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MEB/PEB is taking a long time for me. It has now taken been more than 3 years for me. I had a NARSUM dictation 2 weeks ago and have still not heard anymore from them. I was active duty for 10 years and am now in the National Guard. PEBLO told me anywhere from another 1-4 months depending on when paperwork submitted to PEB. They told me I would be done by November of last year(2011.) They were totally wrong, I am still waiting and heading into year 4.

Good for you.

You realize he will never forgive you if you let him know before the end of film. Show him.

Good deal.

Good on you. All the best.

Well done

Good for you and your family.

Thanks Rick. Yes the wait was long, however I think the key to waiting on a long process is to keep busy. I took classes and worked when I could and that helped pass the time. Also I have a friend(former marine) who has been waiting 4 years and is still waiting. So things could have been worse. your welcome, thankyou.

No that was not me Coot. I do not watch TV. I will be paying off creditors for the next 10 years. I am more relieved that my treatment at the VA is now taken care of. Had an appointment there last week and I have another next week.

It did include an appeal, yes. Thanks.

I brought evidence to my first C&P exam and the examiner did not submit it to the VA. I then submitted evidence to the VFW rep who ensured the VA received the info. When I completed my second C&P exam (appeal) the examiner had all the evidence. Although, I did produce additional evidence for the examiner, it turned out to be a mixed bag. I did ask the examiner if she had various items from the doctors I had seen in the past.

Got the official letter from the VA yesterday confirming what the DAV said. So now I wait on the back pay I suppose. VA says my first pay day will be April 1st.

Great effort.

Congrtats to you both.

Hi Coot, thanks. Yes P&T was a part of the conversation. Pretty much everything the DAV letter said was reinforced by the VA guy I spoke with this afternoon. By the way, I took your suggestion about regarding calling the DAV, but they were busy and told me to call back tomorrow. Thanks for your suggestion.

I began this claim in early 2010. So it has been more than 2 years. It maybe could have gone slightly faster but I was working on a ship for a little while, so they had to reschedule my 2nd C&P exam. I am inclined to agree with your view of pessimism too. Or as the saying goes 'expect the worst but pray for the best.' I met with my RO and he was excellent. I also had a good VFW rep, so this whole thing with the DAV through me for a loop, until I spoke with a DAV rep who had also been helping me. I am inclined to always see things in black and white as opposed to shades of gray. Anyway I hope your claim will go well. Hang in there no matter what.

success, success, success! Ok so I called the VA back. This time I spoke with a person who was different from the person I spoke with this morning. Guess there had been a mix up with the cases this morning. Turns out the DAV was correct! Sorry DAV. My case is closed and their is retro check on its way to me. I will receive my first monthly check April 1st. The case is classified as closed. It looks like things are turning out after all. Thanks folks.

Donna and Coot, thanks to you both. I will indeed call the DAV back and ask for the information they VA gave them.

Ah well, turns out the DAV letter was not worth paper it was written on. I called the VA this morning and they told me my claim is still in the 'development phase.' The development phase is no where near the decision, let alone the notification phase. I am going to make a complaint through the DAV. I would rather the DAV send me no correspondence at all. Obviously somebody there did not what they were doing. Update: Well I spoke with a DAV rep and he said the development phase does not mean that the decision has not been made. He said that the VA takes the info. to the DAV. The DAV looks it over and that in another week or so I should get the official letter from the VA. So I shall wait and see. N.B: I am amazed(sarcasm) that I can speak with such authroity on those things that are way above my pay grade and level of expertise.

Great news! Congrats to you, and also to the Cleveland VA for getting it right.

Hey don't give up. I have been at this for more than 2 years. Keep up the fight.

Cool, sounds like a win. Congratulations.

Okay, thanks, I will give them a call on Monday too.

Thanks folks. I do not believe the VA has my bank account number. Even though they awarded my 10% years ago I do not get the money as I am in the reserve.

I received a letter from the DAV today stating "This letter is not intended to serve as your official notification from the Department of Veterans Affairs(VA)." Anyway it goes on to say the VA's latest decision is an award of "70%, plus entitlements to benefits at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability." All service connected. My questions are; 1. How accurate are these DAV letters? 2. Is the letter from the DAV any indication that a VA award letter is closer to reaching my mail box within the next month? Anyway so there you have it. Thanks all.