just received award letter but something's wrong

[SLMCNEIL]

After 18 months of struggling to get get  A&A, we finally we received the award letter. It appears that what they are going to do is what they did to me as his wife/caregiver in April. They reduced his retirement pay by $136.00 (that was the award) and then started paying $136.00.  Basically, no change.  If that's what they are going to do, it will ruin us as I am disabled as well.  How is it possible that they consider it an additional amount if they give it on one side and take it away on the other.  My husband collects, SSI,CRSC, VA disability, and his retirement which is offset by his VA disability.  Doing it this way still gives me no extra money to hire a caregiver besides myself.  This is disparately needed as I have MS and have had brain surgery, and need help occasionally myself. The award letter makes absolutely no sense and even our accountant can't figure it out. The letter also stated that the money would be deposited on or before the first of June and we have seen nothing.  After 18 months, I'm sick of fighting this.  HELP!

[Fit2009]

Hello,
If your effective date is June 1 that means the check comes July 1 as they pay one month in arrears.
Unfortuantely, while VA does not count SSI when determining the award amount, SSI will count it as income to you and reduce the SSI amount.
Did you submit the medical evidence to have yourself rated as and A&A spouse?
Unfortunately, the VA only pays upfront for on-going medical costs you PAY, so until you report recurring medical expenses, the VA will not reimburse you for those on a monthly basis.  However, now that you have a partial award and you started 18 months ago, you can submit every NON-recurring unreimbursed medical expense that you paid last year and they will reimburse you for it dollar for dollar until you have eaten up all of the shortfall from $1,949 - $136 per month for the entire 12 months of 2010 - maybe you can get a large enough chunk to start paying for homecare and get that built into monthly A&A at a rate higher than your current SSI?  I am NOT positive, but I beleive SSI does not count the VA's reimbursment for unusual medical expenses against your SSI - but the recurring will cut SSI.