Result Of 800-number Calls?

[Ron II]

I have read comments during the past couple of months written by experienced Hadit members that state they call their VARO 880-number periodically to check on their claims. For example, some call every three months, some call once a month, some call multiple times during a particular month.

I've inferred from those comments that there is a belief that periodic calls lets the VA know that the claimant is monitoring their progress or lack of progress and will possibly stimulate activity on the claim. Is my inference correct and do the calls actually do anything positive relating to the status of the claim? I personally doubt that the 800-number calls do anything but contact a communications representative who will provide some information dependent upon their level of expertise and what information is shown on the screens available.

Thank you...

[Berta]

The VA keeps no record of 800# calls-

I got a rep one day who got very angry with me and accused me of calling every day and sometimes 4-5 times a day-I dont know what bug was up his rear end but I reported him for his attitude and remarks -it simply wasnt true-

I notice he never takes the 800# calls anymore when I call.

I have a phone log for 800# calls- there should be a template here to download and I recommend doing this-

I put the date, then the 800# person's name-and then what they say as the status of my claims.

Obviously I have quite a big log- one or 2 calls a month- but sometimes more to double check the info I get-

I have been calling the 800# for 3 years in the 1990s and then for last 4 years -many of the 800 reps know me-some even from my past claims-

I dont think how often a vet calls has anything whatsoever to do with their claim or with getting it moving.

[Pete53]

Actually the VA does keep a record of your calls and also laces notes of the call the nature and even if you were angry or what but I doubt that 800 calls have moved many claims. However, that said in the last week several Hadit Members have learned from calling 800 Number that their file has been misplaced and that there is action that needs to be taken.

You can call the 800 number to request forms that you need set up your checking account to be wired your money, find out what the VA is planning to pay on your next check and get limited information about your claim.

Although the problems are there poorly trained people answering the calls I find the 800 number useful and probably recommend a member calling it a couple of times a month. In fact I think I did that at least a couple of times yesterday.

One more thing in that the VARO is so insultaed and afraid of Veterans face to face some of us went years without talking directly with the people who worked our claim and I know I derived some comfort of talking to and telling a voice some of my concerns. I just felt better doing it.

[Ron II]

Thank you for the information, particularly the phone log information and the information pertaining to whether the VA keeps track of the 800-number calls.

Edited October 20, 2007 by Manitou Sprgs