BC83

A new decision packet arrived yesterday, and the amount remaining from my retroactive payment was deposited as well. Come June 1 I can be certain that everything is in order. After looking at the two decision packets, a lot (read as: all) of this confusion could have been avoided by simply not listing the unfinished claim in the first packet - they didn't list irrelevant claims on the second packet (only the claim in question), so why do it at all? At least the folks on the other end of the 800 number seemed to have dealt with this situation before and were able to answer my questions quickly and effectively without breaking any rules. Though, all things considered, what fun is a stress-free environment anyway? Again, thanks for all the responses, it is much appreciated.

Thanks for the replies, folks. My dispute isn't a discrepancy with the amount of money - it's with the disability rating (item 4, I would imagine). The 2 checks I just received are spot on for what I calculated at a "20%" rating - even if I did need to use nearly all my fingers and toes to figure it out... It's just that everything I had in my hands said "20%," (which was suspect: 10% each for two minor issues, but 0% for muscle damage resulting in a visible deformity? craziness) but everything online from the profile page to the AB8 letter said "50%." Just a weird place to be caught in, I guess - and if PR is right, poor luck in the timing of things. Really it is the "Decision Packet" that was most misleading, giving a full conclusion and reasoning for a claim that according the VA (having spoken with them today) was not complete when the packet was sent out.

Hey, thanks so much for the reply. So, here's the situation currently, in case anyone finds themselves in a similar predicament: The AB8 letter is tracking me at 50% currently (and had been since 31 April or so - I've saved a version dated 2 May). I just got off the phone with "Peggy" - who sounds awfully masculine - and the very nice person at the other end pretty much confirmed the story I had made up in my head: A preliminary decision was made on two of the three claims for 10%. And the other claim was not finished until some days later. The operator could not (of course) discuss the nature of the claim until I received the letter discussing the final injury. Essentially, the first decision letter was misleading. So I'm waiting for another letter from the VA (in the mail already, apparently), which will be the accurate rating for the third claim. Supposedly, the adjusted payment (if I receive one) will be the difference in what I am owed, from what I have already been payed. So cashing the current payment is appropriate. I'm guessing they sent checks because they are so decentralized they weren't tracking my direct deposit info until too late - the first was cut just one day after I updated my info, and I updated it the same day I was informed that they weren't tracking it. But until I have letter in hand - it's back to a game of "wait and see." I'll post here again if, when and how this situation resolves.

So, after doing some digging on this site and others, while not coming up with much (especially since the changes to the E-Benefits site), I figure I would make a post. Please let me know if that was the wrong choice. I'm in a peculiar situation as follows: I received a Decision Packet dated 27 April resolving three injury claims A, B, C, rated at 10%, 10%, and 0% respectively - 20% total disability; with a retroactive payment start date of 1 December 2013. I prepared to generate a NOD. I then received a letter dated 28 April stating that my claim was still under review. Both this letter and the packet arrived on 29 April. I checked E-benefits on 30 April and checked the disability tab which displayed claims A, B, C, at 10%, 10% and 40%, respectively - which would be accurate for the type of injury sustained (severe muscular), and a total disability rate of 50%. My letter of Benefit Verification displays a compensation amount equal to the 50% rate, with effective and payment dates identical to the Decision Packet (1 December 2013). Today I received 2 checks in the mail: one for retroactive payment at the 20% rate, and one for the month of May also at the 20% rate. (Why I am being mailed checks when my bank account information is on the site is also somewhat of an issue...) While I give credit to the speed at which my claim was handled - its accuracy is lacking. I can see why this process drives people up a wall... So... any one else experience this? Any advice on how to proceed? Everything digital on E-Benefits says I'm at 50% total (which is what I would expect), but everything I have in my hands is 20%. I'm in a weird place where a NOD seems unnecessary, but... what is the right course of action or a capable (culpable?) point of contact?