New benefit evaluation

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Jim Strickland is a nationally known advocate for veterans and a member of the Stateside Legal Advisory Board. This column appears with his permission. Jim's opinions are his own.

NOTE: Letters in my Q&A columns are reprinted just as they come to me. Spelling and grammar are left as is and only small corrections are made to improve readability, ensure anonymity or delete expletives that may offend some readers. This is not legal advice. You should always seek the advice of an attorney who is qualified in Veterans' law before you make any decisions about your own benefits.

Jim,

I have a friend of mine that has been drawing @ the 100% level of the VA. He has been doing so for the past 15 years. Today he go a letter stating that he has to come in for a new evaluation. His question is should he really be worried at his age, he is 64. I really appreciate all of the help you have show the veterans and myself and greatly appreciate and value all your input.

Reply:

It's very unusual that he would be scheduled for an exam at this point. I can't imagine why the VA would bother.

However, he must attend the exam. He should not worry about it unnecessarily. Unless there are circumstances that I don't know about, he shouldn't have any problems.

If he does get a letter that proposes to reduce his benefit, please let me know asap. There are actions that must be taken quickly to halt that sort of thing.