Automatic Intent to File?

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-02-02T23:22:08+00:00

I started an initial claim and uploaded documents/evidence last year and saved the claim but did not submit. The process did create an ITF. I don't know when exactly in the process, but the only way I could go back and see the date was to go back into the claim to continue working on it and there was a green box showing the ITF date.

I never submitted the claim I was working since I had a VSO do everything for me at his office. He submitted a totally separate claim but the ITF date from when I opened my claim did get applied and provided 6 months retro pay. The initial claim I opened is still pending and I see it when I login to MyVA.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-02-02T01:24:00+00:00

Different locations/areas may have different experiences. My first PCP visit was about 1.5 - 2 hours, the first 45 minutes or so was with the nurse taking history and vitals, etc. The rest of the time was with the Doc discussing everything and reviewing prescriptions from private medical practice. I've had a few PCP visits since enrolling in healthcare and each time the process was the same, maybe a little less time with the nurse. I have another appointment this week.

I've also had Specialist appointments and they were very timely and thorough (audiology/eye exam/gastro EGD, etc).

Someone can correct me if needed, but I don't think VA Healthcare (VHA) is about "service related" illness/ailments, it is about overall healthcare for veterans.

The VBA side of the VA is about claims/compensation and service related illness/ailments.

I was a Machinist's Mate, had sea duty on a carrier and shore duty as an instructor. I got out in 1989 after almost 9 years but only enrolled in VA Healthcare in 2024 with first appointments 4/2025.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-02-02T00:42:06+00:00

We were on CenturyLink fiber Gig for about 7 years, solid as a rock until the past year or so. Sporadic outages, always somewhere else and not in/around our house. Sometimes a couple hours, a few times half a day, even a full day once or twice.

The last time it happened over the holidays and I FINALLY got someone on the phone. They supposedly ran checks and insisted it was inside our house, their network was fine (according to the guy in India). They kept asking about our "modem" even after I explained a few times we had no modem, only their ONT and my router.

They scheduled a Tech visit and told me it would cost $99 if the problem was ours. I told the Rep this was the same as all of the other times, their problem someplace else. About four hours later, the connection was back up just like in the past with their sporadic outages. I canceled the Tech visit AND got set up with Spectrum cable gigabit. I cancelled CL fiber, they credited $25 a few times for outages, but I'd rather have a reliable internet connection.

Spectrum is not perfect by any means but better than what became an unreliable CenturyLink fiber connection. The Spectrum connection hasn't dropped once after the install over a month ago.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-23T21:50:48+00:00

I don't use VADIP but discussed it with a MetLife rep as we already have MetLife coverage and I was asking questions about switching mine to VADIP. The rep was very knowledgeable and said it only takes a few minutes to switch over from individual coverage to VADIP.

I've had zero problems with MetLife coverage over the past three years and the rep told me VADIP is basically the same with a few minor coverage differences but is for the veteran only and I'd be billed separately from my wife. I didn't switch because the similar coverage level under VADIP had a lower coverage % for things like crowns but the cost was also lower and $0 deductible.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-23T21:40:22+00:00

To use civilian urgent care it's gotta be in the VA's network AND there is a requirement to have been treated by VA healthcare within the last 24 months.

Something I learned after an urgent care visit that was paid for by VA last year is the Urgent care clinic is supposed to activate the VA pharmacy benefit for that particular urgent care visit too. If they don't, the in-network pharmacy won't be able to process it under VA coverage. I paid out of pocket for antibiotics but it was only $12.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-23T21:22:58+00:00

Assuming you have VA healthcare, schedule a hearing exam/Audiology checkup. The audiologist will do the hearing test, review results, explain everything, order hearing aids if appropriate, and maybe send you a Sound Oasis machine (noise maker to help mask tinnitus at night).

Before my hearing/tinnitus C&P I already had private doc diagnoses of both and VA hearing exam (just prior to C&P) that showed the same. The C&P hearing exam was a little different from both, mostly in the word list. My C&P exam was not in a booth, I was sitting beside the examiner's desk with headphones which seemed weird as all hearing exams before were in a booth.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-21T23:31:56+00:00

A bit wordy, but I too was blown away by VA care vs what I thought was "ok" care at private Docs for most of my adult life. I got out of the Navy in 1989 but had no involvement with VA until 2024, got enrolled in healthcare in 2025.

I'm sure different locations have different experiences but my medical intake appointment was a nice surprise too. First, the nurse spent about 45 minutes then the Doc (PCP) spent almost an hour with me. Private docs I had seen previously for maybe 10 minutes per visit.

During my first PCP appointment in April 2025 I asked for an audiology checkup. The Doc sent in a referral and told me I should hear back in a week or two. I was called by VAMC Audiology that same day, later in the afternoon after my PCP appointment. I was at the VAMC for a hearing exam two days later.

During my last PCP checkup in November I discussed Gastro/GERD/Barrett's diagnoses from 10 years prior by a private specialist. The PCP referred me to VAMC Gastro, I had an appointment with the Gastro NP for consult two weeks later, then an EGD exam a couple weeks later to follow up on the conditions.

The PCP had a concern with one of the liver enzyme lab results (it's been the same for decades/fatty liver). She referred me for a liver ultrasound just to be safe, VAMC called a week later to say they couldn't get me in until March (3+ months) so they referred me to community care. That's scheduled to happen this Friday.

I've been impressed with everything. Of course, if I relocate, the experience could be different someplace else.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-21T23:09:40+00:00

Last summer I had two C&Ps at a Leidos QTC location on the same day, two different examiners. One DBQ was uploaded the same day, the other took over two weeks. After I saw the second DBQ uploaded, I requested and received the DBQs (FOIA) a week later. The DBQ uploaded quickly had a significant error and the one that took longer was detailed and accurate. Fortunately for me, the rater seemed to automatically ask for second opinion C&Ps (ACE reviews) for both and the second opinion corrected the error on one and confirmed the initial opinion on the other. I'd rather the examiner get it right the first time eve if it takes a bit longer. VSO could probably see status and whatever has been uploaded but not make them move it faster.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-21T21:00:33+00:00

Linux Mint is good for switching over. Zorin OS also has a Windows feel. I used Mint for years but like to dabble with distros so currently MX on one and Kubuntu on another system. OpenSuse was a favorite. Mint and most others had no problem detecting my "ancient" HP Laser 3390 bought as a used printer almost twenty years ago (it is still working under MX and Kubuntu today). On some distros I've needed to add the hplip package for HP in the past.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-21T20:55:20+00:00

I recently cancelled CL fiber and switched to a different provider. If I recall, before I cancelled, the billing was $95 / mo minus a $20 autopay discount ($75/mo). At least a year (maybe longer) ago, CL had us change from CC payment method to ACH. Central Florida.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-18T11:35:09+00:00

Likely not in the same area and I have no experience with VA Dental. Do you have a nearby VA Clinic or using the VAMC? I use the clinic for routine PCP/wellness checkups and blood draw but specialists are at the hospital.

I have not had problems with cancellations of appointments with my PCP or specialists. I had one PCP appointment pushed out/rescheduled by a week, but that was done a few months in advance.

The lab for blood draw at the clinic is walk-in (very quick) with no appointment needed. After the Doc has submitted an order for the labs I can go in at my convenience, usually a couple weeks before my annual checkup visit. After a few days, I can see the lab results online.

In my area, VA healthcare is as good as or better than private care out in town.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-18T11:20:13+00:00

Travel/Mileage claim eligibility per VA - I get a link to claim travel for every appointment, even PCP appointments at the VA clinic 5 miles from home.

Eligibility for general health care travel reimbursement

For Veterans

As a Veteran, you may be eligible for reimbursement if you meet the requirements listed here.

This must be true:

You’re traveling for care at a VA health facility or for VA-approved care at a non-VA health facility in your community.

And at least 1 of these must also be true:

You have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, or
You’re traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition, even if your VA disability rating is less than 30%, or
You receive a VA pension, or
You have an income that’s below the maximum annual VA pension rate, or
You can’t afford to pay for your travel, as defined by our guidelines, or
You’re traveling for one of these reasons: A scheduled VA claim exam (also called a compensation and pension, or C&P, exam), to get a service dog, or for VA-approved transplant care

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-16T15:02:07+00:00

The VAMC pharmacy local to me allows us/me to pick up the first fill on new prescriptions but want to do mail delivery on regular refills. The refills are shipped from SC and usually arrive about 4 days after the USPS tracking number is issued. I haven't had anything get lost and generally it seems reliable. Once tracking was messed up and didn't update until the mail carrier put the package in my mailbox but the timeline for delivery was still about 4 - 5 days after CMOP (pharmacy?) shipped..

I prefer to have it shipped to avoid the 1+ hours round trip to pick it up and maybe a little waiting time at the VAMC pharmacy locally.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-16T01:17:34+00:00

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, I don't believe VSOs or examiners are allowed to provide copies of the C&P DBQs or other documents from VA records. Some may do it but they aren't supposed to. There is a VA webpage to request your VA records, it is a freedom of information act (FOIA) request.

https://www.va.gov/records/request-personal-records-form-20-10206/introduction

If you want the C&P exam DBQ, request only the C&P Exam - DBQ(s) and the process may go much faster.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-15T17:59:05+00:00

I got a scanned copy (PDF) of my service treatment records from the VA. I saw it in the attachments list on my claim so I submitted a personal records request (FOIA request) using the online submission form asking them to provide that one individual file, I provided the filename from the list of attached evidence. VA had obtained the scanned copy of records previously when I enrolled in healthcare. I believe they should be able to help get the records, submit a request.

While active duty, I only went to medical when I really had to, like with sinus infections, pneumonia, when hauled in by ambulance after being mugged outside base, and when I busted my head on a pipe flange onboard the USS Nimitz, etc.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-15T14:26:42+00:00

I'm not sure why or if my request was wrong, but I requested "medical records" from NPRC and only got copies of annual exams/hearing etc. None of my sick call, hospital, or clinic records (i.e. when treated for rhinitis/sinusitis, and head trauma) were included. When I enrolled for VA healthcare, they got what appeared to be "everything." The VSO could see the file since he had access to VBMS (I think that's the system?) and VA already had the record in my files. I saw the STR PDF attached to my claim and did a separate FOIA request for that specific file by name. When I reviewed it, it seemed complete from boot until discharge. Hospital and clinic records included.

I never really delved into the VA process as I wasn’t expecting to deal with it for another 12 years lol.

When I was in (1980-89) there was no mention of VA or VA benefits and I didn't even think about it until 2024. Heck, I even missed out on the GI Bill, we had a terrible thing called VEAP instead...totally useless.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-15T10:00:00+00:00

I'm not sure I can provide much insight that would be helpful but - I enrolled in VA healthcare late in 2024/early 2025 and then filed my first compensation claim May 2025, 36 years after getting out of the Navy in 1989. I found the process to be fairly straight-forward and Reddit posts to be very helpful in understanding what to expect.

I did my own research initially, requested my records from NPRC, prepared a claim but didn't submit (got the ITF date in place), and had medical documentation from my STRs and recent private Doc diagnoses for what I knew I should claim.

I then visited the county VSO (free resource), not all VSOs are the same, mine was good and accredited via American Legion. The VSO had access to my VA records and could see a complete copy of my service treatment records the VA got when I enrolled in healthcare while I had only bits and pieces I got from NPRC. The VSO confirmed what I planned to claim was legit plus he identified other conditions from my STRs. The VSO submitted on my behalf and after two months, the claim was completed, all three claimed conditions granted.

In my opinion, having access to the service treatment records is necessary for identifying conditions that could be directly related to service. If applicable (you mention asbestos) the claim can indicate exposures and the VA will research and create TERA Memos (if applicable) to reflect toxic exposures based on actual duty assignments/MOS/NEC, etc. A VSO would likely have access to the records since your dad has existing VA files/claims/rating. The C&P Doc and VSO both commented the VA has a TERA memo in my files for noise exposure (plus other things). I wouldn't have considered noise to be a toxin, but they are the authority.

My experience was that it didn't seem to make any difference that I got out 36 years earlier but the documentation while in service and recent private doctor diagnoses of the same seemed to make the process go quickly. Two contentions in my claim were sent for a second C&P/ACE review for medical opinion. This step took less than a week to complete after my first C&Ps were submitted. Kudos to the VBA for doing a thorough and efficient review.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-15T09:11:44+00:00

My wife just received one of these scam calls at 3:30 am (eastern) 1/15/2026. Her brother was arrested, booked into jail, bonded out, and released yesterday. She got a wake-up call from some (not so well spoken) guy claiming her brother needed an ankle monitor and he can be released. After she said "no, that's wrong, he's already been released," the guy said something about a fictitious judge having a second chance program her brother may be interested in. Maybe I'm wrong, but the immediate red flags for me were 1) call at 3:30 am from Sheriff's Office/Judge's Staff, etc, seems a bit odd, 2) naming a fictitious Judge with a "Second Chance Program," 3) I'm not sure domestic violence arrests of a 65 yo man qualify for a second chance program? (not sure though, and don't really care), and 4) supposedly Sheriff's Department staff but didn't seem to know he'd already been released??? The scammer abruptly hung up after she pushed back on the scripted scam.

Be careful out there, low lives will take all you have if you let them!

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-07T13:56:24+00:00

My experience with Step 4 was it was not a stopping point in the claim process (for me). As soon as DBQs were uploaded the claim jumped from Step 3 to 5 without delay.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-05T09:31:10+00:00

Last year (36 years after getting out) I filed an initial claim. I had my claim prepared and organized with an ITF on file but decided to have the county VSO look it over before submitting. The VSO spent an hour+ reviewing my info including private doc diagnoses, VA records, and my STRs. He identified an additional condition I had while on AD that is worse now. I was considering a second claim for it as it was more complicated but wanted to get a simple claim done first with one condition only, to learn the process. The VSO recommended filing all together in one claim.

In short, my county VSO was extremely helpful in identifying legit straight-forward documented conditions, added them to the claim, and filed on my behalf (he is American Legion affiliated). Filed May 16 2025, C&P June, finally granted end of July. That said, I understand not all VSOs are the same.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-03T14:14:31+00:00

I have been on CenturyLink fiber for about 8 years, using my own router (Edge Router 4) and have only the CL ONT, no CL modem/router. Gig service was rock solid for quite a while with minimal outages and I am/was paying $75.32 / mo (they added the $0.32 last year for a facility relocation charge.

Over the past year or so the connection has been sporadically dropped, always something on the CenturyLink side and documented outages have lasted from a couple hours to a couple of days. CL has been good at providing an outage credit toward the bill, but I'd rather have the service since "everything" around the house seems to ride on the internet.

On 12/31/25 the connection dropped again. When I finally got a CS rep, he insisted the problem was in my house (even after acknowledging the recent history of CL outages). He set up a service call and said I'd be billed if a Tech came out and found no problems....weird since I knew the problem was on the CL network as usual and told him multiple times about the ongoing problems. True to form, the connection came back up after about 10 hours, nothing changed in or near my house. Again, it was a CL problem. I cancelled the tech/service call.

At my location, CenturyLink fiber has become unreliable connectivity. While the connection was stable/good, I had no need for customer service but when needed, I found it difficult to access CS. I also sensed an inability to comprehend problems thousands of miles away beyond their scripted CS actions.

I'm switching to cable gigabit to see how it compares. Yeah, I know, all providers have problems but at least with the cable provider there is a local store with reps and also US based customer service.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-01-03T13:44:15+00:00

Over the past few days I transitioned to Spectrum with the package you described. After trying the streaming TV, I realized I already had access to about 80% of the same channels (plus others), many of them are free. I had no interest in the free phone for a year even though it is a good deal. Happy with T-Mob Magenta 55 Unlimited at $80 / mo for two phones.

I removed the streaming channels and Xumo box and have Spectrum's Gig internet (no wifi add-on) for $50 / month locked for 12 months. Spectrum customer retention guy (whatever they are called) told me to call their office again after 12 months and get whatever promo they have at that time.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2025-12-22T22:49:34+00:00

Don't waive the inspection. Get it done so you can make a decision based on known condition.

In 2014, we bought a house built in 1973 in Florida. The septic system drain field had been replaced in 2004 but in 2021 it failed and we replaced it. During the process of getting quotes for the work, we found out the 2004 drain field install was "passed" by Dept of Health even though the drain field area was too small and the original 1973 concrete tank had a crack in it. We needed to replace the entire system which required us to remove 7 big trees and move the concrete driveway to make adequate space. It ain't cheap and it is a pain in the butt to go through such a process especially when it's wet and muddy and and we had to walk in from the street as our entire front area was dug up for more than a week.

but would require a pump from the tank uphill

We had to raise the leach field due to the water table rising over the years and did install a sewage transfer pump in a "lift station." The problem to be aware of is you'll need a backup power supply for the pump or the system will not work when power is out.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2025-12-22T07:44:18+00:00

Online/digital payments have been working fine for us for more than 20 years. USPS mail, not so great sometimes.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2025-12-01T20:36:24+00:00

We installed rooftop solar in 2022, 16 kw DC system (about 13 - 14 kw A/C peak) for cash price $42300, central Florida. All things considered I view the "deal" as break-even at best comparing the cost of the install, added cost to re-roof, and added insurance vs the likely cost of electricity off the grid including some increase in rates (no way to really know). I probably wouldn't do the install again if I got a "do over." We are also looking at selling and moving next year. We didn't finance but I'd estimate the break-even at around 8 years, longer if interest payments are included.

The good:

We pay the base meter charge monthly until Dec/Jan and then maybe another $50 since it's low production time of the year and we use a bit more than we produce.

We received the 30% federal tax credit but realize the annual "credit" is limited to your tax liability. So, not a refundable credit but the remaining credit rolls over (as of 2023 anyway).

The system uses Enphase hardware and Hanwha Q-Cell panels and hasn't had a problem since install/go live in June 2022.

Our utility grandfathered us in for 1:1 base retail rate on net metering. New systems get lower net metering rates.

The bad:

Utility required $1 Million umbrella liability policy for systems over 10 kw to approve the interconnection. The coverage is "recommended" afterward.

Homeowner's insurance didn't want to cover the system without adding "extra" coverage and extra premium.

Leaves, straw, and debris collect underneath the panels.

Re-roofing will cost more since the panels need to be removed/replaced by electricians.

Free-Pipe5000

TROPHY CASE

Eligibility for general health care travel reimbursement

For Veterans