Veteran Affairs

November 14, 2012

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

MST is a polite way of describing a viscous attack and event — Rape.

38 U.S.C.S. § 1720D(d) defines Sexual trauma as: “psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a mental health professional employed by the [VA], resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery [touching] of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment.” “Sexual harassment” is defined as “repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.”

The VA has been denying numerous MST claims for veterans, prior to hiring The Law Office of Robert B. Goss, P.C. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com. This is often due to the victim not reporting the MST.

November 8, 2012

Thank you to all veterans Veterans Day 2012 Deals and PBS Special

by Bob Goss

Thank you to all veterans, U.S & Allies

In my house I have a W.W. I picture of my Grandfather, Howard, sitting cross-legged in the front row of an Army Unit photo taken in France on Armistice Day 1918. He was a great grandfather and man. My grandfather only left Iowa to go to war, and much later in the 1960-70s when my Grandmother made him go to Florida for winters. He is a veteran. I received this photo when Grandpa died back in 1980.

From American Heritage dictionary, Veteran’s Day is defined as:

November 7, 2012

What is a Service-Connected disability?

by Bob Goss

In-service disability

First, you must have a disease, injury, or event that occurred during service that resulted in a disability. Or you had a preexisting disability that was aggravated by service. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com/lawyer-attorney-1325495.html

Injury

November 7, 2012

Protection afforded Veterans and their VA benefits.

by Bob Goss

Know your Rights!

VA benefits are protected from creditors, taxation, and other legal processes.

With the extremely long delay in obtaining VA benefits from the VA, many veterans face tremendous and crippling medical bills.

This blog will help you know your rights, and protect your VA benefit payments. Please see https://www.attorneyforveterans.com. Threats and constant calls from creditors and even advice from non-VA accredited attorneys may compel veterans to make unwise decisions regarding their VA benefits.

One of my veterans desperately e-mailed me stating his bankruptcy attorney was going to include his VA disability payments as an asset that a hospital could collect and garnish. This advice is incorrect. The veteran just wanted to have the creditor stop calling.
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October 31, 2012

What is the difference between a C&P exam by QTC and an examination at a VA Medical Center?

by Bob Goss

QTC is a contractor for the VA that performs medical examinations for the VA.

VA medical professionals who perform C&P examinations are VA health care providers whose sole job is to perform compensation and pension examinations for veterans seeking disability benefits. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com/lawyer-attorney-1325495.html Their job is to evaluate veteran’s medical conditions and write a report documenting those findings. This report is sent to the VA disability rating officer.

My personal opinion is if you can be seen by a VA medical professional, over a QTC examiner that is a much better evaluation. Numerous clients call me complaining about their QTC examinations.

October 24, 2012

What to do when the VA calls you and you have hired an attorney.

by Bob Goss

Recently, several of my clients informed me that a VA employee called them directly. The VA personnel made it sound that if the veteran did not answer the questions that the VA person wanted to ask, then this same VA person “was going to close the veteran’s claim.”

You hired an attorney to provide you with legal advice and guidance – – use the attorney and the Law Firm. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com

Tell the VA employee you have an attorney, and provide your attorney’s phone number to the VA employee. Tell the VA employee to contact your attorney.

If this were a civil litigation case, the opposing side could be held in contempt and sanctions placed against them. This issue of VA employees calling a represented veteran directly has been brought forth to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Essentially, the VA is trying to get you to agree to something that will help the VA. Your answer may or may not help you.

Having your attorney know what is asked and providing the correct answer is best. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com
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October 23, 2012

CHL – Texas Concealed Handgun License Application Procedures

by Bob Goss

In response to numerous veterans asking how to obtain a CHL, The Law Office of Robert B. Goss, P.C. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com is providing the following information based upon your veteran status and attempt to aid veterans obtain a benefit they earned (reduced fee for CHL).

If you have any questions regarding obtaining a CHL in the Houston area please contact:
Mr. Mark Giordonello (Mr. G) at 281-980-9103. Mr. Giordonello has agreed to talk and assist veterans, if possible, who are seeking their CHL.

Additionally, there are many CHL Instructors, but in the Houston area if you call Mr. G. and you like his approach you can arrange a date and time for training.

If you are interested in obtaining your CHL read on:
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May 28, 2012

Thank you to All the Active Duty, Veterans, and their Families!

by Bob Goss

Memorial Day, is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. When you wake in the morning, say a quick prayer for those who have given their lives so that you might be allow to pray.

Thank you to all the veterans, active duty, their families who also serve and fear for their loved one. I can attest, the kids and family are also serving and deserve to be thanked for their sacrifices. https://www.attorneyforveterans.com/lawyer-attorney-1325495.html

To Cynthia, Hans, Victoria, and Christopher, thank you – – I love you and THANK YOU for all you gave to me and this country through your sacrifices.

November 17, 2011

Ninth Court of Appeals to hear enbanc Veterans for Common Sense v. Shinseki, Case Number 08-16728, Decided May 10, 2011

by Bob Goss

The Ninth Court of Appeals has agreed to hear the appeal of Veterans for Common Sense v. Shinseki.

A Panel originally ruled the VA is violating the Due Process Clause.

To hear the oral argument presented to the United States Court of Appeals, Nith Circuit, Hearing Date: 08/12/2009, see

September 6, 2011

VA’s electronic informed consent pads — Never sign a form you have not read and understand!

by Bob Goss

Rationale:

Any form that you sign for a medical procedure becomes a legal document certifying that you have read and understand every single issue that may result from this procedure. Death and injury may occur from a medical procedure. For instance, anesthesiology is a very risky and dangerous process and medical procedure – that is required for many operations.

The informed consent will list death as a possible result of this procedure. Once you sign that electronic pad / form, you are acknowledging that you understand and accepted any risks, and you have determined the benefit of the operation / procedure outweigh any risks you have been “informed.” The Law Office of Robert B. Goss, P.C. can assist you, see https://www.attorneyforveterans.com/lawyer-attorney-1325515.html

But the VA told me its normal procedure just to sign the electronic pad – where I cannot read the informed consent – the VA is required to provide you a paper copy before you sign this document. Again, this electronic system is in response to the HIPAA Laws or the electronic patient information mandate.

If something bad were to happen to you during a medical procedure, the defense you did not see what you are signing when you signed the electronic pad is not going to protect you. You may be barred (stopped) from recovering any damages against the health care provider or medical facility.

More importantly, informed consent is there to protect you. The words “informed consent” mean exactly that – – You are granting the physician the right to conduct the operation or procedure on your body knowing full well all of the possibilities for the outcome of this operation or procedure.

Informed consent Is a legal document to protect you. Any hospital is required to show you a written informed consent prior to you signing an electronic pad. Your electronic signature will be translated into the document.

Do not accepted a statement, that they will have to retrieve the form. Do not sign an electronic pad without knowing full well what you are signing. Yes – this means making the person requesting you sign go get the paper copy of the informed consent.

Protect yourself – know what you are signing. Consent only if you are properly informed and agree to the risks and Understand the medical operation or procedure. See https://www.attorneyforveterans.com/lawyer-attorney-1325515.html for a short explanation of informed consent.
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