Certainty in Uncertain Times

This month’s PMA Post is filled with information about changes and updates in Michigan law to keep you informed. November is National Family Caregivers’ Month; we celebrate Thanksgiving, and also Veterans Day. As always, we are grateful to our clients for choosing Plachta, Murphy & Associates, and P.C. to assist you with all your legal needs. As a Full Service Law Firm our goal is to promote your best interests through our responsive and proactive legal expertise.

We hope that you enjoy the articles included in this edition of our newsletter. Please do not hesitate to call our office at (616) 458-3994 with questions, or for more information on anything you read here

PTSD: Finally Understanding the Affliction

In WWI and II veterans returning home suffered from bouts referred to as “shell shock”. Thousands of our Vietnam Veterans were afflicted with ailments for many years after the war with no real explanation or help from the US government or the Veterans Affairs office. Of course, now we know the real name and symptoms of the affliction--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (PTSD).

PTSD continues in our soldiers and veterans today. It is estimated that nearly 20% of troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD symptoms.

PTSD can have life-long effects. Symptoms can include anger, fear, and confusion in everyday life situations. Survivors also tend to have the feeling of reliving the traumatic event and often feel numb and emotionless. Severe symptoms can include depression leading to drug and alcohol abuse. In some cases veterans find themselves unable to maintain employment. Veterans Disability can help supplement income for those who find themselves in this situation.

Applying for PTSD VA benefits is quite a process. It can be frustrating, painstaking, and challenging. There are steps that one must take in order to file for benefits:

• First, gather all military medical records.
• Second, gather all current VA records. These can be obtained by a written release of information request to the VA medical facilities you have been seen at.
• Third, collect all medical information from your personal physician. It is optimal if your primary care provider can tie your disability to a service connection so the more informed they are the better able to connect the analysis to your time in the service.
• Fourth, be your own advocate! Have friends, family, neighbors, or anyone else that knows your lifestyle write a letter to be presented to the VA.
• Finally, the most important decision you may make is deciding to retain legal representation to advocate for your rights. Like many large institutions, the bureaucracy of the Department of Veterans' Affairs can be overwhelming. Veterans seeking appeals for disability ratings or information on benefits used to have to go it alone. Thankfully, the VA now allows attorneys to represent veterans before its review boards. A lawyer will help you review, edit, and finalize your claim to have the best chance at success.

Conclusion

If you, or a loved one, have symptoms of PTSD, been denied a PTSD Disability claim, or feel your service rating should be higher call our office today. Miles Murphy III is West Michigan’s first VA certified attorney and chairs the law firm of Plachta, Murphy & Associates’ VA Practice Group. This cross-disciplinary group consisting of attorneys and Government Benefit Specialists has more than 50 years of combined experience helping veterans successfully pursue their deserved benefits. We offer free initial consultations to explain the options best suited for you and your family. When we take a case, we do so on a contingency basis. We will not be paid until and unless past veterans' benefits are paid out. Do not wait another day and DO NOT TRY TO GO IT ALONE. We are here to help.

New Services for Family Caregivers of Post-9/11 Veterans

Family Caregivers provide crucial support in caring for Veterans. VA recognizes that Family Caregivers in a home environment can enhance the health and well-being of Veterans under VA care. Under the "Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010," additional VA services are now available to seriously injured post-9/11 Veterans and their Family Caregivers through a new program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. VA is now accepting applications for these services.

New Services Available to Family Caregivers through this Program The new law will provide additional assistance to primary Family Caregivers of eligible post-9/11 Veterans and Service members.

New services for this group include:

• Monthly stipend
• Travel expenses (including lodging and per diem while accompanying Veterans undergoing care)
• Access to health care insurance (if the Caregiver is not already entitled to care or services under a health care plan)
• Mental health services and counseling
• Comprehensive VA Caregiver training provided by Easter Seals
• Respite care (not less than 30 days per year)

Who Is Eligible?

• Veterans eligible for this program are those who sustained a serious injury – including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma or other mental disorder – incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, on or after September 11, 2001
• Veterans eligible for this program must also be in need of personal care services because of an inability to perform one or more activities of daily living and/or need supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological impairment or injury
• To be eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, Veterans must first be enrolled for VA health services, if not enrolled previously

If you think you fit the criteria for these new services please contact Caregiver Support Coordinator, Jim Arringdale, at (269) 967-4612 or visit http://www.caregiver.va.gov/support_benefits.asp

Veteran’s Circle of Care Network

Presents: Free Veteran and Spouse Appreciation Dinner and Educational Presentation

The Veteran’s Circle of Care Network is a consortium of West Michigan professionals and veteran advocates dedicated to helping our armed forces, retired or active, and their loved ones by providing educational information on a variety of topics. A complimentary presentation designed specifically for our heroes of the armed forces and their loved ones. Join us for prizes, food, and valuable information—all at no cost!

Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: VFW Creston Post 3023
1535 Monroe Ave NW

*Topics will include: The Hidden Gems for Veterans, Disability Claims and Appeals, Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, VA Assistance and Support for Caregivers of Veterans, Program Contacts, Information and Details, Veterans Employment Assistance Service Programs, Networks, and Resources.

Prizes and Giveaways Include:

• An Overnight stay at the Ramada Inn for a family of four including Breakfast and Castaway Bay water park admission (retail value (RV) $179.00)
• Simple Estate Plan with Documents including Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Designation of Patient Advocate (RV $695.00)
• 4 Pack of tickets to the Grand Rapids Public Museum including 4 free carousel rides
• 4 Pack of tickets to the Children’s Museum
• 4 Pack of tickets for the Gerald R Ford Museum
• Gift Certificate for Celebration Cinema
• Gift Certificates for area restaurants
• Overnight Stays at area hotels

and Much More! Total Retail Value of all prizes is more than $1500!!

There is no cost or obligation, but reservations are required due to space limitations.

For more information, reservations, or directions call Jeremy M. Johnson at (616) 458-3994 or email jjohnson@pmalawpc.com

VA Practice Group Success Story

From a VA Practice Group Client:

Rick - Great news!

The VA recently deposited 10 months retroactive pension in the amount of $10,560 in my Mom's account and we also received a letter last week confirming they will be depositing $1056/month regularly. That first payment was also made last week.

I just wanted to thank you for all your help and encouragement through some difficult times, and for the success we ultimately experienced through your efforts. If you would like a copy of the VA letter confirming the payment, please do not hesitate to let me know and I will get a copy to you.

Again, Rick, thank you very much and we would highly recommend Plachta Law Firm to anyone who needs legal assistance of any kind, and especially regarding VA benefits.

Have a great day.

John and Donna Thomas

Meet the VA Practice Group

Miles J. Murphy, Attorney, chairs PMA's VA Practice Group. Miles is West Michigan's first certified VA Attorney and is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR). He has more than 24 years of experience helping veterans and their families understand and successfully pursue their legal rights and benefits.

Brian J. Plachta, Attorney, has more than 25 years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Business, Corporate, and Real Estate Law. He is also associated with the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

Richard J. Cross , Government Benefits Specialist, has more than 30 years of experience as a Social Security claims representative. Rick is also a Vietnam veteran and VA eligibility service officer. He now specializes on SSA and VA disability appeals on behalf of our clients.

Jeremy Johnson, Client Relations Director, joined the PMA staff in 2009. He is a US Navy veteran and is proud of his 5 years of duty on the USS Nimitz. Jeremy enjoys providing valuable information and resources for veterans and their families throughout West Michigan.

Katie Maycroft, Veterans Specialist, has years of experience advocating for veterans and their families. She is an expert in the laws, regulations, and rules governing benefits available to veterans.