. (Information Paper). This last one means the VA has awarded a disability rating for the same condition for which someone is discharged.
This paper has limitations, and it is difficult to read. It basically states that the veteran needs to:
Get a VA disability rating for the same condition for which they received a discharge.
Request a corrected W-2 from DFAS indicating the non-taxable income.
Use that corrected W-2 to file a 1040X for said year. The IRS will return the overpayment of taxes.
But, DFAS will not issue a corrected W-2 indicating this non-taxable income unless the request is made within the same year as the original W-2 was issued. Most veterans know it is almost impossible to get a VA disability rating in less than a year.
How to get back your taxes paid on lump-sum disability severance pay:
Once you have a retrograde VA disability rating:
Fill out a 1040X subtracting the lump-sum disability payment from your taxable income. Make reference to Publication 525, Taxable & Non-Taxable Income.
Attach the following documentation:
a. The enclosed explanation letter, addressed to your IRS Regional Service Center.
b. A copy of your VA disability award documentation.
c. A copy of your separation orders.
d. A copy of your DD-214 (does not have to be notarized)
e. A copy of your original W-2 from the year the taxes were paid.
f. A copy of your federal tax return from the year the taxes were paid.
Here's a sample letter in which you can put your name, address, and other information: Click Here.
On the top of each page in the packet, write:
a. Your full name
b. Social Security Number
c. The phrase “St. Clair vs. the United States.”
Mail this packet to your IRS Regional Service Center. The address for each is in Publication 17, or online at www.irs.gov.
Note: The 1040X generally must be filed within 3 years of the original tax return. There are some exceptions, see your local IRS office or the instructions for Form 1040X. Once the tax refund is paid, your state taxes may be re-filed. Procedures vary by state.
I apologize for any inaccuracies in the above. I put it together using my own recent experience, online research, and innumerable phone conversations I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
--Dorothy
Reference List
Information Paper. Retrieved June 16, 2008, from http://pom-ima.monterey.army.mil/sites/installation/sja/taxes/Disability%20Severance%20Pay%20Tax%20Refund.pdf. (pp. 1-8).
Internal Revenue Service. (2007). Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals. Publication 17. (p.50).
Internal Revenue Service. (2007). Taxable and Non-Taxable Income. Publication 525. (p. 17).
Allan B. Colombo
Copyright©2008
Founded 1997
The Remembrance Technique
this technique is an old Buddhist trick for tapping into the problem solving power of your brain. It is used to overcome the feeling of hopelessness that can immobilize a person when facing a difficult situation.
I like to use it to solve difficult problems that I encounter from day to day.
The idea is that when you are trying to decide what to do to solve a problem, you tell yourself to remember the solution. You might say to yourself "Remember! How did I solve this problem?"
This essentially tells your brain that there is a solution, and that the answer is somewhere in there. The brain responds to this assumption by searching for "the" solution. Our brains are always more powerful than we realize - we just need little "tricks" like this to get beyond our self-imposed limitations.
Try this technique several times a week in order for it to work more naturally.
I like to use it to solve difficult problems that I encounter from day to day.
The idea is that when you are trying to decide what to do to solve a problem, you tell yourself to remember the solution. You might say to yourself "Remember! How did I solve this problem?"
This essentially tells your brain that there is a solution, and that the answer is somewhere in there. The brain responds to this assumption by searching for "the" solution. Our brains are always more powerful than we realize - we just need little "tricks" like this to get beyond our self-imposed limitations.
Try this technique several times a week in order for it to work more naturally.
Does The VA Owe You $$$?
Does the VA Owe You Money?
The Department of Veterans Affairs has over $33 million in unclaimed money dating back to WWI. The monies include unclaimed life-insurance policy payments, dividend checks and refunds. To find out if the VA owes you money, visit the VA's Unclaimed Insurance funds Search webpage at https://insurance.va.gov/liability/ufsearch.htm. You will need as much of the following information as you can provide: the veteran's first name, middle name, last name, date of birth, and date of death. You can also call the toll-free phone number 1-800-669-8477. Important Note: The unclaimed funds search does not include SGLI and VFLI policies for those in service from 1965 to the present. Please do not use this search feature if you are a SGLI or VGLI policyholder.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has over $33 million in unclaimed money dating back to WWI. The monies include unclaimed life-insurance policy payments, dividend checks and refunds. To find out if the VA owes you money, visit the VA's Unclaimed Insurance funds Search webpage at https://insurance.va.gov/liability/ufsearch.htm. You will need as much of the following information as you can provide: the veteran's first name, middle name, last name, date of birth, and date of death. You can also call the toll-free phone number 1-800-669-8477. Important Note: The unclaimed funds search does not include SGLI and VFLI policies for those in service from 1965 to the present. Please do not use this search feature if you are a SGLI or VGLI policyholder.
For Our Vets
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch05.doc
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
16
Evaluation Protocol for Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom Veterans with Potential Exposure To Depleted Uranium (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
Evaluation Protocol for Non-Gulf War Veterans with Potential Exposure to Depleted Uranium (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, Priority for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Care
http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and
Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf or,
http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q& As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130...DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-
bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html and,
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html and,
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
17
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7,
2005: http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Claimant's Records
http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
Title 38 Index Part 18 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to
undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 PART 4--Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Subpart B--Disability Ratings
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38
Title 38 § 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on un employability of the individual. PART 4
Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Subpart General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=3
8
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
18
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA Instituting Global Assessment of Function (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook Chapter 3
http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx>
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http://www.publichealth.va.gov
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookchtml
Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-
bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html
Board of Veteran's Appeals http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Commission http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/
CARES Draft National Plan http://www1.va.gov/cares/page.cfm?pg=105
Center for Minority Veterans http://www1.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/
Center for Veterans Enterprise http://www.vetbiz.gov/default2.htm
Center for Women Veterans http://www1.va.gov/womenvet/
Clarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War Veterans
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000016.html
Classified Records - American Gulf War Veterans Assoc
http://www.gulfwarvets.com/ubb/Forum18/HTML/000011.html
Compensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War Service
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part6%20/ch07.doc
Compensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03 http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/comp01.htm
Department of Veterans Affairs Home Page http://www.va.gov/
Directory of Veterans Service Organizations http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm?template=view
Disability Examination Worksheets Index, Comp http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/exams/index.htm
Due Process http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch02.doc
Duty to Assist http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch01.doc
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr/
Emergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis Care http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf
Environmental Agents http://www1.va.gov/environagents/
Environmental Agents M10 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1002
Establishing Combat Veteran Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=315
16
Evaluation Protocol for Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom Veterans with Potential Exposure To Depleted Uranium (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHandbook1303122304.DOC and
http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1158
See also, Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DepletedUraniumFAQSheet.doc
Evaluation Protocol for Non-Gulf War Veterans with Potential Exposure to Depleted Uranium (DU)
http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/DUHANDBOOKNONGW130340304.DOC
Fee Basis, Priority for Outpatient Medical Services and Inpatient Hospital Care
http://www1.va..gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=206 Federal Benefits for Veterans and
Dependants 2005 http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/fedben.pdf or,
http://www1.va..gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.htm
Forms and Records Request http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
General Compensation Provisions http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter11_subchaptervi_.html
Geriatrics and Extended Care http://www1.va.gov/geriatricsshg/
Guideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPG http://www.oqp.med.va.gov/cpg/cpgn/mus/mus_base.htm
Guide to Gulf War Veteran's Health http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/VHIgulfwar.pdf
Gulf War Subject Index http://www1.va.gov/GulfWar/page.cfm?pg=7&template=main&letter=A
Gulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q& As http://www1.va.gov/gulfwar/docs/GWIllnessesQandAsIB1041.pdf
Hearings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch04.doc
Homeless Veterans http://www1.va.gov/homeless/
HSR&D Home http://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/
Index to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P exams http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/benefits/exams/index.htm
Ionizing Radiation http://www1.va.gov/irad/
Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBA http://www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
M 10 for spouses and children < http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1007
M10 Part III Change 1 http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1008
M21-1 Table of Contents http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/M21_1html
Mental Disorders, Schedule of Ratings http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKC/PART4/S4_130...DOC
Mental Health Program Guidelines http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1094
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers http://www.mirecc.med.va.gov/
MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of Excellence http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
My Health e Vet http://www.myhealth.va.gov/
NASDVA.COM http://nasdva.com/
National Association of State Directors http://www.nasdva.com/
National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
http://www.nchpdp.med.va.gov/postdeploymentlinks.asp
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38cfr/bookc/part4/s4%5F124a.doc
OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) http://www.omi.cio.med.va.gov/
Online VA Form 10-10EZ https://www.1010ez..med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/
Parkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/funding/solicitations/docs/parkinsons.pdf and http://www1.va.gov/padrecc/
Peacetime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-
bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1131
Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteri_.html and,
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapterii_.html and,
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partii_chapter15_subchapteriii_.html
Persian Gulf Registry http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1003
17
This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7,
2005: http://www1..va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1232
Persian Gulf Registry Referral Centers http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1006
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/1999_Gulf_War_Veterans'_Illnesses_Appendices.doc
Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 2002, Annual Report To Congress
http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/gulf_war_2002/GulfWarRpt02.pdf
Phase I PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1004
Phase II PGR http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=1005
Policy Manual Index http://www.va.gov/publ/direc/eds/edsmps.htm
Power of Attorney http://www.warms.vba..va.gov/admin21/m21_1/mr/part1/ch03.doc
Project 112 (Including Project SHAD) http://www1.va.gov/shad/
Prosthetics Eligibility http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication.asp?pub_ID=337
Public Health and Environmental Hazards Home Page http://www.vethealth.cio.med.va.gov/
Public Health/SARS http://www..publichealth.va.gov/SARS/
Publications Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/publications.cfm?Pub=4
Publications and Reports http://www1.va.gov/resdev/prt/pubs_individual.cfm?webpage=gulf_war.htm
Records Center and Vault Homepage http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/default.html
Records Center and Vault Site Map http://www.aac.va.gov/vault/sitemap.html
Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Claimant's Records
http://www.forms.va.gov/va/Internet/VARF/getformharness.asp?formName=3288-form.xft
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/Minutes_April112002.doc
Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses
http://www1.va.gov/rac-gwvi/docs/ReportandRecommendations_2004.pdf
Research and Development http://www.appc1.va.gov/resdev/programs/all_programs.cfm
Survivor's and Dependents' Educational Assistance
http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/title38/partiii_chapter35_.html
Title 38 Index Parts 0-17 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv1_02.tpl
Title 38 Index Part 18 http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&c=ecfr&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfrv2_02.tpl
Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to
undiagnosed illnesses found here) http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title38/38cfr3_main_02.tpl
Title 38 PART 4--Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Subpart B--Disability Ratings
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=ab7641afd195c84a49a2067dbbcf95c0&rgn=div6&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.2&idno=38
Title 38 § 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on un employability of the individual. PART 4
Schedule for Rating Disabilities - Subpart General Policy in Rating http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=1b0c269b510d3157fbf8f8801bc9b3dc&rgn=div8&view=text&node=38:1.0.1.1.5.1..96.11&idno=3
8
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims http://www.vetapp.gov/
VA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
http://www.avapl.org/pub/PTSD%20Manual%20final%206.pdf
VA Fact Sheet http://www1.va.gov/opa/fact/gwfs.html
18
VA Health Care Eligibility http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/home/hecmain.asp
VA Instituting Global Assessment of Function (GAF) http://www.avapl.org/gaf/gaf.html
VA Life Insurance Handbook Chapter 3
http://www.insurance.va.gov/inForceGliSite/GLIhandbook/glibookletch3.htm#310
VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo Loans http://valoans.com/va_facts_limits.cfm
VA MS Research http://www.va.gov/ms/about.asp
VA National Hepatitis C Program http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
VA Office of Research and Development http://www1.va.gov/resdev/
VA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf War http://www.va.gov/OAA/pocketcard/gulfwar.asp
VA WMD EMSHG http://www1.va.gov/emshg/
VA WRIISC-DC http://www.va.gov/WRIISC-DC/
VAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and Address http://www.va..gov/oig/hotline/hotline3.htm
Vet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling Service http://www.va.gov/rcs/Eligibility.htm
Veterans Benefits Administration Main Web Page http://www.vba.va.gov/
Veterans Legal and Benefits Information http://valaw.org/
VHA Forms, Publications, Manuals http://www1.va.gov/vhapublications/
VHA Programs - Clinical Programs & Initiatives http://www1.va.gov/health_benefits/page.cfm?pg=13
http://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/UrlBlockedError.aspx>
VHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page http://www.publichealth.va.gov
VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans Health http://www1.va.gov/vhi_ind_study/gulfwar/istudy/index.asp
Vocational Rehabilitation http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/
Vocational Rehabilitation Subsistence http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/InterSubsistencefy04.doc
VONAPP online http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp
WARMS - 38 CFR Book C http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookchtml
Wartime Disability Compensation http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-
bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+38USC1110
War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New Jersey http://www.wri.med.va.gov/
Welcome to the GI Bill Web Site http://www.gibill.va.gov/
What VA Social Workers Do http://www1.va.gov/socialwork/page.cfm?pg=3
WRIISC Patient Eligibility http://www.illegion.org/va1.html
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