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.

[purple]

evandc-

i know. i'm just trying to get the msg out to others that it's evidence that get's claims approved.

[luvHIM]

Although I think your thread began as a decent one, it is difficult to respond to because one of the things you have indicated in several of your posts is that "EVIDENCE IS KEY!"

It is almost a slap in the face of many who have been coming to HADIT for much longer than a year. For you to repeatedly state that the key to winning claims is having all your ducks in a row...as if we haven't thought of that or even done that is insulting...to say the least.

Some of us have sent in so much evidence the postage alone could buy an RVSR a new car. So, while we are most happy that you got the victory, and in a speedy manner...You are definitely in the minority (with or without the evidence). Best regards.

[cvsp]

Purple,

I congratulate you on a speedy return.

I think there are three reasons for the speed. One two you will agree with one you will not.

1. I think the first reason is you did your homework beforehand. Most people (myself included) are under the impression that the VA is a well run organization that is there to help you when they first apply. Of course this is before they learn how dysfunctional, corrupt, and uncaring the VA actually is after you apply. You obviously knew this beforehand.

2. The organization was obviously a factor. You made it easy for a rater to pick up your claim and get his quota for the day. Good work.

3. Luck. You are lucky that your claim and evidence was even received. (I sent in evidence twice and it was never received)

You were lucky enough to somehow know that the VA is bogus and an evil organization and had your cards aligned before going in. ( I thought that the VA was my friend and was here to help me)

You are lucky enough to have the mindset to be organized and have the mindset to deal with the bureaucracy without giving up or getting totally frustrated with the system. ( I got frustrated and gave up on my first claim like they wanted me to, back again).

I am not saying you do not deserve it and I am happy for you. There is some luck involved somewhere.

Edited March 13, 2009 by cvsp

[purple]

cvsp-

thanks. i had dealt with an MEB a few years prior to submitting my claim so i knew how screwed up the whole government process was. you have to really put the proverbial dots very, very close together for these claims folks.

luvHIM & anyone else who is pissed off...

it was not my intention at all to upset anyone. i'm just trying to help by offering advice on what worked for me.

[cvsp]

Purple,

I do not think anyone is upset with you.

If anyone is upset it is the ones that wish they knew what you knew before going in.

I do think there is luck involved. You even admitted a little with knowing the process was corrupt before going in. Most of us do not have that luck. I do also think there was some luck involved with your rater. I bet your rater was a top-notch, well versed rater who knew your claim would be easier for him or her as he could see how well it was organized and picked it up.

But as luck would have it I have found your post and am learning from it. Make it as easy as possible for the VA! If I was lucky enough to read your post before I foolishly applied through the website, I would of filled it out manually and organized it like you did and hand carried it to the RO.

I have to ask this much. Do you hold the original SMRs? Has the VA only seen the copy you have provided?

[purple]

Yes, I have my original SMRs. I "acquired" them shortly before being discharged. I even have all of my original mental health records...two volumes. Since my claim was for PTSD, this was extremely handy.

I made copies of everything I felt was important and did all of the highlighting, tabbing, etc and sent it in with my claim. I did the same with the civilian medical records as well as the records I had from the VA; both in-pt records as well as out-pt records.