[Introduce Myself]

Sandra,

I have been in this process since 2002 and was just approved in Jan of 2010 by the BVA but am waiting from my regional office to hear when they will start dic compensation. One thing that I found was useful when I was not getting any response I contacted my congressman and senators , that usually got me a quick response, I hope that you will get your dic approved and in a timely manner, let me know if I can assist you in any way

[Introduce Myself]

Hello everyone I am not so new to the forum but I have tried many times to post a reply and an introduction but to no avail. I hope this one gets through. I have been trying to get DIC and SC since 2003. I applied for the benefits 1 month after my husband's death and have be fighting an uphill battle since. Basically I was trying to get his death sc since he was 100% P&T at the time of death due to a heart attach due to CAD and Ast???????. I have been denied on 2 or 3 occasion and on my last appeal my case was remanded for the following fact finding. Since it was my contention that PTSD and Agent Orange could have contributed to his death I was seeking DIC benefits. The VA had to also take in account to internet articles that indicate the Vietnam Veterans are at higher risk for CAD and heart disorders than those without such psychological disorders. It also stated that "Given the course of development of the veterans PTSD and heart disorder and their severity at the time of death in 2003 did the veterans PTSD cause or contribute substantially or materially to cause of death. The reasons for the opinion to include a discussion of any internet article sumbitted by appellant must be included. Depending on any other theory of entitlement raised by the record (exposure to herbicides) the Ro/AMC may conduct any other appropriate medical inquiry by referral of the claims folder to any appropriately qualified physician(s). In December 2009 my file was sent to Fort Bragg and then in January 2010 a person called me from AMC to say that they were pulling my file to be reviewed and to get a decision. I have not heard anything back but the last time I called anyone they said that the lady that called me had my file locked down to where no one could pull the file without her authorization. They also said the file was ready to be rated. Back in November 2009 there was a note on the file to continue to authorization and I should hear something in two weeks but that has not occurred either. What does all this mean to me. I believe I will recieve an award letter soon but I just want to get some feedback from those who have been in the game longer than I.

[Hello , I'm New Here]

Hello,

I am new here, I am a widow of a veteran,my husband died in 2001 and in 2002 I I applied for dic and was turned down and appealed, I had a hearing before the BVA and in Jan of 2010 , I was approved and told that it was being sent to my regional office for them to implement it. The regional office told me there is a 4 stage procedure to be done and the last being for them to send you the letter, they also told me all they had left to do is send me the letter,that the benefits had already been decided, can anyone tell me how long it usually takes to receive the letter and or to start receiving the dic monthly pmt and how long it takes to receive the retro back pay? I would appreciate any help you can give me

Sincerely peaches777