Lorraine

Back in Feb. 2010, after my husband had filed his claim for IHD/AO, he received what appeared to be a standard packet from the RO telling him that they had rec'd his claim and general information about what would be done with his claim, etc. However, included in the packet, was information about a new "New Pilot Program! Invitation to Join." This new program is known as Expedited Claims Adjudication(ECA)Initiative. The Seattle VA RO is one of four RO's that was selected nationwide to participate in this two-year pilot program. The VA included about 6 and a half pages of information about the project, including an Agreement and Waiver of Rights to sign. Our Vietnam Veterans of America Service Officer told us at the time of our initial interview and filing of a claim that if my husband should receive an offer for an expedited claim, to be sure to accept the offer. After reading the 6+ pages of info, we were confused and so I called a couple of the other Vet's service organizations and they were familiar with ECA pilot program and were adamant about NOT recommending that vets sign this waiver! I called our VSO and discussed ECA with him, told him that I'd contacted other service organizations and that they weren't recommending vets sign the waiver. He allowed as how that the Viet Nam Vets and only one other organization were recommending to sign. We didn't think that sounded like a huge recommendation. So,we got scared off and he didn't sign the waiver. Anybody else out there who has been offered this "INVITATION"????? or anybody familiar with this new program? Lorraine

Berta...Sincere congratulations for a job so well done. What a marvelous lady and fighter you are. You make all of us Vets wives very proud. I'm a newbie, so don't have the whole history on your struggle, but have read enough here to know that you really are something special, girl! I'm still on such a learning curve that I honestly don't understand half of what all you've actually achieved, but I'm sure YOU do and you sound pleased, so I'm happy for you. You have had this battle(s) of your own, but also have been so generous with giving of your time and caring for others on this site. Thank you for all of your assistance. It's really nice to see that when someone puts out so much effort and good that it comes back to them. Lorraine