Dro Review

[bern381]

Two years ago, I appealed the VA's decision against my claim of depression secondary to service connected disability (chronic shoulder pain). I elected the DRO review, believing that it would be faster. Recently, I have acquired some additional evidence that would support my claim. However, I am hesitant to send it because I fear that it would deny my claims further. The evidence consists of progress notes and a research article entitled " Depression is caused by chronic pain". Should I send this info? Thanks, Bill

[john999]

Bern

You want a DRO Hearing. I just wonder after two years how much longer asking for a hearing will take. 2 years for a DRO means you could have gone to the BVA by now. That is what the DRO Review or Hearing is supposed to avoid. There is something wrong with the way they are doing your claim in my opinion. Check the shredder.

[bern381]

Do you think I should bring up the shredder when I am submitting evidence :) ? Who should I question about this claim. I have been burning up the 1-800 number and these people are getting mad when I call everyday. You can tell how mad they get when they realize how much I call. Their response is the usual "Your file is with the DRO". How can I ascertain that it is there and not in the shredder? Thanks, Bill

[broncovet]

Bern...

Cleveland VARO is one of the 3 worst VARO's, (in number of documents shredded), according to the VAOIG report. When you go to Cleveland ask for a copy of your Cfile, and compare what THEY have to what you know you submitted. If there are missing documents, then submit a "Special Claims Handling" request per Dr. Peaks fast letter 08-41. OR, if you feel past decisions did NOT reflect all the evidence, ask for Special Claims handling, anyway.

The Cleveland VARO is DOUBLE UNDER THE GUN. First, the Attorney General rates the Cleveland VARO in the "bottom five" in disability compensation. That is, Ohio Veterans get about $4000 per year per Vet LESS than a Veteran in Maine or New Mexico. And NOW, the Cleveland VARO is ALSO one of the three worst for shredded documents. (Gee..I doubt if that is a coincidence, either. Once, when I called VARO Cleveland, I complained to the person asking why VARO Cleveland was one of the lowest compensating VARO's in the nation. She responded that Cleveland was one of the most accurate, suggesting that other VARO's are wrongfully giving government money away. However, with the shredder incident, now we know why Cleveland is so "accurate"..they simply destroy any evidence inconsistent with their own agenda.)

Now the "good" news. After the AG investigation for shredded documents, the Cleveland manager was "promoted", so you may get a fairer "shake" now. Altho now "the shredder master", (former Cleveland VARO manager) will be "deciding" claims from the Central Office, so now everybody's claim will be trying to weave its way past the shredder master. Here is a link:

http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfdec08/nf120408-1.htm

Edited January 15, 2009 by broncovet

[bern381]

I will definitely get a copy of my c-file and review it. If I want to request a DRO hearing do I make the request when I

[bern381]

OOPS!!! I accidently hit the shift key and posted the message. Anyhow. when I request a DRO hearing do I need to put it in writing or do I need to make the request verbally while I am at the VARO?

[yoggie2]

OOPS!!! I accidently hit the shift key and posted the message. Anyhow. when I request a DRO hearing do I need to put it in writing or do I need to make the request verbally while I am at the VARO?

Everything has to be requested in writing and date stamped.