Veteran
1969 From Veteran’s DD214
“Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V”
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
-
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp, University of Virginia
CIC Officer’s School, 8/64 – 9/64
Underwater Swimmers School 10/65 – 11/65
Explosive Ordinance Disposal School 1/66 – 7/66
Technical Escort School 4/68 – 5/68”
Jan28 (10:15am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“I admire your tolerance in filling out an application for someone who doesn't know the answers. I can do better. I would like to continue to use the Prescott office instead of switching to the Tucson office. You all are great
I received the Phoenix VA's letter of January 24, 2012, with instructions and forms. I would like to continue to do the pension part of my application but I would like to drop the agent orange/skin cancer compensation part of my application. Does that mean I just have to fill out the 8 page VA Form 21-527? But I see that this form has questions about disability. What forms from the Phoenix VA should I fill out? Should I restart the application process or modify what has already been submitted?
Thank you
Anthony O'Connell 7637
Attached are copies of:
1- My DD214
2- 2010 IRS Form 1040, individual tax return
3- 2011 Form SSA-1099- social security benefit statement
4- Bank statement ( only one bank)
5- Phoenix VA's letter January 24, 2012 18p
6- Phoenix VA's Form 21-527 10p
7-VA Form 21-526 Jan17 6p
8-VA Form 21-22 Jan17”
Jan28 (10:09pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Would you please add my attached credit card statement to my financial disclosure documents?
I don't know what credit card companies do when the credit card debit reaches it's limit. In general, do you know?
Thank you again,
Anthony O’Connell 7637
9-credit-card-bill.pdf ”
(attachment)
Jan31 (8:33am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Thanks for asking. I was thinking that the credit card statement would show that I was broke and need the pension. If you don't think it's relevant or a good idea to include it, please don't include it”
Jan31 (12:34pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Thank you!
I wrote the "combat action medal amo" [amo = Anthony Miner O'Connell]" on my DD214 not realizing that the "Navy commendation medal with combat "V" means that. (I know, how could I not realize that)”
PDF
Jan31 (12:51pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“I hope this isn't important but my DD214, block 4 of my personal date, says "NAVY - USNR". I think it should say "NAVY - USN". I had a regular commission; not a reserve commission. I had an NROTC scholarship to the University of Virginia and was a midshipman with the same status as the midshipman at the Naval Academy. I can send you documentation if you like”
Feb1 (1:04pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Attached are copies of my DD214 before I wrote in the "Combat action medal amo". One copy is of the original before I wrote it in, and one copy is of a carbon copy where I never wrote it in. I don't think any agency has a copy of the DD214 with the "Combat action medal amo" written in, but I am not sure.
I am not interested in going through the process of changing the USNR to USN on my DD214 at this time, but thanks for answering my questions about it.
On VA Form 21-8416, where it says "Report medical expenses for the period ______ thru _______ ", How far back can I go, or is it just for one year? Are there instructions on line on how to fill out this form? Do I do forms every year for the pension?
Thanks again, especially for your email of January 31, 2012, at 2102, which saved me from a potential ton of grief.
Anthony M. O'Connell 7637
2 attachments”
Feb1 (1:53pm) Brian O’Neill to Veteran
“Spoke to a Navy individual, he told me that all officers in the US Navy are considered to be in the Navy Reserve for their first year. I don't know if that has something to do with it.
I will submit the DD 214 to the VA, though since I haven't seen the original, I cannot stamp it as being certified true. But as I stated yesterday, we have in the record request to NPRC for them to send certified true copies to you. Since you have filed a claim previously, as shown by you being in the system, they may not even need the DD 214.
For the medical expenses, you generally go a year back.
I am here to assist, let me know if there is anything else.”
March14 (6:26am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Can you tell me the status of my pension request?
If and when it comes through, would I get a letter or a check or what?
Can I arrange a direct deposit to my checking account?
Thank you”
March14 (3:00pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Thank you for your response and for the form 24-0296.
I don't understand their "They are waiting on your records being sent
to them, from the previous regional office that had your claim folder.
They also put in a request to NPRC for your records, and are awaiting
them".
My claim started with your office and never changed. Which is their
regional office and which is "the pervious regional office"?
Thank you”
March14 (5:38pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“I'm glad you know the system.
So, for starters for sure, my claim folder was originally in Honolulu?
The only previous clam I made to the VA was for the GI bill for the
University of Massachusetts for 1969 to 1971, and for the State
University of New York for 1972 until my eligibility ran out in 1973
or 1974.
What does NPRC stand for?
I'm going to hold on the direct deposit thing; I don't want to add any
complications until after I, hopefully, get a check. What's your best
guess as to when that might be?
Thanks again”
March15 (4:38am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Thanks for your message.
I don't understand the "my folder" concept in this electronic age but
do understand that there is nothing I can do about it.
Enjoy your day. It's starting to get hot down here”
March15 (6:39pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“It was a pleasure to visit your office, I believe it was about three weeks ago. And thank you for catching me in the parking lot and returning my paper work that I left in your office.
It’s been about a month since I applied for a VA economic pension. Can you tell me the status of my my application and what your best guess is as to how long it would take for the VA to decide?”
March19 (1:21pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“It was a pleasure to visit your office, I believe it was about three weeks ago. And thank you for catching me in the parking lot and returning my paper work that I left in your office.
It’s been about a month since I applied for a VA economic pension. Can you tell me the status of my my application and what your best guess is as to how long it would take for the VA to decide?
Did you receive my email of March 15, 2012?
April11 (10:55pm) Veteran to James Louis
“Thanks for all you did when I saw you last on March 20, 2012.
Would you be willing to check the status of my NSC pension application
again? Is there is an identifiable problem”
May1 (2:37pm ) Veteran to James Louis
“May I ask you some questions about the economic pension status?
(1) Is an application like mine; for an economic pension for a veteran
over 65, automatic or is it adjudicated?
(2) How long does it normally take?
(3) How long after it normally takes before something like a tracer is done?
(4) Can the trail of my application dated January 17, 2012, be followed?
(5) If there is a problem can it be identified?
I realize that the Arizona Department of Veteran's Services and the VA
are two separate entities and that the Arizona Department of Veteran's
Services has little if any control over the VA. This is a request for
information and not a complaint. Thank you for your excellent service.”
May10 (1:08pm) Veteran to James Louis
“Please correct me if I’m wrong; I understand that an application for an economic pension by a veteran over 65 is automatic; no adjudication necessary, and that it takes about 4-6 weeks. Would you please track my application of January 17, 2012? I’m told that the VA file number 25 25 163 990.
This is a request for information, not a complaint.
Thank you,”
May11 (8:56am) Veteran to James Louis
“This is a request for information, not a complaint. I don't have the luxury of waiting anymore and need some answers from the VA. Would you please ask the VA to track my VA economic pension application?
(1) I was told early on that an application for a VA economic pension
by a veteran over 65 is automatic; no adjudication necessary, and that
it normally takes about 4 - 6 weeks. Is this true or not true?
(2) Is the VA's letter to me of January 24, 2012, the start date for
tracking my application?
(3) If so, where did it go after that?
(4) Where is it now?
(5) What is the VA's best estimate of when I may receive a "yes" or a
"no" from them?
Thank you”
May11 (4:26am) Veteran to James Louis
Thanks James!
May11 (8:27pm) Veteran to James Louis
I don't have a telephone. I do have email. Please communicate with me by email
May13 (10:41am/10:42am) Veteran to James Louis
“This is not a complaint but a request for information.
I received VA Phoenix's letter of May 10, 2012, and am concerned that the information VA Phoenix has in their file is different from the information that I thought was sent to them. Would you please ask VA Phoenix to send you and me a copy of all the information that they have in their file 25 163 990?
Thank you.”
Transcription of VA Phoenix's May 10, 2012, letter follows:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
2004 Test Drive User
P. O. Box 34790
Phoenix AZ 85607-4790
May 10, 2012
ANTHONY M OCONNELL
439 S VISTA DEL RIO
GREEN VALLEY AZ 85614-2415
IN REPLY, REFER TO:
345/PD22/TAS
File Number: 25 163 990
Anthony M. Oconnell
IMPORTANT – reply needed
Dear Mr. Oconnell:
Important Information
We have received your typed statement on February 7, 2012, stating that you wish to withdraw your claim for
*Skin cancer
We have withdrawn your pending claim at this time. No further action will be taken on your claim.
If you decide to reopen your claim at this time, just state so on the enclosed VA Form 21-4138. If we do not receive this form in the Department of Veterans Affairs with one year of the date of this letter, benefits, if entitlement is established, may not be paid prior to the date of this receipt.
The Pension Management Center will address your claim for Non-Service Connected Pension.
How Can You Contact Us?
If you are looking for general information about benefits and eligibility, you should visit our website at http://www.va.gov. Otherwise you can contact us in several ways. Please give us your VA file number 25 163 990, when you do contact us.
*Call us at 1-800-827-1000. If you use a telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the number is 1-800-829-4833.
*Send us an inquiry using the internet at https://iris.va.gov.
*Write to us at the address at the top of this letter.
We look forward to resolving your claim is a fair and timely manner.
Sincerely yours,
Jeffrey McAdams (seal)
Jeffrey McAdams
Veterans Service Center Manager
Enclosures: VA Form 21-4138
cc: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ SERVICES
May13 (10:12pm) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“This is not a complaint but a request for information.
My application for an economic pension has gotten confusing. Would you please send me a copy of what you sent to the Phoenix VA to ask them to drop the skin cancer compensation part of my application? Please send me any and all information you have concerning this application. Please see the attachment.
Thank you”
May15 (1:12am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“Thank you”
May15 (9:03am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“In trying to track my economic pension application initialed on January 24, 2012, the following from your email of May 14, 2012, is a treasure of information. A treasure:
"As this is now a pension claim, the Phoenix VA Regional Office has closed out the compensation claim as requested, and mailing the claim to the Pension Management Center (PMC) to process the pension. I called the PMC this morning and they have not as yet received it. Once they receive it, they will begin processing it."
Can you give me contacts and email addresses in the Pension Management Center (PMC) so I can contact them myself?”
May16 (6:13am) Veteran to Jeffery McAdams
“This is not a complaint but a request for information.
I received your letter of May 10, 2012, with it's enclosure VA Form 21- 4138, but I don’t understand it. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding; perhaps the information you have in your file is different from the information I have. Would you please send me copies of what you have in your file, and any other information you have concerning this?”
May17 (2:33am) Veteran to Jeffery McAdams
“This is not a complaint but a request for information. Can the document trail of the January 24, 2012, economic pension application be exposed?
As I mentioned before, I don’t understand your letter of May 10, 2012, with it's enclosure VA Form 21- 4138. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding; perhaps the information you have in your file is different from the information I have. Would you please send me copies of what you have in your file, and any other information you have concerning this?
Did you, on May 15, transfer the January 24, 2012, economic pension application to Saint Paul, Minnesota for processing? If so, why, why on May 15, and what information did you transfer?
Thank you.”
May17 (3:41am) Veteran to James Louis
“This is not a complaint but a request for information. Can the document trail of the January 24, 2012, economic pension application be exposed?
As I mentioned before, I don't understand the Phoenix VA's letter of May 10, 2012. If you understand it, would you please explain it? If you don't understand it, would you please ask the sender to explain it?
Thank you for telling me that the application was transferred to Saint Paul, Minnesota, on May 15 for processing. If so, why was it transferred, why on May 15, and what information was transferred?
Thank you again.”
(attachment: VA PhoenixMay10.pdf)
May17 (4:22am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“This is not a complaint but a request for information. Can the document trail of the January 24, 2012, economic pension application be exposed?
What is the average process time for an economic pension application from a veteran over 65? Is it automatic? If it is not automatic, what part of it is judged?
Thank you”
May18 (3:05am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
This is not a complaint but a request for information. Can the document trail of the January 24, 2012, economic pension application be exposed?
I don't understand the Phoenix VA's letter of May 10, 2012. If you understand it, would you please explain it? If you don't understand it, would you please ask the sender to explain it?
"IMPORTANT – reply needed
Dear Mr. Oconnell:
Important Information
We have received your typed statement on February 7, 2012, stating that you wish to withdraw your claim for
*Skin cancer
We have withdrawn your pending claim at this time. No further action will be taken on your claim.
If you decide to reopen your claim at this time, just state so on the enclosed VA Form 21-4138. If we do not receive this form in the Department of Veterans Affairs with one year of the date of this letter, benefits, if entitlement is established, may not be paid prior to the date of this receipt.
The Pension Management Center will address your claim for Non-Service Connected Pension.
How Can You Contact Us?
If you are looking for general information about benefits and eligibility, you should visit our website at http://www.va.gov. Otherwise you can contact us in several ways. Please give us your VA file number 25 163 990, when you do contact us.
*Call us at 1-800-827-1000. If you use a telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), the number is 1-800-829-4833.
*Send us an inquiry using the internet at https://iris.va.gov.
*Write to us at the address at the top of this letter.
We look forward to resolving your claim in a fair and timely manner.
Sincerely yours,
Jeffrey McAdams
Veterans Service Center Manager
Enclosures: VA Form 21-4138
cc: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES"
(See attached copy in pdf)
If the Phoenix VA sent the economic pension application to the Saint Paul, Minnesota, PMC, on May 15, 2012, please send me copies of what information was sent.
Thank you.”
May18 (9:34am) Veteran to Brian O’Neil
“This is not a complaint but a request for information. Can the document trail of the January 24, 2012, economic pension application be exposed?
Please sent me copies of everything you sent to the Phoenix VA, and everything you have in your file, and any other information you may have about this.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend”
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