BIGPAPA92

I waited almost a year to receive the few items I got. I did get a computer. I also asked for some camera equipment and was turned down. I don't know if the amount is same in all states but I was told $2000.00 per person in the program was authorized and 24 months was the limit, with possible monthly extensions as needed. I just had my second in home visit Aug 25th which means my time is almost up. Overall it's not bad program and it sure helped me.

halos2, 1) I was first granted 30% 2) I had four appeals 3) My claim finally left the VARO in Jan 2002 and went to the BVA. Was remanded to tne AMC in 2004 (I think) where I was rated 60% and after appeal I was raised to 70% in 2006 and TDIU was denied. Huntington raised my back percentage from 40% to 60% from Aug 2002. 4) I was in touch with the AL rep in DC who stopped taking phone calls so I really don't think he helped. I mailed and faxed additional info to the AMC and not him. 5) I went to Voc Rehab and was placed in the independent living program. I think this was really a plus. 6) I've said thank you all day. Really excited and suprised. Waiting on reality to set in !!!!!!!!!!!

First applied in Mar 2000. After years of appeals, today I finally received the decision from Huntington WV approving 100% IU from Aug 2002. It's said persistance and patience pays off. I've been both. I thought it should have dated back to 2000 when I had to resign from my job with the SC Dept of Corrections but at this point and with this decision I think I'll leave well enough alone. For everyone fighting the good fight, don't ever give up and maybe it's true that good things come to those who wait. Thanks for all the help over the years. I've never done a lot of posting, just ask a question or two. I'll stay around to help with any questions I can answer. When I receive the backpay I will donate. THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.

I've sent documentation in the past registered mail and the return receipt come back with no signature. Makes you wonder.

I was told by the Appeals Management Center my remand was sent to Huntington WV for rating. I've tried to contact them for a status but could not reach them using the phone numbers listed under Goggle search, calling from AL, Not even the 800 number. Anyone have any different numbers? If so please post them. Thanks Much!!!!!!!!!!

I was told by BVA that my voc rehab records had to received directly from the agency, not from me. Something about since it's another government agency they have to send the request. Don't understand it but who understands the VA?

No, You're Not Alone...... I filed SSD and Unemployability in Jan 2000. Approved for SSD and still fighting for Unemployability. I've appealed their decisions three times since and now being told my second remand is in Huntington Wv for a decision. Don't know the deal with Huntington but I'm still waiting.............. Tazz

Called this morning for the status of my remand and was told that all the info needed to process my remanded appeal has been there since Oct 2007 and my file was in a backlog overflow room waiting to be put on a raters desk to be processed which would probably be another six to eight weeks. This is the second or third time I've heard of this overflow room. Anyone else know or heard of this place? What happens, when a rater decides their ready to work a claim they just reach in and grab a file? With a name like "overflow" it doesn't sound like much organization to it. But after waiting eight years I guess I can wait six weeks longer unless this is another "tell him something so he'll stop calling every day. I'll wait and if there's no answer I'll need phone # to someone in the AMC that can get things done. BIGPAPA92

My TDIU remand has been at the AMC for almost four years. I'm rared 70% and they even said my remand was sent for an extra-schedular evaluation. Why? No one told me. Since then they claimed they we waiting for med records for the second time. Now I'm told my files were supposed to go to the rating board last Monday. I don't know how long the boards take so I decided to wait 30 days before I call them again unless someone knows a quicker way to get updated info. BIGPAPA92

My question is how will we know whose ssn's are involved? If there's any money paid the VA will claim they've paid some large amount and there's no way to verify the truth. We all know how the VA operates. For some reason I don't believe the info will be available through the FOIA. We'll have to file a lawsuit to get that info then go through a five year appeal process. I hope this doesn't happen but these are my thoughts. BIGPAPA92

If your files are at the BVA or AMC you won't receive your retro pay until the files are back at your RO. This is the situation I'm in now. BIGPAPA92

I've been through all this before also. They ask you to send any documents you have, then six months later they'll tell you they can't accept yours, they have to request them. I sent med records that it took them almost a year to get. I received a letter saying they have requested records for the second time after I faxed them in the beginning. Sometimes I wonder if it's a delay tatic or just plain stupidity. Our so called reps at the AMC leaves a lot to be desired also. It seems that their part of the problem too!! It's a darn shame we don't have the kind of help we really need to push our claims through. It's great to read these post that helps us get around the "Bull" we're feed because we don't know. I was just told my claim has a suspense date of 01 Nov. Don't know what it means but my claim has been there about four years so I don't get excited about anything anymore. Good Luck, Hope you get the news you expect soon!! bigpapa92

Josephine, You're going through the same thing I'm going through now. I send info they ask for and they say they can't accept it from me, they have to send for it. Then it's lost and they have to send for it again. I've been told three times they have all the info they need and a month later they tell me their sending for info they already have. I've been going through this since 2000. I can't talk to my American Leigon rep because he won't return my calls. It's even hard to get a name for my records because no one wants to be involved. When you write your senators and they inquire on your behalf, the AMC gives them the same lies they feed us so there's really no help. The last info I got a few weeks ago was they have all the info and it should go to the rating board in the next few weeks. We have to face the fact we have no help and are at the mercy of the system. All we can do is support and pray for each other. Is there anywhere we can find how many claims the AMC process each month? And whos screening these past claims for overpayments? All i know to do is wait and read this board and look for some good news from other members to let me know something is being done. Take Care and Hopefully things will work out for the best. BIGPAPA92

If you did send a copy, the VA is going to send for them anyway. I've already been through it. The best thing to do is stay on your VSO rep and make him or her do their job. Or you can do as I did and call once or twice a week. It still took them about six months to get them. I called the SSA and asked if they could just send them. They said they would have to be requested by the VA. GOOD LUCK

Have you looked at the site SSA Online? I know there is a rule about paying into SSA for so many quarters to be able to get SSA benifits. As far as your VA rating, If you're receiving SSA the VA wants your files even though they rate disabilities differently. SSA doesn't use your VA ratings for SSA purposes. I applied for TDIU and SSA disibility in Jan 2000. I was approved by SSA first time. Still fighting with the VA for TDIU even though I'm rated 70%. Also you may need to talk with a lawyer. Good luck and I wish you the best.