Gunner9835

Sleeper - Which VARO are you filed with?

I know I saw somewhere that someone listed a trick to use while searching BVA decisions off the web, like a way to target certain claims and cut out the non important info???? Anyone know what I'm talking about?

It seems to take months for them to get the copies sent........still waiting on my C File and all active duty records to be sent.............. It is showing as in developement on eBenefits.

I agree, Rakk, thanks for taking that time and doing that for your Vets. Just wish you were in my area!

Sorry Carlie, I was giving my thoughts on the DAV, atleast the one I was assigned to and I admit I was not happy with him. But I caused the thread to go sideways talking about the C File.

Pete - You are very lucky! Thankfully your file was found........ugh.........

Pete - The new VSO was the one that made me aware of the fact that my claim will stall due to the copy request, but it was after I had made the request that I switched to them. So far it hasn't been a long delay, but cases like yous scare the hell out of me! How did your's sit on a VSO's empty desk for that long? I didn't think VSO's could get their hands on an actual claims folder? I was told the VA is the only one that will see the original and have control over it, that the Vet and the VSO's can only get copies??

Cool - How long have you been delayed because of the copy request? I put my request in, in early February.

Pete - Wish my VSO had told me this prior to filing the FOIA request. They didn't and bam, my claim is in limbo. Not to continue bashing, but I too found the DAV VSO I was assigned to very un-interested in my claim and me, as a veteran. I know there are good ones and bad ones out there in the VSO's, every type of working group has them, its not just limited to VSO's. And I know they are overwhelmed. But I have to say, that when I requested a meeting with my then VSO from the DAV, he had no understanding as to my military history, exposures, combat experience, MOS or anything. Had he looked at just the DD214 prior to my meeting, I feel he could have directed me and guided me better. As time has past, I have learned more and I am the one "working" my claim. I have learned a lot from Hadit.com and a few other great sites. I am learning a few other things the hard way, like the above quote. And that simple issue (the above quote) is something I feel should have been addressed by the VSO and this delay would have been avoided. Its hard for me to express my feelings on my experience by typing this out, but I will try. To me and this is just my oppinion, but the DAV should have done several things at the starting gate for me when I filed my initial claim. 1. They should have looked at the DD214 and held a meeting with me, more or less to explore what issues I have and what should be filed, not just what I thought might be claimable. I filed for my knee, arthritis and tunnitus. Had they looked at my experiences, DD214 and my MOS, they could have helped me with the PTSD claim (instead, a VA employee who is disgruntled with his bosses and their lack of support for the Vet, told me to file...). They should have also told me to look into the GWI and the pressumptives associated with GWI, instead the VA "added" it to my claim and they requested evidence from me reference the GWI. I DID NOT FILE FOR THE GWI, THE VA ADDED IT ALL ON THEIR OWN. I know someone out there will say the VA can't do that, but man they did in this case. I had always "known" about the GWI, but blew it off. After seeing it on my claim, I began to look into it and know I wonder why I didn't look into it sooner on my own. Now I am behind the 8 Ball on this part of the claim. 2. They really should've met with me prior to any C & P's. Instead I went into them unaware of what to expect, what I should do etc. Granted I would not have done anything that I didn't do at them anyways, I told the C&P Docs just what I thought and felt, straight answers. But the anxiety prior to going to these exams drove me nuts. A quick, "hey this is what to expect" would have settled my nerves a lot. 3. Commo with me. There wasn't a lack of communication, there was simply none. I made the request to sit down with my VSO after I went to the first 2 C&P's and thats when he sat there, and basically tried to "sell me a ponzi scheme." I can't explain it better than that. In his defense I was probably his 100th Vet for the day though. 4. All VSO's should find out if the Vet has copies of his/her SMR's including all out/in patient files. If not file the request to get them prior to starting the claim or at the beginning. I also feel a request should be made for the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) so the Vet has them too. Like I've said above, I made the request thinking I need them to help show the in theater injuries etc for the pending claim, instead it stops the active claim in its tracks. Granted I will get the records, hopefully all of them, but the claim is now dead in the water, till the FOIA request is completed. Time to get off my soapbox, but had someone helped me 20 years ago while I was ETS's-ing I would have made copies of my SMR's and OMPF, but I didn't. During that ETS I was offered a % for the knee, but turned it down thinking it would hurt my job hunt, it would not have. Had I been smarter I would have gotten all of my records years ago, before filing any claims. So I guess I can blame myself intitially, but once I started the process with the VA last year, my VSO had the chance to help me and guide me, but they failed to do that. I have switched VSO's and hope that helps. Oddly enough, when asked why I wanted to switch to the current VSO, my answer caused them to reply "Oh you had Mr XXXX from the DAV, didn't you?" And all I told them was, that I felt like I was being sold a ponzi scheme. They knew immediately who I had been assigned. The rest of the DAV VSO's that I had met during the outreach day, seemed good to go, I just got the one bad one I guess. Sorry for the long rambling post, but I had to vent after seeing this post, this issue has been sitting on my chest like a lead weight. Thanks to all dedicated VSO's. I know you are out there, reguardless of who you work for, the DAV, VFW, etc.

I just filed back in February a FOIA - Privacy Act for C File Request. I had filed an earlier request for just a "copy" of the C File, I think in January. Anyhow, eBenefits.com finally is showing the FOIA request as in "Development Phase." I have a few questions if anyone has any ideas. How long has it taken for others to get the copies or the actual sit down and review it for their C File after filing the requests? And why is it on eBenefits.com? Its not an actual claim or add on to an existing claim??? The other part that was learned last week was that my VSO obviously knows the person assigned my file and their exact reaction was less then happy....her exact words, "ohhh, Mr "X" has it and now your actual claim will be delayed forever....." and so on. Is there anyway to get the ball rolling faster without pizzing anyone off at the VARO? I already know this answer, but why is it so hard for the VARO to get what should be the easiest thing done quickly?? I know, I know....its a Gov't thing and they are back logged, but really?? Plus the VA staff seemed so pizzed that I asked for the copies........ I guess I AM WASTING their time.......

VetinPA - Thanks for the info. Been trying to find a good VSO here in Philly, so I'm gonna give the VFW the ball now. I've been a Life Member of the VFW since 1991, so we'll see. I'm stuck in the VA Black Hole right now, but your case gives me some hope!

I couldn't agree more Larry!! I am learning this the hard way as I type...........

You can go to the records department in the hospital where the C&P was done and get a copy from them. I picked up my C&P's for the knee and ears the day I went for my PTSD C&P. I want to go and see if its done, but its only been 2 weeks, so I know its not. But the records dept is faster then waiting for them to give you a copy out of the C File. By the way, thanks for your service and it WILL get better, it sounds like your family are with you 100%, lean on your Wife, they are the biggest help to us all.

Several shots at Bragg, Anthrax and Gam Gobin, then several more in theater, like the "Peanut Butter" shot, which I think was the Botcholinum Toxoid (SP?) ..... so many shots and pills and NO RECORDS????????? Smells fishy to me!

Vet in PA - Gotta ask you, where are you in PA? Cause so far the VSO I had, didn't seem to care, for one and he sure didn't give me any advice for seeking the help or documentation. He just talked to me like he was selling a ponzi scheme....... odd to say the least. If you have a good VSO or actual VSO Officer you can recommend, please do. I'm in the Philly area. Thanks in advance! 35