The 12 Worst Regional Offices

[broncovet]

I would like to compose a list of the 12 Worst places to live for VA benefits. If your RO has "done you wrong" post it, and why..I think this list should be turned over to Bob Filner, Mr. Hall, Mr. Shineski, and, yes, Mr. Obama.

I propose these terrible RO's head the list:

"The Veterans list of the 12 Worst Regional Offices:

1. New York

2. Detroit

3. Cleveland

4. St. Pete

I want these to be like "power ratings" for the NFL..except in reverse, kind of like the least likely teams to win the next superbowl of being Veteran friendly.

My reasons for the "Terrible 3" of NY, Detroit, Cleveland being the worst are largely due to the AG's report of Veterans shredded claims, as well as my own experience in Drew Careys neighborhood. Please add your RO to this "12 worst list", if you feel your RO is deserving, as we can use it to pressure them to "get off this nasty list" by good Veterans service. Also a factor is The AG reported disparity among states, where some RO's compensate Veterans much higher than others. Cleveland, Indiana, and Illinois are 3 states at the bottom of this list also. I want to pressure the VA to stop "low balling" and start treating Veterans right by putting the worst offenders on this nasty list. A "good list" may also be in order, with the top "Veteran friendly" RO's. Thanks for your input and helping other Veterans to get benefits they deserve.

Edited March 19, 2009 by broncovet

[jbasser]

The Best Varo is louisville Ky then Nashville.

The absolute worst ones are. Indianapolis, Cleveland, St Pete. Motgomery Alabama is not too far behind these.

This is from seeing actual results from Members here at Hadit. Some I have been opersonally involved with.

I you have a claim in Indy, I suggest you move to another state or RO jurisdiction.

If you dont think I am sincere, Ask Yoggie. He has the scars to prove it.

J

[cote]

New Orleans VAMC

[SSGmajik]

CLEVELAND SUCKS!

How about this went in for an increase and had a C&P in March 2008 and rec'd an increase for my lower back to 40% in April 2008. I was happy, but developed migraines and so I filed for secondary to my back because of pain in 04/2008. Well, I was denied for it even though I was diagnosed and the doctor said it was do to chronic pain and prescribed medication for me. The craziest part when reading my NOD was they said my back showed signs of improvement and said that they could have lowered my rating for my back. I never rec'd a C&P for my back on this claim, one I was not even asking for anything for my back. They read an old C&P (10/2005) and put those measurements in this claim again stating it was improving even though I had a more recent C&P (03/2008) that showed different. What the hell are they looking at! The only way to put it is that Cleveland sucks! I guess in a sense I'm lucky they didn't bring my rating down and have to fight them that they had no evidence to do so. Anyway, goodluck to all who have to deal with Cleveland!

[jan]

New Orleans aand Cleveland. WATCH out for the Tiger Team they gave me a denial for

bronchitis which my record are full of visits including 2 weeks before I was discharged.

[bbknor]

Lets add Detroit got my 93 C&P me thinks someone F'ed up something here.

[broncovet]

I find it more than just a coincidence, that the same RO's keep coming up over and over again for poor Service..

New York

Detroit

Cleveland

St. Petersburg

Indianapolis

Illinois

New Orleans

One of the reasons Cleveland is so bad is they "siphon off" talented, experienced Rating specialists to the Tiger Team, leaving Cleveland RO with rating specialists without the ability to read. And, like someone pointed out, Tiger Team does not guarantee you will get good service either.

Notice these "bad" Regional Offices are also "bad" in lower compensation to Veterans, according to the AG, AND are also "bad" because they have lots of shredded claims.

Veterans in these Bad Regional Offices get slow, bad service, shredded claims, and some of these, such as New York, also has been convicted of fraud.