Donna Kelley

SP4RVN1971, Glad that you enjoyed the picture, this one I am particularly fond of, it was taken 10 Sep 2001, one of the commands that I was the CMC of, VFA 105 Gunslingers. I don't know about being cool, but I certainly had a great time doing what I loved. Donna

Thank you for the note, still waiting for the retro, and by others post, I will be waiting for a while! When I finally do get it, have a couple of bills to catch up on, and then the rest is going to be put away, something is always breaking!! I thought that you might like this picture that I got from my old CO, Thanks again, Donna

Carlie, I am going to echo what others have said, you seem like a real sweetheart, and that person was blessed to have you. I wish that I had the help you have given, it certainly would have been appreciated. I can't wait now until I get my retro, since my claim has been completed. I know the first thing I am going to do is get caught up with my mortgage, hopefully it will come while I still need it for such! Don't let one ungrateful person weigh on your mind, there are far too many others that are appreciative. Sounds a lot like being a in leadership position doesn't it?!! Take care Donna

Cool, Congratulations, that has got to be some relief, a bit late, and frustrating, but a relief, none the less. Donna

Mike, Thank you for the note. I am not BDD, this time, it was an increase due spinal fusion of the L3-S1, S/C disc degeneration. While it is frustrating, as we have all become aware, there is not a lot that we can do about it. Donna

I was told today that the Va will not be submitting files until mid April, as they only forward claims to DFAS once a month. No wonder they are so backed up, so now I will just sit back and wait, impatiently!

Cool Breeze, Congratulations, hopefully the deposit will be there SOON. Donna

Thanks Mike, any and all information is appreciated. According to my "brown envelope" information they will owe me from 1 Jul 2011, until I guess hell freezes over. I have to say that while it is not as long as most, it is still needed. So many unplanned expenses, big cost, that I just need it catch up on my mortgage and breath with worry. Donna

Just found out that nothing has been submitted to DFAS yet, so the clock does not start ticking until they receive the request to do the audit.

Irish 7, Thank you for the note. I know it is too early, but for the life of me, the frustration is at times overwhelming. We all wait for the "human review" of our claims, and when that hurdle is over, thinking that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, it turns out to be just another train! I can't imagine having to wait as long as you have, and as you said, it is a travesty. I have had alot of unexpected expenses that has drained all of my funds, and I thought that now I would finally be able to catch up and breath a bit easier, just not the case now. Again, thank you for the note, Donna

Mike, I am ashamed to say it was only last week, which I know is too soon to be "bitchen." I am just trying to wrap my head around all of these time frames that make absolutely no sense, but cause so much anguish to those who are entitled to this compensation. Everything is electronic, not still written in stone with a chisel, yes there are alot of claims, but for those of us who are having financial hardships that does not help in paying the mortgage. I did not ask to pay my mothers medical and funeral expenses, it was my obligation as a daughter. I say that because I have been told that I should have been more financially responsible, without them knowing the full story. I am venting, so for now I will "shut up, color, and play more Angry Birds!" Donna

I just spoke to knucklehead "Peggy" unbelievable!! My percentage was increased to 100%, so naturally I would like to have (and desperately need) the retro pay. I was told that my pay would be audited (which I already knew through this and other forums). If I am awarded retro pay (if?!!) then it is returned to the VA which will open another claim for them to process the pay. Really, what kind of system is that? I am so frustrated (like MANY others) that I cannot continue this post in fear that I will type a slew of words that should not be put in print. Vented, and will be for the next few hours, days and weeks, Donna

Mike, Good morning! If I am reading your note correctly there is a means to file for hardship, is that for filing the claim or obtaining the retro? I too am finding it extremely difficult to understand why it takes so long in receiving the monies that are due, it certainly would not take that long if it was the other way around. Donna

Thank you for the note, it is appreciated. I just can't understand why it would take so long, just because a person is retired, they have to do an audit, send back to the VA and then the wait begins again. No one should have to suffer through this process, but we do, and it is unfortunate. I worked in customer service during my career, and I know that alot of the time delays would not be tolerated. I have many reasons that I need this back pay NOW, due to some unforeseen circumstances, but since I am at the mercy of others I will continue to take my Nexium (since this aggravating the hell out of my GERD), pray to God that I don't lose my house and car while they are doing my audit. Thanks once again for the note, Donna

Thank you Berta, it is appreciated. Yes I did win, but it is like a win without the trophy. It is perplexing to me that it is going to take so long for the retro payment, and indeed it is frustrating. I am beside myself with concern, as I have a daughter who was born prior to my enlistment with spinal bifada, there has been alot of unexpected expenses lately, mostly out of pocket. I was hoping that the retro would be soon, real soon, so I could breathe a little easier. It just does not make any sense as to why it would take so long, after all they are not in the stone age, auditing on a piece of marble with a chisel. I do know that there are far too many others that are having the same problem, so I can understand their frustrations. Thank you once again, take care Donna