I Hate The Va! I Hate Them I Hate Them I Hate Them

[SouthernBelle]

So, I'm so mad I can't see straight right now. They denied the increase again. I can't believe it, I really just can't understand how a DOCTOR'S OPINION, the DOCTOR WHO TREATS MY HUSBAND TREATS HIM! can be ignored for a lower rating. RATERS ARE NOT DOCTORS! DAMN, I'm pissed. I am sitting here shaking I'm so mad.

Edited December 15, 2008 by SouthernBelle

[free_spirit_etc]

Good point there. I wouldn't suggest that anyone send in evidence here and there whenever they get it. Good point about making that ONE submission. I think what you and I are talking about is almost the same. You are saying get it all together all neat and tidy and then file. I am saying file - and then get it all together all neat and tidy and send the rest of the claim in - in one neat package.

But I guess everyone will do what they feel is best.

If it will take awhile to get the evidence - then putting off filing is also a valid point. Because even if they are supposed to wait until you submit the evidence - they have an amazing way of not giving you a year. And once they have issued a decision - that kind of sticks with you. You can send the neat and tidy package - and they are supposed to readjudicate your claim. But it is often easier for them to just write whatever the person before them wrote - and add a couple lines to let you know they glanced at your stuff.

Free

I can't disagree with the logic, but if you don't send it in all at once, there is more of a chance of the VA "losing" your evidence, or it otherwise never being seen by the rater.

Crypto: like I said, most vets need the money right then, not two years from now in the form of a retro check. I understand that you still get the same amount, but that retro check willnot bring a family or life lost to suicide back.

[broncovet]

Rental guy..

As much as I hate to admit it, you are likely right...that is, even tho, it is preposterous to count "suicidal ideation" on an even keel with the inability to get along with people, you are likely right, that some VA rating specialists DO count up the number of symptoms, and then rate the Veteran according to the number of symptoms in the 50% rating criteria vs the number of symptoms in the 70% rating criteria without assigning any importance to the symptom. Of course, other rating specialists probably rate them on a "shoot from the hip" method, or some other reason..I think it was Hoppy who suggested a "hidden agenda"..

I have heard rating specialists, on another forum say that they werent gonna give the Veteran "one red cent" MORE than the "book" says. I wonder if the person that said that expected their boss to give them a raise in the same manner..or, would they want their boss to dole out raises much more generously.

From the Veterans point of view, I would say most Veterans want to know WHEN they get there raise, before they know how much of a raise they will get. If I offered you a 200% raise..in 20 years, or a 5% raise NOW, which would you take? I think most of us would take the "now" raise. Most Vets are ticked off more about the When of our benefits than the how much. I have waited more than 7 years..and, you are right that at least part of that is my own fault even thou I would love to Blame the VA.

I think what you are saying is that the VA makes the rules, and if I want to get paid, I have to play by their rules rather than whine about them, say how they dont make sense, etc.

That being said, I have noticed a great disparity between the Regional Office level, and the BVA level..frankly the BVA applies the laws in a MUCH more consistent way. That is, I have gotten a much fairer shake from the BVA than the RO. I have had ONE BVA decision, that was fully favorable and 5 RO decisions 4 of which were total denials and one was only partially favorable. I am frankly convinced the RO is unhappy with the BVA decision and has spent the past 5 years trying to limit it as much as possible. Is the RO wrong? Yes, they are..however, the BVA award does not pay my bills..only RO decisions. I am confident that eventually the RO will pay, but, because I was much less than complimentary to them, they are going to make me wait as long as possible on my benefits.

[CRYPTOTECH]

I can't disagree with the logic, but if you don't send it in all at once, there is more of a chance of the VA "losing" your evidence, or it otherwise never being seen by the rater.

Crypto: like I said, most vets need the money right then, not two years from now in the form of a retro check. I understand that you still get the same amount, but that retro check willnot bring a family or life lost to suicide back.

I do understand completely your point and that is why i stated that the evidence should be submitted within a certain time after the filing. The VA will take time to develop the case anyway so you might as well go ahead and file if you know you will have all your ducks in row soon.

You point is well taken and you're absolutely correct in certain cases.

outa

[Cavman]

I just sent Belle a message and immediately got a pop up message from her that said they were granted 100%. I`m not familiar with that pop up message. Of course I have been gone awhile.

Cavman

Edited January 19, 2009 by Cavman

[SouthernBelle]

You must have missed the part about not having the paperwork, so don't say anything yet. I don't know all the details, I just got a phone call on Monday, and the guy said my husband was approved for 100%. I don't know if it is P & T, or TDIU, or what, but we got a deposit in the bank, too, so I believe the guy who called.... I just didn't want to say anything until I had more details. The pop up message is a PM. :P I will post the whole shebang in the "Success Stories" section when I get the paperwork!

I just sent Belle a message and immediately got a pop up message from her that said they were granted 100%. I`m not familiar with that pop up message. Of course I have been gone awhile.

Cavman

Edited January 19, 2009 by SouthernBelle

[rentalguy1]

CONGRATS!!! and awesome work!!!!

Can't wait to see the details in Success Stories soon!