Financial Advisors

[robav8r]

If the VA is backed up, I believe you can be referred to a provider out in town (community care), so why not?

Although it appears you only rate 1 full session a year. The other 11 are short-time. 😄

But will they love me long time?
🤣

 

[SynixMan]

Was the process fairly straightforward with the VA to get that covered under the PACT Act, or was there any bureaucratic headache involved?

My understanding is that there is a list of conditions that are covered under the PACT Act, that if you deployed to areas where burn pits were used, it is presumed that the condition was caused by that exposure, ie. you don't have to prove anything. Is that correct?

Also, glad to hear you caught it early enough. Best of luck!

It's called presumptive condition and it was a major win for veterans. If you were there at that time and have the listed condition, it's covered.

https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

 

[taxi1]

Are these at a VA medical center?

They’ve contracted with a local provider in my environs. Super relaxing!

 

[Mos]

you just have to have a sore body part that they can treat

Considering it's your prostate that got you the rating... prostate massage?

 

[Spekkio]

The definition of "nursing" is key. Both cover "skilled" nursing, like administration of IV antibiotics, wound care, and the like.
Neither cover custodial care like help with feeding, dressing, medication administration. That isn't considered "nursing". Home health and hospice are different as well.

I understand that.

Almost nothing covers assisted living. It's extremely expensive and insurance companies believe that you're responsible for putting a roof over your own head.

There's a supplemental medicare plan that offsets assisted living costs, but I haven't gotten far enough to crunch the numbers on it. Like I pointed out before, an O5 retiree collecting full social security and some TSP savings should be able to cover assisted living with income.

 

[taxi1]

Was the process fairly straightforward with the VA to get that covered under the PACT Act, or was there any bureaucratic headache involved?

My understanding is that there is a list of conditions that are covered under the PACT Act, that if you deployed to areas where burn pits were used, it is presumed that the condition was caused by that exposure, ie. you don't have to prove anything. Is that correct?

Correct. There’s a form to be filled out, of course. I then provided proof of deployment to DJ (DD-214 and copies of stamped orders) and proof of my condition (MRI results, biopsy results, doctor reports) and in a cover letter tied it together, citing the specific condition covered. Like a letter to the board with attachments, just guide their eyes to the specific points. Sent in the package, and after maybe a month I got a note asking where I wanted the money to go, and a ton of info on VA care. Surprisingly smooth process!

Got a free pair of bifocal cheaters, physical therapy for my messed up shoulder, the massages, a hearing check, and the PCa care remains with the outside provider.

The money was unanticipated and nice. We will see if that lasts, though. It is targeted directly in the Project 2025 Playbook.

 

[taxi1]

Considering it's your prostate that got you the rating... prostate massage?

I hear those are spectacular, but no. However, once you are 100% disabled for something, then everything is covered including my bum shoulder and no longer 20-20 vision. Dental too, after a year in the status.

 

[taxi1]

But will they love me long time?
🤣

I have paid out of pocket for the extra half hour!

The VA was VERY CLEAR and makes you SIGN DOCUMENTS that you understand this isn’t one of those places. Since all rules are written in blood (or other bodily fluids) I can only imagine what came prior. So to speak. Bet there were a lot of sore shoulders.

 

[Faded Float Coat]

This guy is very reputable and in the Whidbey area, though I think he'd work with you regardless of your location.

Retired Marine Prowler ECMO. Passes the good dude test. Known him for 20+ years.

 

[DanMa1156]

Back to financial advisors, no discussion is complete without an education on the finance industry, which I think is summarized well by this episode of Last Week Tonight (funny, but genuinely worth the watch).

 

[Angry]

I realize many have experience with different levels of financial advisors based on your stage in life. Anyone have any good recommendations for an advisor in/near the Northern Virginia area that can entertain a financial "wellness" check. A lot of financial advisors seen to want to give you a complete financial colonoscopy when the only thing needed is a basic status check without trying to sell you on a "if you just let me manage your money, you'll be the next Elon Musk in 5 years" plan.

Thanks . . . .

I’m an advisor (CFP, CFA, bunch of other creds) although not near VA. If you’re cool with virtual I’m happy to do a basic overview of your situation without getting too deep…if you really just need a plan overview it will likely also be free; happy to do some pro bono for fellow vets. PM me if interested.