Wounded Warrior Project Aims to Help Veterans Avoid VA Proposed Reduction Pitfalls
A proposed reduction is when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to reduce disability compensation benefits due to changes in a veteran’s status. VA could reduce a veteran’s benefits if your injury or illness has improved or if you have a change in dependency. It’s important to pay attention to your VA disability compensation benefits.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is here to help avoid these issues. If you receive a VA notification of a proposed reduction, contact an accredited veteran’s service officer immediately. WWP wants veterans to be prepared for any changes in the benefits process, including proposed reductions, and to know there is help if veterans have questions or issues regarding their VA benefits.
Here are some tips to prepare for and avoid a VA proposed reduction:
- Keep contact information updated. If you move, make sure to notify VA of your change of address or changed phone number or email address. This includes both the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration. You don’t want to be surprised by a reduction because you didn’t get the notification.
- Inform the VA of dependent changes. Notify VA immediately of any changes to dependents, including a child reaching age of maturity, marriage, divorce, death, and anything else that may affect dependent status.
- Respond immediately. The window to request a hearing is only 30 days and the window to submit supporting evidence is only 60 days so if you wish to dispute the proposed reduction, make sure to respond as quickly as possible.
- Keep a log. Because medical exams may be needed to avoid a reduction, keep a detailed account of how you’re feeling and the day-to-day effects your injury or illness is having on you. Make sure to keep medical appointments and let your doctor know the complete and full extent of your injury and/or illness.
- Get help. If you’re confused about the proposed reduction and have questions about how to dispute it or what your next step should be, reach out to a veterans service organization (VSO) like WWP to get free assistance from experienced benefits advocates.
- Plan ahead. If you’re likely to experience a reduction because a child is no longer eligible for payments or other foreseeable changes, prepare early by creating a new budget, reducing expenses and spending, and saving. WWP’s financial education programs can help veterans minimize the impact by providing veterans and their family members with the tools and support to improve or maintain their financial well-being.
“There’s a lot of confusion regarding the process of dealing with proposed reductions,” said Susie Thompson, regional benefits director for WWP. “It’s important to get out in front of it as soon as possible.”
Understanding the Variables
Some proposed reductions, such as a change in the number of dependents, are justified and are difficult to dispute. Other times, it may be that the appropriate form wasn’t completed and returned. For example, if you haven’t verified your dependents with the VA in over eight years or if you have a child graduate from high school. If a veteran fails to notify VA after the dependency status has changed and VA continues to compensate for those dependents, the veteran could end up reimbursing the VA due to benefits overpayments.
Preparing in advance is important. Veterans should contact the VA with any changes in dependent status or to confirm their dependents as soon as requested.
In other cases, such as improved disability evaluations, proposed reductions can be disputed; however, they may require additional exams and medical evidence in support.
“We can do other things to advocate for the veteran,” Thompson said. “We can request a hearing, help gather evidence to support the claim, review medical records, and provide updates on the reduction.”
If the proposed reduction is ultimately warranted, WWP will review the VA claims file to determine if there are other disability compensation benefits or ancillary benefits a veteran may be entitled to.
“Medical conditions are set as ‘static’ or alternatively, may require future exams every 3-5 years to reevaluate the condition,” Thompson said. She said VSOs can help veterans know if their condition is “static,” meaning VA interprets the condition as unlikely to improve, or if the condition requires a re-evaluation.
“There are so many little variables,” Thompson said.
These proposed reduction pitfalls can be minimized by maintaining contact with VA and your VSO. Veterans can take advantage of resources at WWP to understand their options and prepare for any VA rating issues.
“Always read what the VA sends you,” Thompson said. “If needed, have a VSO representative there to help you. We can argue against a proposed reduction and appeal a reduction, but it’s a lengthy and confusing process, so the sooner it’s started, the better.”
WWP wants veterans to know they don’t have to deal with proposed reductions alone. Our Benefits Services team helps veterans and their families obtain the benefits they have earned in a manner that honors their service.
Click here to contact WWP’s Benefits Services team or to find out more
Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.