Got A Strange 'phone Call This Morning

[LarryJ]

First of all, it was a strange 'phone call simply because THEY called ME. What I mean is, I didn't ask them to call me or call me back about any subject. Normally, in my dealings with the VA, YOU have to call THEM, and listen to crappy country & western music while on hold indefinitely.

Secondly, it was a strange call in the fact that they ASKED me if I wanted for my two NOD's on my ankle award (#1. percentage of disability and #2. effective date) to be handled "the normal way" (read: it'll take months) or whether I wanted them to run it by a DRO, in which case I'd hear something "in two or three weeks, or less". The young fellow said "it's a slam dunk" (whatever that means ;-).

Like I said, a stange 'phone call.

Of course, I told him that I much preferred the "normal way"................. ;)

[Berta]

Larry- why did you choose the normal way?

We used to get rock from the 1960s and some Bob Dylan too-on the 800#

Boy- they said slam dunk ----so that sounds real good-

It also sounds to me like they failed to give you opportunity to elect DRO review so they were crossing the tees.

But I never believe them until the check is in my hand.

In Jan 2006 a rep told me 3 Authorization signatures were put on my AO claim and he acted like I won the lottery-he said the claim had been resolved.

6 months later my claim was sent to the BVA-

In your case this does sound very positive-did you get this reps name?

I sure hope it IS a slam dunk.

Be optimistic!!!!!

[Pete53]

They called me after I appealed. Unfortunately my wife took the call and did not get a name or anything. I guess mine is going to be the normal way although I would have preferred the DRO.

[Josephine]

Larry,

Good for you. Count your Blessings on that phone call. I can't get them to call me back when they say that they will.

Things are moving along for you now.

Josephine

[john999]

Pete

If you want a DRO review or hearing I think you could make that happen if you go to the VARO and ask for it. Unless your claim has already been shipped off to the BVA I don't see why you can't get a DRO to look at it. Is this in regards to the effective date of your HB? Ask them to stop the presses and give you a DRO hearing. I take it you filed the NOD. You know anything is possible with the VA.

[LarryJ]

Berta,

Actually they DID give me the choice. I was being sarcastic when I said I opted for the long-drawn-out "normal way". I told the young fellow that I wanted the DRO to handle it.

That's when he said "a couple or three weeks or less, 'cause this looks like a slam-dunk".

Yes, I did get his name.

And, no, all you country and western fans, I don't have a thing against country & western music (I used to play steel guitar for one of the better country & western bands out of Oklahoma). I just have something VERY MUCH against BAD country & western music.

But, I can stone groove out with Bob Dylan, any day.

And, I am the MOST optomistic of any clinically depressed, bi-polar that you have ever met. You betcha ya!

Thanks Betty, also.

[Josephine]

Larry,

You are certainly welcome! I am surprised that you remembered my name. You always bring a smile to my face.

Always,

Josephine

(Betty)