RAMP Rapid Appeals Modernization Program

44 questions in this forum

1. Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP)

   What is RAMP? Launched in November 2017, the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) provides Veterans the opportunity to use the new review process in the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. The Act, otherwise known as the Appeals Modernization Act, was signed into law on Aug. 23, 2017. RAMP aims to provide eligible Veterans with resolution to their appealed claims as early as possible. RAMP will run through February 2019. At that point, The Appeals Modernization Act will be fully implemented. VA will process RAMP elections as long as necessary to resolve legacy appeals. How does RAMP work with VA’s A…

   Asked by Tbird, August 12, 2018

   0 votes
   8 answers
2. Has anyone who enrolled in RAMP had a Hearing yet?

   Just curious if anyone here who opt for a Board Hearing had a Judge Hearing (Videoconference or Live) yet? I appealed my HLR in October 2018 and was received by VA in early November and have not heard a lick. Wondering if anyone has heard anything about their Hearing date?

   Asked by Wayne TX, May 6, 2019

   0 votes
   0 answers
3. Ebenifits effective date

   Good morning everyone, Let me start by saying thank you all for all your input in keeping this community strong. Ok so I have been fighting the fight with va since 2015, originally rated at 20%, I submitted an appeal in dec 2015, than opt in the ramp in June 2018. I received my award of 80% last Thursday and have not received by brown envelope, but when I check ebenifits my effective dates next to my disabilities and the dates are all wack out. Example 1/28/2019, 11/3/18, and 3/4/19. I might be jumping the gun, but has anyone experience something like this. I haven’t received retro pay or anything

   Asked by Raulrojas88, April 2, 2019

   0 votes
   17 answers
4. CCK on new Appeals Modernization Act.

   https://cck-law.com/news/veterans-appeals-modernization-act?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May 2019 I am sure we have their past info but this is a recent update I just got in email from them.

   Asked by Berta, May 2, 2019

   0 votes
   1 answer
5. RAMP DEVELOPMENT

   I originally filed my claim 24 August 2014 and the denial came about 15 Sept. 2015. I filed a NOD right away contesting the results. In march of 2018 I got a notice to opt in the the new RAMP program which I did without hesitation. I figured why not i have already been waiting this long and what else could happen. Ill be the guinea pig to see how this works. I have nothing to loose. So a week ago I got a Call from V.E.S. scheduling a new C&P Exam for next week on a Saturday. Needless to say I was quite surprised about this development. I am happy this process is moving forward and I hope the results are positive. Im a little nervous about the exam as well. I will upda…

   Asked by Jaydog, September 29, 2018

   1 vote
   36 answers
6. RAMP denied, va.gov states service connection granted

   I appealed a denial for service connection for two issues last year, received a RAMP opt-in form and signed up. The RAMP appeal was opened and closed three different times and was ultimately pushed through, ending in a closed status on va.gov on March 14. Only after calling Peggy twice and hearing the gentleman at the call center physically print it out, did I actually receive the letter on April 11. Verdict: denied service connection. The screwy thing is that the original appeal remained open on va.gov until March 11. It was then updated as closed with “Service Connection Granted”, and stated that if I was going to receive a rating increase, I would see it in one to two …

   Asked by DocOtto, April 16, 2019

   0 votes
   6 answers
7. The new AMA-Mobius loop?

   https://asknod.org/2019/04/10/hadit-com-radio-show-the-ama-a-mobius-loop/

   Asked by FormerMember, April 11, 2019

   0 votes
   15 answers
8. Follow the map: Dont use HLR

   Alex has posted "the map", and Im unaware of this being posted elsewhere. I suggest you follow it, and avoid the HLR altogether. HLR= Higher level denial I had analyzed the Ramp situation earlier, and previously posted that Vets should not use HLR. Alex Agrees. There isnt an upside to the HLR..just downside. It means you cant submit any new evidence. How do you know that that IMO you paid $2000 for actually arrived at VA, and some employee didn't just press "delete" on it? If you have installed a camera survelliance system at each VARO, and carefully removed the "delete" key from each and every computer at all VARO's, (including laptops that VA execs…

   Asked by broncovet, April 13, 2019

   0 votes
   0 answers
9. Left Knee rating decision under ramp 7 months to decision

   Normally I would post this under winning claims, but because this was a claim rated under the ramp system I am listing the results here. First , I don't actually have the envelope in my hands, I am going by what shows on Ebenefits, which in my case has been consistent when listing actual service connected disability. I submitted my left knee claim secondary to my service connected right knee claim on Sept 2016, under the legacy system. I had provided an Independence medical opinion which indicated more likely than not. The C/P examiner however indicated it was less likely than not, and in fact went back ( I think it was ) 32 days later and come up with a diffe…

   Asked by Richard1954, March 24, 2019

   0 votes
   15 answers
10. Pending Notification but Dependents Disappeared

    My claim was deferred in Nov 2018 and I was awarded back pay for one condition. The rest of the conditions went on in another appeal (RAMP) . All of a sudden my appeals at BVA were pulled and added to this appeal. In feb I had a C and P for all the deferred conditions and also the BVA appealed ones too. My appeal whet into pending Decision Approval and stayed two weeks, went back to gathering evidence and right back to PDA within 24 hours. On 3/20 it changed to Pending Notification and said it would be done 3/21, I am super nervous now because when I looked under dependents it says “no dependents on award” and they are listed under “not on award”, did I just lose all my b…

    Asked by Mperry90, March 22, 2019

    0 votes
    1 answer
11. RAMP ERRORS - Pay Attention At All Times

    IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN LEGACY APPEALS PROCESS,... THEN PAY ATTENTION! My legacy appeals were actually AT the BVA and being handed out to judges. This new "RAMP" thing erroneously "PULLED THEM" from the BVA! My FORM-9 was filed 2-1/2yr ago! This could be YOU, so pay attention to what is happening to ALL of your appeals! IMO, this "RAMP" thing is way too new to be trusted. I already have a corncob where I don't want it, and I am NOT smiling about a Dxxxxxmn thing! HorizontalMike _________________________________________________________ From: XX Xxxx Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2018 11:49 AM To: ME Subject: FW: Claim improperly pulled from BV…

    Asked by HorizontalMike, December 5, 2018

    0 votes
    2 answers
12. Should I opt into Ramp?

    I had recently 4 out of 5 exams favorable for my remand.If I switch over to the Ramp could they request another exam?

    Asked by dsd84dsd, March 6, 2019

    0 votes
    3 answers
13. Why RAMP is not living up to expectations (Just my newbee 2 cents)

    Hi all, New here, but want to share my experience with RAMP. I came here looking for advice/ info/ direction, and it looks like some of you have had similar experiences with RAMP as I have had so far. I have been in an appeal for almost 3 years now, I elected a DRO review. During my appeal, I made contact with an old platoon mate who agreed to write a buddy letter on my behalf. Since this was considered "new" evidence, the lawyers' office helping me said I should opt into RAMP as I now have new evidence. I took their advice and went the RAMP route. The VA received my RAMP package Aug 2018. Since then, nothing has changed. When I call, they simp…

    Asked by firedog974, November 26, 2018

    0 votes
    55 answers
14. Ramp was a waste of time

    Ok... so I have been confused by what is going on with my claims, I opted in to ramp Jul 2018 . The claims were already in an appeals status and I had already requested de- novo reviews. So they took a claim that did not even exist in one case (Heart) and requested a C&P exam. In another case they decided to ignore the issue and what had been written when I requested an earlier effective date for my TBI rating and then denied the EED. In another case I asked for a separate rating for my sleep apnea, ( separate and apart from my asthma/copd) and I requested a step increase in my SMC from L 1/2 to M, because any rating 50% or more entitles the veteran to additio…

    Asked by Richard1954, January 12, 2019

    0 votes
    40 answers
15. RAMP-Screw me twice, shame on me.

    After a careful review of the new, improved VA Appeals Modernization Act by our good buddies in DC, I report back. All the forms and all the info. https://asknod.org/2019/02/24/ramp-screw-me-twice-shame-on-me/

    Asked by FormerMember, February 24, 2019

    • ramp; ama; pl 115-15
    0 votes
    0 answers
16. Sleep Apnea secondary to PTSD and Sinusitis

    I had made another post but I think this title is more appropriate. I got my RAMP decision letter for my OSA denial. In a nutshell, "The evidence does not show that sleep apnea is related to the service-connected condition of PTSD personal trauma, alcohol use disorder, nor is there any evidence of this disability during military service. In general, there is not a relationship of sleep apnea to post traumatic stress disorder. Sleep apnea involves the respiratory system and the airway where as PTSD is a mental condition. However, all cases are different. If you have a medical opinion from a physician stating that your sleep apnea is caused by PTSD with a reasona…

    Asked by MrStryker, February 12, 2019

    0 votes
    9 answers
17. RAMP: SMC S denial

    I just got the envelope yesterday. SMC S was denied "even tho" my doc gave evidence that I was homebound, and, of course, I have not worked since 2003, and should be eligible for SMC S per Howell. (From Alex website) https://asknod.org/2014/08/25/cavc-howell-v-nicholson-what-smc-s-really-says/ In relevant part: I noticed that the M21 manual "includes" references to Howell, but, that does not mean this rating specialist read it. He also did not read my evidence. Of course, I knew that GS9 rating specialists dont have the authority to award when it could mean 5 or 6 figure retro's, so its off to the BVA I go. I am considering Berta's "cue me…

    Asked by broncovet, February 21, 2019

    0 votes
    18 answers
18. duty to assist

    So I've had my claim since 2011, I went through RAMP.... basically nothing changed when I got their decision (8 Feb 19) and 3 days later I got a letter from the VA, Evidence Intake Center, Janesville, WI stating, "We completed your request for Higher-level review, and discovered an error in our duty to assist in gathering evidence in support of your claim. We will take action to correct our error and forward your claim to the rating activity for further processing under RAMP." It's now 22 Feb, and I see nothing in Ebenefits or Va.gov. other than it's closed. Is this worth getting excited about?

    Asked by Janelle, February 23, 2019

    0 votes
    2 answers
19. RAMP Appeal Closed In Less Than 30 Days

    I filed my appeal via RAMP on January 24, 2019 and just checked VA.gov and saw that it was decision ready on Feruary 13, 2019. It says the letter will arrive in 7 to 10 days with the decision and I can check my status on ebenefits. I just checked ebenefits and it's not showing an increase. I've heard ebenifits can be slow to update at times and my appeal was just closed yesterday. Has anyone seen there claim move this quickly through RAMP? My first thought is that the quick decision probably isn't a good thing.

    Asked by JLat, February 14, 2019

    0 votes
    4 answers
20. RAMP Completed for EED

    I filed a NOD and opted for a higher level review via RAMP in November 2018. Today they completed my case, the senior rater had called me last Monday to discuss my case. I had requested an EED for the nerve issues in my legs (I have four different ratings for my legs). I was granted an EED for two of the four nerve issues, the date was moved up by 12 months. I live in VA but the senior rater was from the Seattle RO, he was very friendly and even took time to answer some questions unrelated to my NOD. So far as far as the processing times goes I have had good luck with them taking four months (this was my second RAMP). I have also filed an appeal with the BVA and have…

    Asked by paulstrgn, February 11, 2019

    0 votes
    3 answers
21. TDIU without Dr. opinion

    Hello fellow veterans! My question is this. My psychologist at a VA facility told me he does "not provide letters with regard to unemployability." Not that he opined negatively, but that he simply doesn't do it! Now PTSD programs (Cinncinnati) in their brochure say they will not provide any letters with regard to VA benefits. I have now moved to Vietnam in order to be able to live (got my ticket right before my decision that gave me 70% arghhh!) so any ideas what I can do now? I have a truly horrible work history but mostly I would quit because the stress would be too much. This was before I had any benefits to lean on, I simply lost everything and became homeless.…

    Asked by Patricia Leigh, December 5, 2018

    • tdiu
    • ptsd
    0 votes
    2 answers
22. NEW RAMP Regulations on effective dates

    Take particular notice: Some of the more generous early effective date rules apply only to the SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM LANE. This means you should "EXERCISE CAUTION" when opting into ramp using HLR. I also note "new and material" evidence has been replaced by "new and relevant" evidence. This would appear to be a "liberalization" of benefits because the term "material" suggests that the new evidence be somewhat outcome determinative. However, "relevant" evidence suggests that, altho it must pertain to the claim, the new evidence need only be relevant and not necessarily be outcome determinative. Example: Your claim submitted lacked BOTH an in service event a…

    Asked by broncovet, January 27, 2019

    0 votes
    1 answer
23. C&P Exam 2nd

    I just received a call today from VES in Houston scheduling some exams. I moved my appeal over to the RAMP program. I am just curious why they would not use the exam data that they have on file from my initial visit. Why would they need me to come back for a second visit. I was denied previously, not because the issues did not exist, but because they said that they were not service connected. I submitted a Nexus letter from a physician stating that the conditions were most definitely caused from my time in service to be put in the appeal record. I am just curious what y'alls thoughts are on them scheduling this second exam?

    Asked by indianstryker, January 23, 2019

    0 votes
    4 answers
24. Opt in Ramp or not?

    Hi all, I have a Remand from the BVA in August 2018 and the VA sent me a letter asking me to opt in the Ramp program. They also called asking if I wanted to opt in the Ramp program. I said no! The main reason I said no is because part of the board decision was a grant of an EED from 1993 til 2013. I''m looking to get a hefty back pay deposit. Now the problem is the RO has not implemented the BVA decision yet and my understanding is they should implement the board decision before working the Remand. I feel if I opt in for the remand they will not implement the board decision until they finish with the remand. My question is do anybody know or had any experien…

    Asked by saxman, January 17, 2019

    0 votes
    5 answers
25. Legacy or RAMP For Appeals?

    If your a Veteran wanting to file a compensation claim from injury or disease you received during your military service and was denied and have questions which way to file your claim or claims rather or not to file the traditional way after a denial and your not sure which way to approach your Appeal in legacy or opt to RAMP .= do this Make sure you have all your evidence in stone and check all your conditions for the rating criteria write the CFR Rating criteria # down , most of all have all your probated evidence to support your claim & use the CFR#'s that pertain to what your claiming (we need to remind them of their on Regulations some times!!) ..…

    Asked by Buck52, January 15, 2019

    0 votes
    5 answers