Opposite Claims Question

[purple]

I took note of the topic of the hassel of going through the claims process....with the thousands of folks here on Hadit I just wanted to know if anyone else on here, besides me, has had a positive experience with the claims process?

My claim was processed in under a year...I did it all myself...and I received 100% IU, P&T, no further exams req.

I can't be the only one who has had success with a claim.

[Maurice]

It took me 5 years to get IU which is not P&T and with review every 6 years....How can I get it change to P&T?

Edited March 8, 2009 by Maurice

[purple]

There are many variables. It depends on what you are rated for...getting your doc (or docs) to write supporting statements that you are P&T...and having the medical records to back-up that you are P&T.

All of mine was done at the same time. I didn't specifically ask for P&T, it was just granted based on my specific issues.

[broncovet]

Purple..

No offense, but I have met hundreds of Veterans and not one told me they had a "positive claim experience". I am interested to see if other Vets, have had, like you..good luck with the VBA.

I wish it did boil down to evidence, because I have had favorable medical opinions from 2002- 2009, and the RO still denied my claims 4 TIMES. For example, my audiologist stated, "Veterans hearing loss is most likely caused by military service". It did not matter, the RO denied it anyway. It took years of appeals to get them to do what they should have done, and they still have not done it.

VA is so broken they have you convinced that "under a year" is good service, when IRS sends tax refunds electronically in about 2 weeks. It used to take the IRS about 2 months to send refunds, before electronic returns were accepted. And please dont tell my that the tax returns are less complex than applying for VA benefits, because, as complicated as VA benefits are, they are relatively simple compared to IRS tax laws. Remember..our medical records at the VA are Already online, so they can have instant access to them just like our doctors do.

Edited March 9, 2009 by broncovet

[purple]

Bronco-

I know you are beyond frustrated with the VARO.

When I submitted my claim, everything was still paper copies...but I provided the VARO everything they needed...tabbed, highlighted, and indexed so that they wouldn't have to refer to my SMRs. I had my own copy of my SMRs, to include all of my active duty mental health records. I believe this was a tremendous help as well.

That's why I highly encourage all those who visit Hadit and are still active duty to make copies of their SMRs prior to getting out of the service and to use them when submitting their claim...not to rely on what the VARO might or might not have access to.

I also feel it's important to submit all evidence the first time. It may take longer to put the claim together...but submitting a complete package the first time is imperative. I read on here so often that after a vet has submitted a claim they come across another piece of evidence they forgot and need to add...that just slows up the processs or brings it to a screeching halt...or worse, the claim is denied because that one item was left out and then the appeals begin.

I'm just saying with alot of hard work....and a ton of diligence this can be done. A positive experience can be had with a VARO.

[broncovet]

Purple..

It is awesome that you are so organized..knew VA laws before you filed a claim, knew what evidence to "highlight", and could get this all done the first time without error. Many Veterans are very unskilled in these areas, but have serious injuries/disabilities and are entitled to compensation for their service connected injuries.

Also, many of these sick Veterans are homeless, and dont have a pen and paper, much less a computer with internet access to check on VA laws.

They dont know what a "VSO" is, and they dont know who to ask.

I dont think VA benefits should be "graded" on your organization skills, writing ability, or ability to obtain medical records, some of which have been long lost in battle. VA benefits are not a "term paper" which you turn in for a disability "grade" of 0 through 100%. As someone said, the sickest of all Vets are the least likely to be able to efficiently organize all their medical evidence and send it to the VA and win their claim.

I have a Bachelors Degree, and have been submitting evidence for 7 years, and cant get the RO to award benefits even though my doctors, social security, Veterans life insurance, and the BVA all agree that I should be awarded benefits.

[purple]

I'm just trying to help by telling what I did; how it helped me....hoping it will help other vets...that's all.