Claim Decided On March 10th. Now What?

[pilgrim01]

I called the 1-800 number on Friday and the rep told me that my claim had been finalized and given a rating on Tuesday, March 10th! She said she could not see what it was though. How long until I see or hear anything in writing? I filed my claim mid-August under the "pre-discharge" program. Don't know the actual name. I retired Nov 1st. Thanks!

[broncovet]

Jim and Pilgrim are right...it should not be that long of time when retiring from the military. However, my experience with the VA RO's is that it takes exactly as long as the RO wants it to take, and the RO has no accountability even if it takes ten or more years, whether you are retired military, a widow, or you just served 4. The VA does not play favorites, they treat disabled Vets, widows, retired military, with equal disrespect, especially if they think you are trying to maybe make them show some accountability or, heaven forbid, try to get them to improve Veterans service.

As I have mentioned in other posts, some Veterans claims have been delayed for MORE THAN 3 DECADES. I personally met a Veteran with an obvious disability who has been fighting with the VA since 1973 to award him benefits. He has contacted his congressman, but that may actually slow his claim down, if that is possible.

Edited March 16, 2009 by broncovet

[pilgrim01]

Jim, I just called the 1-800 number and asked what was my rating and the rep told me that my claim was decided but was in the "authorization phase". Oh well. Whatever that means.

[purple]

pilgrim-

i'm sure you're familiar with the phrase "hurry up and wait"? unfortunately it applies to the VA as well. and sadly, the number of times you call the 1-800# is more often than not = to the number of different answers you will get.

try an IRIS inquiry to get an answer in writing to ask about the status of your claim, be specific.

best of luck!!

[pilgrim01]

Thanks, purple. I did and I am waiting on their response.

[Meddac]

Jim, I just called the 1-800 number and asked what was my rating and the rep told me that my claim was decided but was in the "authorization phase". Oh well. Whatever that means.

The Authorization phase of a claim really depends on the RO, and the backlog of ratings that they are dealing with. Let me try to explain the steps:

Claim is filed

Claim is adjudicated (evidence gathered and case is put together)

Claim is rated (hoping that there are no deferred decisions)

Claim goes to your VSO for review of the decision

Rating is promulgated (to be made known/public basically)

Promulgated rating has to be authorized (notification letter is released, and the payment process,if any, is generated)

Authorization is a relatively short step in the process. Your rating should be in Virtual VA as Sharon said earlier. The notification letter won't show up in there until it is scanned and released, but the rating should be there.

I would try calling again and asking the representative to look in Virtual VA at your decision. Iris might take longer than the actual process of Authorization. As was mentioned earlier, your payment, if any, will likely get to the bank before the letter gets to you.

[cvsp]

Meddac,

Thanks for the info. Helps us all.

Assuming that the C&P is part of the adjudicated, is there anyway that we would know if adjudication is completed and moved to the Rater?

I would ask for a idea of time from adjudication to rating but I know that is a hard one to call.