Wanderin

My claim was originally filed in Phoenix. Talk about slow. It sat for over 4 years. Working with the Phoenix DAV office was close to worthless. Every time I visited I received a different service officer and a different opinion. No phone calls from our service officer were ever returned and neither were emails. Even prior to the DRO meeting, I had to contact them. Maybe they are over worked but their people skills and efficiency certainly lacked. If you wanted to discuss an issue, you actually had to walk in for assistance. This, of course, meant you needed to make a trip to downtown Phoenix no matter where you were. I had totally given up on working with DAV. The smartest thing I did was move out of Arizona. I didn't realize the file would be transferred. It was. My claim was handled immediately and even the DAV officer actually responded without me calling him. The VA DRO in the new area could not believe that the claim had not been handled years previously. My suggestion -- if you can, file in small town, small state USA.

How do you send an IRIS? I'm assuming that's how you check online for information on your claim. thank you

I really have some questions on a DRO review and not sure where to post on this but have seen some answers to questions that would have been greatly appreciated a few years ago so here goes the situation. After receiving a partial rating, my husband appealed a portion of the declined conditions. And, we sat and waited and waited and waited. Waiting for an appointment at a local VA hospital he sat next to a congressman's brother. Thus, it was suggested he contact the senator. Which he did and within a few weeks had appointments set up for an increased rating plus a hearing with a DRO for the appeal. An appointment was set up with a doctor in September for the increase. And, he attended a hearing in November with the DRO. The DRO indicated he needed specific wording in the report from a compensation exam and would be setting up two new appointments. One was in December on one issue and January on the other. The neurologist in December disagreed with the original determination and indicated so and the reason in his report with the "specific wording". It looked great!! We know because we picked up the report and provided it to DAV and to the hearings officer. This was the end of January. Supposed the review board has everything now. Originally, we were told the VA internal date guideline for finishing the claim was March 30, then it was moved to April 3rd. Now we have no clue. We used to contact DAV but that is almost a joke. The service officer never (and I do mean, never) returns phone calls. Never returns emails. Since we are out of town for a few months, it is difficult to find someone willing to provide answers. We finally discovered the VA phone line and most of them have been the best. I read a post here where determination should have already happened. Does anyone know anything? Anyone have a clue what to do next or how to get any answers? Thanks. B)