How One Vet's Fraud Could CHANGE VA Disability Claims!
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 26. 07. 2024
- Rich, a former Army soldier, misrepresented his paralysis to exploit VA benefits over several years. His deceit not only secured him $800,000 in VA benefits but also $240,000 in Social Security disability payments. Instead of using funds for vehicle adaptation, he purchased a luxury BMW, living a life far from what his claims suggested.
This case highlights the importance of integrity in VA disability claims and serves as a cautionary tale for those considering fraudulent actions. With the VA increasing its crackdown on fraud, including enhanced surveillance and AI technologies, the risks have never been higher.
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:51 - William Rich Charged with $1M VA Disability Fraud
06:36 - Consequences of VA Disability Fraud
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- Jay
This guy is an extreme case, definitely an exception rather than the rule.
Yeah. I can't even get my lower back, in service injury, service connected after years of fighting. The incompetent VA is also to blame for this. How do you get tricked by this dirt bag?
It's not extreme. I see people weekly with fraudulent conditions. I know it's fraudulent, but because of laws, I can't say it's fraud.
@@DChase-ky2pg
Yes, these guys are extreme cases. Just because you claim you see something doesn't mean there's widespread fraud. You don't know their disabilities unless they tell you, even if you are a healthcare worker,. It's not like we wear a patch detailing our rating and what it's for.
@member57 lol OK
What do you consider widespread? The guy just gave you the numbers from the VA. I told you it's rampid, and you're still saying it's not. đ€Šđœââïž what would convince you? I work for VA and if I'm one person, I can't be the only one.
@@DChase-ky2pg you can' say it's fraud or fraudulent (even thought they are the same thing lol). You can only assume. You do not know their military history, career, medical circumstances or lifestyle. You can have an impairment or injury that occurred during the military, and had physical therapy, and gotten better, but stll be paid for the condition obtained from your evidence in your STRs, etc. You can have high value mental health claims, secondary from a low value muscoskeletal claim. So many variables, so no need to worry about anyone else's condition, unless you are getting paid to be undercover. Last, it's compensation, not disability payments that Veterans receive for their injuries in service.
To be honest I am not worried about anything because all of my stuff is legitimate. I am probably lowballed on my ankle if anything. I am very limited to movement and always in pain. But I am thankful for what the VA has given me.
This x3000
- Clay
Nothing is certain, jobs, your health, or tomorrow.
EXACTLYđŻ
100%
Facts, I just got granted last month, still unbelievable at times. But yeah definitely not worried either. Just wished I filed years ago, but it all worked out in guess
So you are trying to say one guy spoils the pot? How about the tens of thousands of vets who are still fighting to get any claim done.
Unfortunately, people use social media to their detriment. I wouldnât be surprised if someone in his inner circle reported him to VA fraud. But if his his injuries were not fraudulent; he wouldnât had anything to worry about with VA nor SSA.
Correct, other than his vehicle. it wasn't adapted in any way; of course, if he was really disabled, perhaps it might have but who knows.
-Jay
Most cases, they seem to get reported by SSA.
His Neighbor reported him
@@VeteranAnimosity How do you know that?
Blame the VA doctors and raters for allowing this outlier to happen.
@@Statickification DEI
agreed and here is one of em' with here reply to my comment.
@just_shaeee
8 hours ago
Iâm a Veteran and mental health provider licensed to diagnose, treat with meds/ therapy, etc. You can have PTSD and never have deployed. Heck, civilians can have PTSD. It isnât limited to war zones.
@@davidmiller6981 Keep your racist BS to yourself. Thanks.
This is a isolated incident. Nothing more. Stop the scare tactics.
Iâd challenge you to sub to the OIG reports
- Clay
Not an isolated incident! Maybe your afraid for a reason
Donât be so naive, Iâm an auditor with the DoD. They are cracking down on fraud heavily.
@JayLove-zk7pj NO I am just much more intelligent than you are.
@@johnholler3955 doesnât seem that way !đđ You actually seem suspect what idiot would get offended or suggest scare tactics over this video. Seems to me your dry snitching on yourself Mr. Intellectual
With all due respect, bro, this is nonsense. Social media makes everyone act like everything is brand new. Fraud at all levels is not a new phenomenon. American Greed did an episode on a veteran scamming 10 years ago. I understand the point you're trying to make and I adamantly disagree. It doesn't make sense to even discuss punishing millions of veterans. Based on an isolated incident or two.
Not brand new at all, but because of the use of social media, just like the invention of the news, you hear more about it. the more the American people hear about it the worse it might get for all of us. which is the point I am making.
-Jay
It's not an isolated incident or two đđđđđđđđ
@TheCivDiv I hear yan! I get the point that you're making! My thing is that most veterans are underrated. I myself fall into that category. For every one of these scammers, how many veterans are underrated? As you know, for the most part, we are honorable people. If I had to break down service connected stats. My guess would be 50% underrated 35% rated accurately. 10% questionable 5% Fraud. Just my 2 cents.
@codycreager4428 Ok, so your assumption is? Are you saying that fraudulent claims are running rampant? If that's the case, then it needs to be looked! I just don't believe that.
@@YHWHWILLBEDONE I don't believe it's any worse than it's always been and every entitlement/benefit system has a certain level of fraud in it.
Iâm thankful for what the VA has blessed me with. Truly. This sucks because he already had some great benefits. I hope that much money gets to other vets that really need it.
They need to investigate and/or surveil some these people on receiving ssi disability for fraud.
As a person with a spinal injury, a neural stimulator temporarily keeping me out of a chair, i would feel blessed by God to have normal mobility back, so i had actual control over my life again. Money doesn't make up for everything.
This makes me sad. So many people have to literally fight for a scrap of benefits , this just hurts the rest of us
You can always tell the % a vet gets by the height and size of the pickup truck.đ
And im on a 73 Datsun B210
I got a 2005 chevy trailblazer no car notesđđđđ
I got a 2020 cherokee. Almost no car note. I had a lifted dodge when i first got out of army, but that was me busting my ass for it. I sold it.
My local VA has plenty of newer trucks đ
I had to leave the Facebook groups that I was in that seemed to be mostly telling people who weren't really disabled how to file for disability.
This is so sad. He had legitimate disabilities but greed really skewed his judgment.
This type of activity also occurs with disability claims in the insurance realm.
When $ is involved itâs never good
- Clay
â@@TheCivDivsays the guy that creates yt videos and collects his schmeckle check to spread disinfo. đ€Ą
I donât give a fuck if you have a disabled tag to get the benefits. Just be considerate and donât use the handicap spot if you donât need to.
Disability fraud always has always existed and on veey rare occasions, the fraudsters get caught. Nothing new but thanks for posting as always.
Ive been holding off for years because i was taught to fend for yourself. But finally two years ago i got my tinnitus rating, not even realizing what comes with it. So i think i finally am ready to claim secondary, pride be damned
I bet if the VA gets really serious on cracking down on this there would be lots more prosecuted. I've seen vets here speeding down the hallway with their walkers like they're competing for a spot in the olympics, vet walking around with a service dog due to vision problems but has no problem identifying people he/she comes across in the hallway, vets in their 20s who never been deployed with non-combat MOSs claiming ptsd and a long list of things to get to 100%. It is just a shame, the Vets that legitimately need these benefits get suspicious looks by VA staff when they show up in the VA for their medical needs. The VA needs to clean this up and put more effort on separating the Vets that truly deserve benefits from the ones that don't.
That's exactly right. I had to fight to get the little i have and could get max but everytime i try to deal with the va it is more like an interigation than a doctors appointment
Iâm a Veteran and mental health provider licensed to diagnose, treat with meds/ therapy, etc. You can have PTSD and never have deployed. Heck, civilians can have PTSD. It isnât limited to war zones.
@@just_shaeee except civilians, overall, don't go out of the wire on combat patrols, getting rocketed, blown up by IEDs, and getting exposed to constant threat from a group of people who wants to kill them in an 'imminent threat' AO and then claiming PTSD for compensation. Yes, you can have PTSD from getting stung by a bee, tree falling on you, and whatever. But, we have to put it in a military context here. PTSD originated from the term 'shell shocked' in WWI, then 'battle fatigue' in WWII/vietnam era, and now PTSD in GWOT. I bet you look at a veteran with a 70% PTSD rating due to direct combat with the enemy differently vs a veteran with same PTSD rating because he/she got into a car accident off duty in CONUS. The point here is that these benefits are suppose to help out the Vets that legitimately need it. It is just a shame that this is getting out of hand and Vets are getting a bad recognition because of greed.
How dare he defraud the system out of money that couldâve otherwise went to Ukraine, or towards paying luxury hotel bills for migrants coming over the border.. instead of going the American people
Hell i think all the people that got rich off wars probably deserved billions instead of millions đđđ. Talk about defrauding the tax payer
I agree. Those illegals needed that money more than the Vets and US citizens!
@@A_Trade10X stay on topic man, itâs about accountability, integrity, and keeping the VA doing what is intended forâŠserving Veterans medical needs.
â@rickai9945 they can't even hold themselves accountable
That's not how a budget works the money came out of other VA programs
When his medical status changed he should have informed the VA
Honestly, when vets talk about "poking the bear", this always strikes me as a little suspect. If youre conditions are legit, then you should have no problem re-engaging with the VA for secondaries, new conditions, or requesting an increase. I was at 50% for 18 years then I filed and got 100P/T, nearly immediately I resubmitted for other conditions that I needed to list as secondaries to the ones I just got service connected and went SMC-S. I never had any fear because mine were irrefutable. Live your life to the fullest and dont be afraid to do the most with your conditions. You were a rental car, the federal government has been pissing away that big old check for your "depreciation".
I couldnât agree more
- Clay
I agree. I am wondering, why didnât the doctors know he was lying? When you are paralyzed your muscles start to waste away, during his annual physicals the doctors didnât notice that? The VA doctors should be investigated.
Disagree. "Re-engaging" can mean years of fighting with them and not having the money available in the mean time.
They always told me not be "that guy"!!! Thanks for ruining it for the rest of us
This is truly a sad case. There are a lot of veterans still just waiting to get their due process (including me) and you have people totally abusing the system. Lord, help us all to hold out and not give up.
All I can say is - WOW -and your right, Morales
My conditions are worse than I claimed.
Putting a disabled veteran tag on your corvette ain't smart....
In Colorado, we don't get our free registration if we don't take the DV plate.
@@lewiswilkie5867 why not ?
Thereâs Bentleys and corvettes with DV played here in Los Angeles CA
There's a dude with no legs driving a GTR.
Of course he has modifications and stuff where he uses a handle for brake/gas pedal.
Generalized statement, not every DV sports car means you're actually handicapped.
Matter of fact, I'll one up by saying I have DV plates with the little handicap dude on it on my MOTORCYCLE plate. đ
Anyway, here in TX if you have DV on your plates that vehicle is exempt from paying tolls here in Houston. Main reason I have the plate. Placard I use whenever I'm a passenger in any of my vehicles or friends vehicles etc.
Qualifying condition? Flat feet. Can't walk X before X hurts. Even if you see me walking miles and miles, still hurts. Still qualifies. đ€
I own a Porsche 911 with a DV plate.
How does one person reflect on everyone?
Were we in the same military? How many times have you had to mop the rain or rake the sand because someone else?
Not saying that it is right but we all know it happens.
-Jay
@@TheCivDiv Ok, but we ainât in it anymore.
I know a female who completed her 4-year Coast Guard enlistment as a hospital health services career. She got out and received 100% VA disability. đ§ How in the fk does that happen?
Itâs too bad that this happens! It makes all of us look bad. But, I am not worried about it..because I am legit. I have all of the medical evidence to back it up. So, itâs just one of those unfortunate scenarios, and I hope they donât strip us all of our benefits due to things that go on. I think the majority of claims are legit because of the stringent process you have to go through! Itâs hard to get a favorable rating in the first place. Just too bad, really. Thanks for all of ya allâs help.
Jay, VA-OIG gets cases often by referral, ex-wife, friend, worker, VA medical, etc... Its bad if called about it.
He is not even close to the only "vet" gaming the system.
Lesson learned, and this applies to all of you who are legitimately disabled as determined by the VA:
Donât post on social media. Donât talk about your claims or ratings. Donât lie about disabilities. Donât give them a reason to believe youâre like this guy in the video. Keep your head low.
I have partial paralysis. I occassionally need a scooter, more often crutches. Im usually able to walk unassisted to and from my car up to 50 yards. It all depends how bad my nerve is pinched... Service Connected
I cannnot work in my field (22 years in LE and Fed. Sec.) as I cant walk or stand long enough. The Fed contract company fired me. The VA doesnt care. Maybe, just maybe this gentleman had to demonstate his disability in his worst times. I mean, the VA isnt around to see how badly the SC disabilities affect your financial health. It does seem like he went to the extreme. Hopefully he'll get descent representation in court. Would you believe what a govt. agency says about someone before we hear the accused out in open court? Ill reserve making a conclusive opinion until then.
The VA isn't going to throw out accusations of fraud without reasonable evidence either. Between his social media posts *and* his vehicle that is not conducive towards aiding his disability are extremely damaging to his case.
People in general have zero integrity today. Not being a stupid, greedy liar was instilled in me at an early age. For 30+ years parents have had the âoh, I could never spank my childâ. What a wonderful country we have now because of that negligence. Iâm in no way condoning any form of abuse. I can tell anyone at any time that I never got a single spanking that I didnât desperately DESERVE.
Ok, boomer.
I had to file 6 times just to add my youngest son as a dependent. How the hell did he get his benefits so fast?? Let me guess its due to the color of my skin!! I am still working my claims from 2008 and the VA owes me over 240k in back pay. Funny how we cant press Fraud charges against the VA!!
Color of your skin. Why are you even mentioning that? Weird
@@sksimmons1336 I could tell you about the 3 different times my chain of command tried to get me killed but you will not believe me. I could say my battle brothers you could ask them about what happen to me would tell the truth but they will play dumb and act like they do not know. Only one maybe speak the truth. But what I can do is show you my blood test showing I have been poisoned. If you can read German and want my blood test email too you I will be more than happy to send it too you. Yes the US Army show me just how the real world works. If you do not kiss ass to get promoted, if you complain about race playing a factor for promotion being bs and if you stick up for the right things like not going along with torturing of a enemy and report war crimes. They will make your life hell. Even when you are out of the military. So what's your email??
Shit my body is screaming of pain. I taught I would get better after I retired. Back pain, anxiety and arthritis is kicking in . Tried roller skating and almost could make it. Fell twice my back hurt.
Try beginners yoga. I have scoliosis and yoga is a lifesaver!
Go see a doctor and get evidence. Chronic pain is real and a secondary condition if you can link it to any service conditions.
Accupuncture is KING!
I canât get a primary appointment or EVEN meds I needâŠ.a million dollarsâŠJesus..
Have you done a video of va workers stealing and their punishment?
Yes.
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv please provide the details and a link for the video. THANKS
ââ@@manontheland8605whataboutism đ
We used to have a lab dog that faked a disability by limping whenever he got in trouble.
That is hilarious and there are so many similarities between these đ
- Clay
@@TheCivDiv They learn from us.
Is anyone surprised? Disability fraud has been a thing in workers comp and SSDI circles for decades. I worked with guys who were SD including musculoskeletal issues who posted videos of their CrossFit workouts on SM.. It may have been part of their physical therapy, who knows, but why invite scrutiny? It only takes a few high profile cases like this for the knives to come out. One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel.
I know a guy who got 80% for his back and posted a video of him doing a kick boxing competition.
@@64ig6kg0WOW!
seen plenty of vets in their early 20s with 90 to 100% rating, with non-combat MOSs and never been deployed in legit combat zone, claiming ptsd and long list of other things.
Play stupid games win stupid prizes!
I have a back injury. The seat in my Jeep is very uncomfortable. Wish I could get a new seat let alone a hole new car. Shm
Word to the wise donât buy a Jeep compass. Theyâre very uncomfortable
Don't buy a jeep cherokee either đ
@@VeteranIsOnOne Thank you. Thatâs good to know
Ve able tll on walk donât mean ainât paralyzed. They using that veteran to scare veterans away.
I thought you could buy any automobile with the vehicle adaptation, and you were not forced to adapt a car to it. At least I need clarification about the claim letter I received back.
It has to be something that helps with the disability you are getting it for; getting a Corvette with no legs makes no sense. The main point of the whole story, though, was that there was no disability. so he couldn't even pretend not to know.
-Jay
@@TheCivDiv that reason make sense to me but I thought he was talking about in general
âââ@@TheCivDivwhat about if getting a corvette would aid in fighting my depression because it would get me out of my houseđđ€đđđ
What do you mean by ai tech?
Just disgusting. There's was another case like this in Florida i believe. I'll add the guys name.
God gave him a gift by allowing him to heal and he spit in all of our faces by completely lying. Now we all look bad.
No we donât. The VA doctors that treated him look bad. When you are paralyzed your muscles waste away, the doctors didnât notice that at the annual checkup?
Just set up shop in Baltimore va hospital I've seen like 3 veterans do the same thing in that parking lot
I bet if the VA gets really serious on cracking down on this there would be lots more prosecuted. I've seen vets here speeding down the hallway with their walkers like they're competing for a spot in the olympics, vet walking around with a service dog due to vision problems but has no problem identifying people he/she comes across in the hallway, vets in their 20s who never been deployed with non-combat MOSs claiming ptsd and a long list of things to get to 100%. It is just a shame, the Vets that legitimately need these benefits get a suspicious look by VA staff when they show up in the VA for their medical needs. The VA needs to clean this up and put more effort on separating the Vets that truly deserve benefits from the ones that don't.
I donât believe itâs an isolated incident, but I also donât think that fraud at this level is very rampant.
The number of vets who receive the dollar amount this vet received is a small percent. Leaving those with the opportunity to do so, even lower
He Reported his self to the VA fake like he canât walk or do anything rolling in to his appointment in a wheelchair and when you roll out get up and put the wheelchair in your car . He was just greedy . That what got him caught up not putting disabled tags on your vehicle I donât care how expensive it is disabled tags is a benefit you be crazy not to use it
Awareness is critical. How many veterans who served before 2018 is aware of the 2018 BRS legislation that left those who served before 2018 behind?
Itâs allot of it going on
The VA system itself needs to be overhauled. The VA makes decisions everyday to lowball veterans ratings and all the money waisted on multiple C&P exams for the same conditions . The VA rating math makes no sense.
Anotha brotha đ
đźIt took me 13 years to get full benefits, and I have pins in my knee, a bullet still in my hip, stomach surgery, a dental implant, life ain't fair, however, karma is real.đź
Well, it is largely a certain group of veterans not all
this process is hard enough without you promoting isolating incidents just to get clicks. this is old news.
You might want to check OIG reports a bit more often
- Clay
Dude is a busybody.
I applied for the Auto Allowance due to my blindness in right eye and low vision in left eye. Still pending. So I canât purchase the vehicle and can only use it to adapt a current vehicle? Iâm confused.
For clarification I have a Honda Civic which is too low and hard for me to see certain objects or obstructions on the road. Wanted to get a Ford Maverick cause it would have me sitting higher. If I have to adapt my Civic thatâs fine I guess. đ€·đ»ââïž
The letter I received back said I can buy a vehicle, and it was up to me to adapt to my disability
No, you can buy a new vehicle, but that vehicle has to help with that disability somehow. Here is the specific phrasing.
A one-time payment to help you buy a specially equipped vehicle (called automobile allowance),
or
In some situations, one or more adaptive-equipment grants to change a vehicle so it has features like power steering, brakes, seats, windows, or lift equipment to help you get into and out of the vehicle.
-Jay
This is not new .i am glad he got caught
Thereâs always one.
Buying a goofy looking BMW,I see why they caught him for fraud.Anybody who buys an over hype BMW is fraud lol
Everyone of my doctors will back my claim
And probably would have been legit under mental health....
Let me just say this...Ukrainian is getting Billions, Illegals getting Billions, Student loans Billions, Afghanistan got Billions, Israel got Billions. Our focus should be why not every veteran being taken care of.
Wow
I hope they catch every POS that is lying about their injuries. Side note: it is "defraud" not fraud the government.
This case is super extreme very few do what this man did. He literally got way more than the average 100 PT. He literally was getting paid as if he was legit paralyzed from head to toe and he had someone taking care of him.
â@Hadden733 bingo. I am thinking ssa started the investigation and it rolled into the VA. SSA watches you hardcore
Nothing new , stop tripping
Greedy Bass-TERD!!!!!!!
Whats that apparatus on your hat?
So he was an idiot?
Got it.
Many veterans are looking for 100% P&T because it is a good payment and benefits for life without working. Therefore, many of them lied for conditions like PTSD, paralysis of legs, hands, and so on that is because those conditions would only lead them to get 100% P&T. As the results, they would get caught sooner or later if they were lied. Don't be greedy. Claim whatever real conditions you have and don't make up the story. I know many vets complain about the VA but the true is they complain because they didn't win their claims and didn't get pay. Think like VA benefits are like an extra gift from the military and don't consider it as a main income, if your condition is good enough, then work.
Idk how anyone lives off 100% alone. Unreal.
@@VeteranIsOnOne Ooh yes many of them are guarantee!
I'm a 20 year active service retired Army veteran 100% P&T static, I'm not concerned because I was an Army Infantryman / Ranger / paratrooper, I had 5 bilateral knee replacemnt, after 3 years of last implant I'm still in pain, cannot run, squat much, walk short distance.
Well tyfysâ@@eddieBoxer
Agreed. Unless youâre paralyzed no reason not to work.
Can u put a wheelchair in a Cyber truck
Gota get the money for Ukraine somewhere
I witnessed possible veteran disability fraud today, but there is no way of reporting it.
mind your business. Stop assuming
â@@thinkforyourself9334 No! I won't! It's called freedom of thought. That's what I fought for. BTW: The irony of your imperatives is funnier than shit.
â@@shepatownWhat a snitch. đ
Those that claim paralysis but arenât paralyzed is on an entire different level
- Clay
â@@biz1boom I haven't crossed that line yet. Not my job. But, I'm just sayin'...
Whatever it takes for views! U tube videos help scammers too⊠đ
Hahahahahhaa only took them 20 yrs to figure it out, sounds typical armyish
I've seen allot of people doing great,, collecting 100. San Antonio has a lot of scammers, hope they get caught. Where's my surveillance any day of the week. I'm fkd for life. Can never walk normal again.
The thing is if you go to the VA right out of the military you have a higher chance of scoring 100%
I just don't know if the VA ever checks those people or just auto P and Ts those guys.
makes vets look bad. hope he ends up in prison for the max!
No he looks bad. Not us! We have character and discipline and dignity.
Itâs too bad that this happens! It makes all of us look bad. But, I am not worried about it..because I am legit. I have all of the medical evidence to back it up. So, itâs just one of those unfortunate scenarios, and I hope they donât strip us all of our benefits due to things that go on. I think the majority of claims are legit because of the stringent process you have to go through! Itâs hard to get a favorable rating in the first place. Just too bad, really. Thanks for all of ya allâs help.