deanbrt

We just went through the last in home reassessment review today. After 2 phone reviews and, for the first time, an occupational therapy review. I was uncomfortable  with it in the sense that, compared to a year ago, with a focus on my walk limitations, mental health, macular degeneration and loss of motor skills with my hands, this time it was about solely the ability to dress myself. It just did not feel right. Is anyone else having this experience with the reassessments?

Anyone that has been through the process will tell you that it is in the order of "can you prove you are not guilty?".

The posts here sadly confirm that for many deserving vets they may not have the technical expertise, or time, to make their case effectively.

The successful vets are the ones that spend YEARS researching and defending themselves in the face of an avalanche of challenge and rejection.

I grant that people may try to game the system. Read the decisions. Not many win. On the other hand, how many deserving vets never try for benefits they so richly deserve? That is the tragedy.

I have read postings on this that vary. A decision on my IU claim was made Dec. 20. I think I was advised via IRIS Dec., 23 or so that it was waiting to be "authorized". I then received a phone call from the VARO Dec. 30 that it was in "Authorization" and the next step would be a letter to my POA and, after they responded, a letter would be sent to me.
Reading the VA Flow Chart I have some perception on what that might mean but I guess it depends on how the word is being used. What I do know is that it has been there almost a month. Any insight would be appreciated.

"The "Authorization Team" is actually the Post - Determination Team. Post is the final step in the processing of a claim.
After the Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) has made a decision, the claims folder should be sent to the POA (i.e. American Legion, DAV, etc…) for review if the veteran has elected a representative. Normally, the POA has two days to return the file to the Post-Determination Team. If a veteran has not elected a POA naturally, it will go directly to the Post - Determination Team.
Once the claim is received at Post - Determination Team, the goal is to have the award promulgated (the award is entered into the award program VETSNET or BDN and the notification letter is prepared) within seven days from the date of the rating decision. This is accomplished by a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) assigned to the Post-Determination Team. The VSR is also responsible to review the claims folder to ensure that all issues have been addressed and to take appropriate actions if necessary.
The VSR then passes the promulgated award to an authorizer. This person is a Senior VSR at a GS-11 or GS-12 level. The goal now is to have the award authorized with five days from the date of promulgation. The SVSR is also responsible to ensure that all issues have been addressed and if required return the award and/or notification letter back to the VSR for corrections.
Just as in life sometimes things do go as planned. I've seen on a few occasions where management will shift the priorities for a VSR or SVSR or even the entire team in order to work on another pressing and or hot issue at hand.
The reason why the phone representative couldn't tell you a % is things could change due to an error found by the POA, VSR, or SVSR. It's rare but it has happened. I know I wouldn't be too happy to be told by the phone unit that I was rated at 50% then a week later get the notification letter saying it was rated at 40%."

Scheduled for the teeth extaction and bone graft Thursday but a little concerned in that I have called 3 times to confirm next steps. Told verbally the implants would be done at VAMC in Minneapolis. Oral surgeon says I should be ready for them in 5 months but would like a reconfirm that everything is scheduled before the oral sugery Thursday.

Saw the oral surgeon today. Extraction and bone graft April 27. After 5 months, dental implants at the Minneapolis VA. 4 and 1/2 hours away, I hope....

That is what I needed to know, Seminoles. 

"The VA declined my claim for Sc Anxiety/depression secondary to chronic pain. Although I’ve been seen by a VA Dr for the past year and a half for the conditions, the VA claimed that it was not service connected because I was not seen for it while in service."

This really bothers me. That rater had to know that was not true.....

No fair. I hid that money from my wife.

No fair. I hid that money from my wife.

"I've sent the email. The guyI'm privileged to be in touch with is good about giving me straightanswers...always with VA spin but answers nonetheless. "

Jim<br clear="all">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Progressive Advocacy, Inc.; The Veterans Advocates
http://www.vawatchdogtoday.org/Progressive_Advocacy.html

VAWatchdogToday; Keeping An Eye On Your VA
http://vawatchdogtoday.org

Stateside Legal; Legal Help For Military, Veterans and Families
http://www.statesidelegal.org

The Veterans Voice; Veterans Speak Up!
http://www.theveteransvoice.com/

One Weary Soldier; DADT, LGBT, MST, PTSD, Service Animals & More
http://www.onewearysoldier.blogspot.com/

Torrey Shannon; Wounded Warrior Advocate/Spouse
http://www.torreyshannon.com/

The Straight Talk Forum & Bulletin Board; Reliable Answers, Right Now
http://www.straighttalkforveterans.com
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"I've sent the email. The guyI'm privileged to be in touch with is good about giving me straightanswers...always with VA spin but answers nonetheless. "

Jim<br clear="all">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Progressive Advocacy, Inc.; The Veterans Advocates
http://www.vawatchdogtoday.org/Progressive_Advocacy.html

VAWatchdogToday; Keeping An Eye On Your VA
http://vawatchdogtoday.org

Stateside Legal; Legal Help For Military, Veterans and Families
http://www.statesidelegal.org

The Veterans Voice; Veterans Speak Up!
http://www.theveteransvoice.com/

One Weary Soldier; DADT, LGBT, MST, PTSD, Service Animals & More
http://www.onewearysoldier.blogspot.com/

Torrey Shannon; Wounded Warrior Advocate/Spouse
http://www.torreyshannon.com/

The Straight Talk Forum & Bulletin Board; Reliable Answers, Right Now
http://www.straighttalkforveterans.com
<br style="mso-special-character:line-break"><br style="mso-special-character:line-break">