Akaymik

The only missing item on my claim is "service information". To me, this is a DD214, but apparently the VA has a different definition. I send an IRIS and the answer I got back was that they needed my service information from my unit. I want to scream. What in the world do I need to obtain? I have to provide this information, but no one can give me any idea other than general information. If any one has any ideas I would appreciate it please. I have until June 7th. Thank you!

I really appreciate everyone's help. As far as the MST and skin condition go I hope to be compensated fairly. However, for things like sinus allergies I don't care all that much, so 0% wouldn't bother me. As far as the MST goes, I'm disgusted and I feel betrayed by people I trusted, by people who I was willing to die with and for. It's very sad, and for the big things, I hope that everything works out. At this point, my dealings with the VA just feels like a huge slap in the face. I feel very angry at times.

I have a pretty extensive paper trail, so I think that will be helpful. As far as my skin rash goes I have tons of pictures, the derm at my C&P said they were very helpful (I'm currently on near-constant prednisone so my skin mostly looks normal). As far as my MST goes I have emails stating how to file a formal report in regard to what happen, and that I should also "consider my career". A CSM told me my career would be over if I filed a formal complaint, unfortunately that was over the phone. I ultimately didn't file the formal complaint (which I regret), but I do have emails discussing the subject. All other claims, like a knee issue I was on profile for, were all documented and I feel like that information is sufficient. It's frustrating to me to understand what the VA wants. They are so vague with their requests. I have no idea what they want other than copies of orders. I guess I'll find out when they close or complete my claim if I gave them what they wanted....? So frustrating. I appreciate everyone's help and advice.

I'm claiming a few things I expect nothing for (it's just nice to have 0% if that's possible). The main purpose of my claim is anxiety due to MST and also for a skin rash.

Hi, My VSO is completely useless. She never returns calls or emails. It's makes this frustrating process even more frustrating. Anyway, I received a letter from the VA and they state that they want "any orders that you have showing your duty status after 7/3/2012 and prior to 4/16/2012". So I uploaded all my orders I've ever received from the Army. I also uploaded my last DD214 (I'm a reservist, I have a few) that states "nothing follows" and releases me to my reserve unit. I also uploaded my last active duty report. Other than what I've uploaded I have no idea what else I need. Does anyone have any ideas of any other possible document I should provide them? Have you been in the same boat? The letter also said they would make a decision on my claim within 15 days if I chose not to upload these documents....and even though they asked my unit for this information it is ultimately my responsibility. Thanks, Amanda

I sent an IRIS about my claim a few days ago and go this response: This is in response to your inquiry to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dated May 8, 2014. We are grateful for your service to our country. Status of Claim Your claim is currently in the Development Phase of processing. This phase is where we gather all the evidence we need in order to make a decision on your claim. Our systems show that we are currently waiting for a response to our recent letter dated May 11, 2014. Based on the information available to us a medical opinion may be needed with regard to one of your examinations. If we determine we need additional information, we will contact you. Currently, claims at the Phoenix Regional Office are taking about eleven months to complete. Please understand that these time frames are only averages, and that your claim may take longer based upon the specifics of your claim and VA’s pending workload. Thank you for contacting us. If you have questions or need additional help with the information in our reply, please respond to this message or see our other contact information below. I'm just wondering, why would there be a need for a medical opinion about one of my C&P exams? Does this mean a separate medical opinion or just more information from the person that provided the opinion? Thanks, Amanda

I didn't know I could request them online! Thanks

I've been waiting and checking ebenefits quite a lot, like I'm sure most people waiting on claims have been. Today is the first time I've ever had any significant change. I'm going to post all of it, and hopefully some of you will have some input as to what it means. Under "What do we still need from others?" the following is listed: Service information from Reserve or Guard Unit 224 MP (I/R) 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested documentation surrounding in service casualty. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service status documents, such as active, reserve, and/or guard. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested chronological history of all assignments. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service photographs of record. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested sensitive information, such as conscientious objector, mental heath reports, medical board findings, and certain duty assignments. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested documents surrounding incidents and/or punitive actions, such as incident reports, absence, court martial, judicial punishment, reprimands. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested commendatory items, such as medals, awards, citations, devices, badges, and pins. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested performance reports. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested miscellaneous administrative documents, such as home of record, parental consent, standards of conduct. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested medical and physical evaluation board findings. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service record changes and corrections. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested educational loan, tuition assistance, and eligibility information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested personal history information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested dependant information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested orders and endorsement documents. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service career documents, such as advancements, promotions, reductions. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested discharge, release, separation, and retirement documents. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service acknowledgements and agreements information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested enlistment and extension information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested officer appointment and termination information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service verification. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested separation documents. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested security access and clearance information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested all qualifications, licenses, and certifications. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested civilian education and training information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Requested service education and training information. 05/12/2014 06/11/2014 Phoenix VAMC - exam still pending 05/12/2014 07/11/2014 Phoenix VAMC - skin medical opinion still pending 05/12/2014 07/11/2014 So I'm just wondering what exactly all this mean. Also, to note they have already requested information from my unit which the VA did not receive after three months. Is this all routine? Does it mean I am nearing the end of this process? I've already had my c&p exams. Thanks, Amanda

I saw things which horrified me, not only as a medical professional, but as a human being. I saw a veteran who was bed-ridden and unable to speak (due to a stroke), who also had to use a bedpan. There was a sitter in a room of five people who wasn't really watching patients, but instead watching TV. Well, this patient ended up having a bowel movement all over the bed. The sitter was furious and took it out on the patient, swearing at him and telling him what a f*** up he was. I reported the sitter, and nothing happened to my knowledge. There were residents and nursing students making bad decisions and doing things they were even qualified to do. I felt like some of these vulnerable veterans were taken advantage of and it sadly lead to their demise. The system is so disgustingly broken.

Thanks for the information on the IRIS, I didn't know that was even an option. It's interesting to find out that VSOs are pretty useless. My claim was started and went almost a year when one day I got a development letter in the mail from the VA. Apparently, no information had been submitted (medical records and other documentation) and unless I submitted it within 30 days my claim would be closed. I spent about 3 months collecting all my records to give to the VSO. I gave my VSO my docs on June 19th and they weren't submitted until July 13th. This was an important date because my one year limit from when I got out was July 3rd....and that was missed by 10 days. So I thought she had to spend all this time scanning my documents and putting a packet of sorts together, but in reality I don't think she actually did anything. Also my C&P exams were scheduled via a contractor (according to the VA c&p office), who then lost my documents. So a request in January for appointments wasn't scheduled until late April/early. I read that illness/ailments within one year of discharge is typically considered to be "service related" and that in order to collect any kind of disability from the date of discharge my claim would have to be submitted within that one year period. I had someone tell me at my reserve unit that it is a 30 day window within your discharge date, let's hope that turns out the be fact. I appreciate everyone's advice, and I'm also thankful for the space to vent.

I actually would prefer to switch my VSO to the DAV, but at this point I don't know if I can, or if it's even a good idea. My AMVETS rep didn't even upload all my documentation. I had to do it, and pay an obscene amount at Kinkos to do so. She never answers her phone or email, and her office is by appointment only. It's incredibly frustrated. I went back and took another look at my claim. The information was requested in January, and was due in March. It is now past due, however there isn't a follow up date listed. So, maybe they have it? Who knows. There was a similar situation with my STRs, but eventually that message went away. I'm just ready for this to be over. Thanks for the input.

I have no idea what they want. I think they just want my MEPS info? Or to see I entered service without any issues? They converted my claim from fully developed to a traditional claim because of this. Kind of a bummber. My AMVETS rep is useless.

I completed my last of six appointments on Wednesday. I didn't request a copy of the exam. All my exams went fairly well, except for one. I felt like the examiner was trying to trick me in my timeline of events, or trying to get me to admit my hypothyroid was diagnosed before my service. The Phoenix VA is a total mess, and I think it always has been. I'm a former employee, I worked there for seven months in a clinical setting. I had to resign due to the care I had to participate in. It really is unfortunate. I feel that some of the practitioners I worked with were great, and then some just don't care and provide poor services. It's really unfortunate for veterans. Personally, I would be hesitant to receive care at the Phoenix VA due to my experiences as an employee.

Hi, I've just completed six C&P exams. I've been waiting about two years, so I'm used to waiting, however I'm a bit anxious for my claim to be completed. On Ebenefits it says that "evidence requested is past due" and the evidence is "service information from reserve or guard unit". I currently belong to a unit, however I'm transferring to IRR (the change is imminent). It's been this way for months, and I have no idea if that information has been submitted or not. I can't get ahold of anyone in my unit who knows what's going on, and my contact at AMVETS is kind of useless (never returns emails or picks up the phone). So, I'm just wondering if anyone has any input on this or any advice. Should I call the VA and ask? I've been told not to do that from various people. Do I leave it alone? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you! Amanda

I eventually got ahold of the Phoenix C&P office supervisor and explained the situation. She gave me the impression the person I was talking to often told people they couldn't reschedule their exams. She said anyone "absolutely" can. Anyway, I ended up getting my appointments back and missed my cousin's wedding. I figured waiting almost two years might be a little more of a priority in my life. Thanks for all the advice. Amanda

Hi, I've been waiting about two years for my C&P exams. I just recently got them, which is excellent. I was told of only two appointments via a phone call, with 2 weeks notice. Ebenefits shows that I have actually 6 appointments. Anyway....I tried to reschedule my appointment for April 22nd (so my appt hasn't happened yet). The guy at the C&P office told me he couldn't find a slot, I was then told that they would have to send a request to the RO and they would reschedule this appointment. I figured this wasn't a big deal, as this guy was not helpful and quite rude. He didn't bother to tell me that my claim could be denied. I had no idea either until searching this forum. Ebenefits still shows my appointments on the 22nd, however it says "canceled by patient". I have out of town plans for a wedding that day, but I will go to these appointments if it means my claim will be denied. My question is this...is there any way to get that appointment back? Does it still exist and is it still reserved for me? Can they still call it "failure to report" if I show up on April 22nd for my two appointments? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Amanda