Married to the Army

TDRL Update

My husband went to Ft Gordon for his TDRL reevaluation on Wednesday. The doctor said that he did not see any change at all and that he could not recommend that he would ever be able to go back to active duty status. We pretty much knew that already but it was a relief (and sad at the same time) to actually have him say it.

So now we wait on the packet to arrive here so he can sign off on the findings before it goes to the board. Then some more waiting to hear back a final decision from them. We assume it will be the same as its always been since the doctor said he didn't see any change. But we all know how dangerous it is to assume anything with the Army!

In the meantime, we're testing out the unofficial Army motto of "hurry up and wait". Did I mention I don't have much patience? :)

Charging Wounded Heroes for Treatment

Normally, I try to stay away from politics on here. However, between the Dover decision and this one, I'm just floored. Even more so by this one! The first part of the article is below and you can click the link to read the article in full:

The American Legion Strongly Opposed to President's Plan to Charge Wounded Heroes for Treatment

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20090316/pl_usnw/the_american_legion_strongly_opposed_to_president_s_plan_to_charge_wounded_heroes_for_treatment

To: POLITICAL EDITORS

Contact: Craig Roberts of The American Legion, +1-202-263-2982 Office, +1-202-406-0887 Cell

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases.

"It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is looking to generate $540-million by this method, but refused to hear arguments about the moral and government-avowed obligations that would be compromised by it."

The Commander, clearly angered as he emerged from the session said, "This reimbursement plan would be inconsistent with the mandate ' to care for him who shall have borne the battle' given that the United States government sent members of the armed forces into harm's way, and not private insurance companies. I say again that The American Legion does not and will not support any plan that seeks to bill a veteran for treatment of a service connected disability at the very agency that was created to treat the unique need of America's veterans!"

New Protocol at Dover

It was recently decided that the media will now be allowed at Dover, with the family's permission, to cover the arrival of our KIA servicemember's arrival back to U.S. soil. For quite some time, the media has not been allowed and pictures were not allowed to be taken. It was viewed as a sacred time for our military families who had the task of meeting their loved one's casket as it was deboarded at Dover.

 

Now, it seems times are changing. On one hand, I think it is good that they have decided this is up to the family to decide whether the media should be present. On the other hand, I personally wouldn't want the media there for my soldier and feel like even though I would be the one to make the decision about it, a certain amount of "protection" (for lack of a better word) has been taken away.

 

What happens if several of our nation's heroes are arriving at the same time and one family wants the media there and the other doesn't? What happens on the day that there is a mix-up and the family that didn't want the media there suddenly has to deal with TV cameras and flashing lights? What happens if one family member wants the media present and the other family member doesn't?

 

I understand that many people believe that the American public now sees each soldier's death as just another number and this would be a way to personalize the tragedy. But I just feel that there are other ways this could be dealt with if that is the ultimate goal. I suppose time will tell if this decision was a good one. But I strongly feel the decision should be made in regards to the families that have to deal with this rather than trying to make the American public react.

 

What are your thoughts?

New GI Bill

I know a lot of people are excited about the Post 9/11 GI Bill that goes into effect on August 1st. But I strongly encourage you to really look at the new pay amounts before you switch to the new bill.

Rob goes to a small, public university in Georgia. His tuition (with fees) is roughly $1900/semester for a full load of more than 12 hours. He has the kicker with his current GI Bill and that amounts to $1,471 per month for every month he is in school. We have to pay tuition out of that payment. The first semester was tough as it took a month or so for it to kick in and we had to come out of pocket for tuition but since then we've been able to save up the monthly payments so that we could pay for it when it was due. So on average, after tuition, we have about $12,000 left every 12 months - which has paid for my MBA program as well as his books.

Under the new plan, the school will be paid directly at the "highest rates" that the VA (in my opinion) has dreamed up. For instance, assuming I am reading this right, the most paid per semester in Georgia (regardless of school or tuition rates) is $630. Now, where they came up with that figure, I have no idea. I can't even find a two year school where rates are that low. In addition, the soldier receives a check each month equal to the BAH of an E-5 with dependents for the school's zip code as well as $1,000 per year for books. In my husband's case, that would be $1,064 per month. In our case, after paying the difference in tuition, we would have approximately $9,900 left every 12 months. That's a $2,100 difference thanks to this new and "improved" plan.

It is my understanding that those already serving or who are already using the current GI Bill have the option to stay with their current plan or enroll in the new plan. The website itself says to be sure to do the calculations to see which plan is best because not all will make more with the new plan. So PLEASE before you enroll in the new plan, do the math and be sure it is to your benefit!

The maximum tuition rates vary widely by state. For instance, Illinois is more than $17,000 while DC's rate is just over $600. Again, makes no sense to me. These are preliminary rates at this point so do check back before you make your decision on whether to switch. You can check the rates here:

http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Tuition_and_fees.htm

If you do the math for your particular situation, I'd really appreciate it if you could reply or email me. I'm curious to see how many will truly benefit from this new plan.

More TDRL Fun

Rob's condition has not changed at all since he was placed on TDRL so I guess it doesn't really matter when his next appointment is. Its more the principle of the matter.

His 2008 appointment was suppose to be in April. They called him in January to come in. When he went, the doctor asked why he was there so early. He told them what he was told - that he had to come early because the doctor was deploying. His response? "That's news to me!" Frustrating!

This year his appointment was suppose to be in May. They called today to said he has to come in at the end of the month. Not only is it not time, they gave him no say so over the date or time. They're refusing to change it so looks like he will have to miss at least one day of classes, possibly two. So annoying! He has the supervisor's name and number to plead his case but I'll be amazed if it gets switched.

The entire process is so stressful. His rating shouldn't change but its still stressful waiting to see exactly what they're going to do. Add to that being pregnant with the possibility (though remote) of losing insurance and we're just going to be having a jam up time over the next few months!

UGH!!