Cricut

Bronc, Ye of little faith. VA employees don't really have a Dog in the Fight. They may misspeak on occasion or be less than fully knowledgeable regarding a Vet's Claim/Appeal Status but in general, their just Govt employees putting their 8 or so hrs in each day.
As with all of us, some days are better, some worse. You catch one on a bad day, you really can't judge them all by that 1 bad experience.
Semper Fi

VA employees all have crystal balls, unfortunately, they also have a problem telling the truth.  

Just maybe, Peggy has a Crystal Ball. Just hope it's not the Old Black 8 Ball, where you swish it around and read the answer.
Spend your wait time computing your SMC S Retro, should take the edge off. Is your Direct Deposit Bank/CU account set up to Txt/E-Mail you regarding ALL Transactions? Retro usually hits a couple weeks before you receive the Actual Award Letter.
Recently, since beginning of 16 end of 15, E-Ben has actually been on the stick and reported Awards/Increases prior to the Retro Deposit hitting.
Semper fi
Semper Fi