THE WELCH COMPANY
440 Davis Court #1602
San Francisco, CA 94111-2496
415 781 5700
rod@welchco.com


S U M M A R Y


DIARY: June 4, 2010 03:20 PM Friday; Rod Welch

VA approves $12K annual disability pension.

1...Summary/Objective


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CONTACTS 

SUBJECTS
Pension Benefits Disability Claim Approved Processed VA Veterans Aff                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
2603 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2603 -    ..
2604 - Summary/Objective                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
2605 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
260501 - Follow up ref SDS 38 0000. ref SDS 37 0000.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
260502 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260503 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260504 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260505 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260507 -  ..
2606 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2607 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2608 - Background                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
2609 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
260901 - On 091218 0541 at 1508 while recovering from Heller Myotomy surgery to                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
260902 - resolve achalasia, Rodney McClain visited in the hospital room at the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
260903 - VA Medical Center in San Francisco. ref SDS 23 X44J  At that time,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
260904 - signed Form 21-526 for VA benefits, which Rodney indicated would be                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
260905 - processed by his Department of Services and Rehabilitation in the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
260906 - State of California, which had an office in the Medical Center.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260907 - ref SDS 23 HQ5N                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
260979 -  ..
260980 - On 100604 1520 received letter from VA disability pension. ref SDS 0                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
260981 - 4M9K; and for total (100%) disability. ref SDS 0 6B4R                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
260982 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260983 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260984 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
260986 -  ..
2610 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2611 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2612 - Progress                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
2613 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261301 - Today, received another letter in the mail awarding total (100%)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261302 - disability benefits, ref SDS 0 6B4R; copy was sent to AMVETS.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261303 - ref SDS 0 6A4F  VA letter says...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261305 -         ..
261306 -    1.  Department of Veterans Affairs                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261307 -        Regional Office                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261308 -        Pension Management Center (335/21P)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
261309 -        Bishop Henry Wipple Federal Building                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261310 -        PO Box 11000                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261311 -        1 Federal Drive                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261312 -        St Paul, MN  55111 0000                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261314 -         ..
261315 -    2.  June 1, 2010                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261316 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261322 -         ..
261323 -    4.  Subject:  335/21P Pension Disability Benefit Determination                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261330 -         ..
261331 -    5.  We made a decision on your claim received on December 22, 2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261332 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261333 -        This letter tells you about your entitlement amount, payment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261334 -        start date, what we decided, and how we calculated your                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261335 -        benefits.  It also tells you of your responsibilities as a                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261336 -        veteran in receipt of disability pension, what to do if you                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261337 -        disagree with our decision                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261339 -  ..
261340 - This accomplishes AMVETS support filing application for disability                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261341 - pension, beginning on 091218 0541. ref SDS 23 YW64                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261342 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261343 -            [On 100611 0054 letter thanking Rodney for filing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261344 -            disability pension. ref SDS 40 HG3V                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261346 -  ..
261347 - VA letter continues...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
261348 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261349 -    6.  Your Award Amount and Payment Start Date                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261351 -         ..
261352 -        Your monthly entitlement amount is shown below:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261354 -         ..
261355 -        Monthly Entitlement Amount................... $985.00                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
261356 -        Payment Start Date........................... 100101                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261357 -        Reason For Change............................ Granted Pension Benefits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261358 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261359 -            [On 111206 1838 payment increased to $1,021 for inflation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261360 -            adjustment. ref SDS 44 RR6Q                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
261362 -             ..
261363 -            [On 111213 0920 monthly pension increased to $2,800 making                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261364 -            annual cash flow from VA disability pension and Social                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261365 -            Security after Medicare charges, increased (4.3%) by $1,392                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261366 -            to $33,600. ref SDS 45 253H                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
261368 -         ..
261369 -    7.  We are paying you as a single veteran with no dependents.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261371 -         ..
261372 -    8.  You Can Expect Payment                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261373 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261374 -        Your payment begins the first day of the month following your                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261375 -        effective date.  You will receive a payment covering the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261376 -        initial amount due under this award, minus any withholdings, in                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261377 -        approximately 15 days.  Payment will then be made at the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261378 -        beginning of each month for the prior month.  For example,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261379 -        benefits due for May are paid on or about June 1.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261380 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261381 -            [On 100609 0704 payment received, no amount was withheld,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261382 -            indicating VA medical disability pension is not taxable.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261383 -            ref SDS 39 LB44                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261385 -             ..
261386 -            [On 101008 1251 Karen explained Social Security retirement                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261387 -            benefits cannot include disability because VA has awarded                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261388 -            medical disability payments. ref SDS 43 K755                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261390 -         ..
261391 -    9.  What We Decided                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261392 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261393 -        We granted disability pension benefits effective December 22,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261394 -        2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
261395 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261396 -            [...below, based on evidence presented in VA Ratings                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261397 -            Decision. ref SDS 0 WX8L                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261399 -             ..
261400 -            [On 100609 0704 received payment from US Treasury for VA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261401 -            disability pension benifits starting from December 2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261402 -            ref SDS 39 4M9K                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261404 -             ..
261405 -            [On 101008 1251 Social Security will notify VA of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261406 -            retirement benefits and that additional disability was                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261407 -            denied by social security. ref SDS 43 VW5G                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261409 -         ..
261410 -   10.  We have enclosed a copy of your Rating Decision for your                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261411 -        review.  It provides a detailed explanation of our decision,the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261412 -        evidence considered, and the reasons for our decision.  Your                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261413 -        Rating Decision and this letter constitute our decision based                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261414 -        on your claim received on December 22, 2009.  It represents all                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261415 -        claims we understood to be specifically made, implied, or                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261416 -        inferred in that claim.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261418 -         ..
261419 -   11.  We enclosed a VA Form 21-8768, "Disability Pension Award                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261420 -        Attachment" which explians important factors concerning your                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261421 -        benefits.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261423 -         ..
261424 -   12.  What Income and Expenses Did We use?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261425 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261426 -        We awarded your benefit because you have no income from January                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261427 -        1, 2010.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261429 -         ..
261430 -   13.  What Are Your Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261431 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261432 -        You are responsible to tell us right away if:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261433 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261434 -        1.  Your income or the income of your dependents changes (e.g.,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261435 -            earnings, Social Security benefits, lottery and gambling                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261436 -            winnings).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261438 -             ..
261439 -        2.  Your net worth increases (e.g., bank accounts,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261440 -            investments, real estate).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261442 -             ..
261443 -        3.  Your continuing medical expenses are reduced.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261445 -             ..
261446 -        4.  You gain or lose a dependent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261448 -             ..
261449 -        5.  Your address or phone number changes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261451 -         ..
261452 -   14.  How Do You Start Direct Deposit?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261453 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261454 -        Your money may be deposited directly into your checking or                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261455 -        savings account.  This is the safest and most reliable way to                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261456 -        get your money.  For more information about Direct Deposit,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261457 -        please call us toll free by dialing 877 838 2778                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261458 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261459 -            [On 100614 0444 Allen at VA set up direct deposit, but used                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
261460 -            routing number RTN for checking account to setup automatic                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261461 -            deposit for the savings account. ref SDS 41 TL45                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261463 -             ..
261464 -            [On 100818 0808 Katherine confirmed that VA changed direct                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261465 -            deposit of disability pension to the new savings account.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261466 -            ref SDS 42 KD5I                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261468 -         ..
261469 -   15.  Are You Entitled to Additional Benefits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261470 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261471 -        You should contact your State Office of Veteran's Affairs for                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261472 -        information on any tax, license, or fee-related benefits for                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261473 -        which you may be eligible as a veteran (or surviving dependent                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261474 -        of a veteran).  State offices of veteran's affairs are                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261475 -        available at...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261476 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261477 -                  http://www.va.gov/statedva.htm                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261479 -         ..
261480 -   16.  What You Should Do If You Disagree With Our Decision                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261481 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261482 -        If you do not agree with our decision, you should write and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261483 -        tell us why.  You have one year from the date of this letter to                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261484 -        appeal the decision.  The enclosed VA For 4107, "Your Rights to                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261485 -        Appeal Our Decision," explains your right to appeal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261487 -         ..
261488 -   17.  If You Have Questions or Need Assistance                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261489 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261490 -        If you have any questions, you may contact us by telephone,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261491 -        e-mail, or letter.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261492 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261493 -        a.  If You...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261494 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261495 -            Telephone                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261497 -             ..
261498 -            Here is what to do...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261500 -             ..
261501 -            Call us at 877 294 6380                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261503 -             ..
261504 -            If you use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261505 -            number is 800 829 4833                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261507 -             ..
261508 -        b.  If You...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261509 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261510 -            Use the Internet                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261512 -             ..
261513 -            Here is what to do...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261515 -             ..
261516 -            Send electronic inquiries through the Internt at                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261517 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261518 -                  https://iris.va.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261520 -             ..
261521 -        c.  If You...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261522 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261523 -            Write                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261525 -             ..
261526 -            Here is what to do...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261528 -             ..
261529 -            Put your full name and VA file number on the letter.  Please                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261530 -            send all correspondence to the address at the top of this                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261531 -            letter.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261533 -         ..
261534 -   18.  In all cases, be sure to refer to your VA file number...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261537 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261539 -         ..
261540 -        If you are looking for general information about benefits and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261541 -        eligibility, you sould visit our website at...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261542 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261543 -                  https://www.va.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261544 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261545 -        ...or search the frequently asked questions (FAQ) at...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261546 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261547 -                  https://iris.va.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261549 -         ..
261550 -   19.  We sent a copy of this letter to your representative, AMVETS,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261551 -        whom you can also contact if you have questions or need                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261552 -        assistance.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261554 -         ..
261555 -   20.  Sincerely yours,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261556 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261557 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261559 -         ..
261560 -        TA Olson                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261561 -        Pension Management Center Manager                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261563 -         ..
261564 -   21.  Contact us at...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261565 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261566 -                  https://iris.va.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261568 -         ..
261569 -   22.  Enclosures:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261570 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261571 -            a.  Rating Decision................ ref SDS 0 6B40                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261572 -            b.  VA Form 21-8768                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261573 -            c.  VA Form 4107                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261575 -         ..
261576 -        Copy to:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261577 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261578 -            AMVETS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261580 -         ..
261581 -        21P/mrh/156                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261583 -         ..
261586 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261587 - **********************************                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261589 -  ..
261590 - Rating Decision enclosure to VA letter 100601. ref SDS 0 4M9K                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261591 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261592 -    1.  Department of Veterans Affairs                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261593 -        St Paul Pension Management Center                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
261594 -        Bishop Henry Wipple Federal Building                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261595 -        PO Box 11000                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261596 -        1 Federal Drive                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261597 -        St Paul, MN  55111 0000                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261598 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261606 -         ..
261607 -        Represented by:  AMVETS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261609 -         ..
261610 -    3.  Rating Decision:  May 25, 20101                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261612 -         ..
261613 -    4.  Introduction                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261614 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261615 -        The records reflect that you are a veteran of the Vietnam Era.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261616 -        You served in the Army from February 15, 1967 to February 8,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261617 -        1969.  You filed an original disability claim that was received                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261618 -        on December 22, 2009.  Based on a review of the evidence below,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261619 -        we have made the following decision on your claim.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261621 -         ..
261622 -    5.  Decision                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261623 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261624 -        Entitlement to nonservice connected pension is granted.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261626 -         ..
261627 -    6.  Evidence                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261628 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261629 -        a.  VA Form 21-526 Veteran's Application for Compensation                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261630 -            and/or Pension received December 22, 2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261631 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261632 -        b.  VA medical records VA Medical Centers, San Francisco and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261633 -            Martinez, dated October 22, 2009 to March 5, 2010.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261635 -         ..
261636 -    7.  Reasons for Decision                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261637 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261638 -        Entitlement to nonservice connected pension                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261640 -         ..
261641 -        We have granted entitlement to non-service connected, because                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
261642 -        you are unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261643 -        occupation due to disability.  You are 65 years old, have a                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261644 -        level of education reported at high school and are not                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
261645 -        employed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261647 -         ..
261648 -        The VA medical evidence shows that you underwent coronary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261649 -        artery bypass graft on October 22, 2009, and a laproscopic                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261650 -        myotomy in December 2009 for esophageal achalasia.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
261652 -         ..
261653 -        Given your age, eduation, employment history and overall                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261654 -        disability picture, it is less than likely that you will be                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261655 -        able to find and secure gainful employment.  Therefore a grant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261656 -        of permanent and total disability rating is warranted.  The                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
261657 -        effective date of this grant is December 22, 2009, which is the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261658 -        date we received your claim.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261659 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261660 -            [On 100609 0704 received payment from US Treasury for VA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
261661 -            disability pension benifits starting from December 2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
261662 -            ref SDS 39 4M9K                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
261664 -         ..
261665 -    8.  References                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261666 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261667 -        Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Pensions, Bonuses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
261668 -        and Veterans' Relief contains the regulations of the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
261669 -        Departmenet of Veterans Affairs which govern entitlemetn to all                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
261670 -        veteran benefits.  For additional information regarding                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261671 -        applicable laws and regulations, please consult your local                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
261672 -        library, or visit us at our web site...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
261673 -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
261674 -                  http://www.va.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
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