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

[SouthernBelle]

Thank you. Thank you, everyone on here. Tomorrow is a holiday, so hopefully, Tuesday, we'll have the famous brown envelope! :P

CONGRATS!!! and awesome work!!!!

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

[hurryupnwait]

Congratulations !! I ll be looking in success stories

Paul

[free_spirit_etc]

Some very good points.

I was reading something the other night that was about Social Security - but most likely also applies to the VA. It said that the "low level" employees made decisions based totally on the POMS guidelines and the Judges made their decisions based on law. Basically, the "low level" employees aren't supposed to interpret things that much - the peg has to fit exactly in the hole.

Of course this only explains PART of it - but does explain it some.

So I guess some of what rentalguy was saying is to make sure your pegs fit in the holes - so the "low level" employees can grant it. That doesn't mean they will - but the odds are much better.

I also read once that if the lower level Social Security employee grants a claim that shold have been denied - they can get in trouble. But if they deny a claim that should have been granted - no problem.

Might be similar with the VA.

In regard to the waiting time and the amount of raise - you have an interesting point. When my husband and I were researching the VA for his class several years ago - we found some information about the "satisfaction level" of the claimants.

Satisfaction, as measured, actually had nothing to do with how much the vet was granted, or even if the claim was granted or denied. It had everything to do with being treated decently in the process, not having to wait long periods of time, and feeling like their claim was afforded fairness. Vets who got those things were more satisfied even when their claims were denied. Vets who didn't get those things were not satisfied even when their claims were granted.

It is kind of about respect.

Free

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.

[free_spirit_etc]

CONGRATS!!!!

Free

Congratulations !! I ll be looking in success stories

Paul

[Pete53]

Belle:

Congrats on a well earned victory.

[carlie]

Southern,

This is sounding good.

The color of the envelope is inmaterial - they send denials and grants

in whatever color envelope they happen to have in stock and grab.

jmho,

carlie