diabetes Claim Processing Timelines

[jsdwd]

I am a newbie to the VA system and have claims being processed. So far it's been about 8 months since I originally filed. I have had my C & P exams (saw the psych PTSD report - GAF 45, she said I am unable to work due to PTSD and fit the DSMIV guidelines - I should get rated, but no one seems to know what the ballpark percentage is. I've ad estimates from 30% to 80% or TDIU). I have also a hearing claim and an Agent Orange/Diabetes claim. All exams are done and, according to IRIS, my claim went before the rating board on 5/15. If It weren't for hadit.com I would know nothing. My VSO (county) basically says, 'wait your turn', 'I don't know' and 'you are too nervous, leave me alone'. He has done nothing for me.

Is there anywhere a step by step guideline (flowchart) of the processing of claims? The self-help guide was great, but not complete. And (the big question) are there approximate times associated with the processing at each step? Someone must know this. It is child'splay to put travelers on a sample of claims and calculate the average time each step takes.

What has struck me throughout is the almost complete lack of information about the process itself. The standard answer to virtually every question I've asked the VA or VSO or VRO is "I don't know." I don't think it has to be that way. Keeping track of paperwork is not rocket science.

Is anyone aware of efforts in this regard or reports about this sort of thing?

Thanks.

[vaf]

When did you separate or retire? My husband's original claim right after he retired took one year, and he's a 'Nam vet, but he first applied in 1993. It's a crapshoot now for a lot of reasons -- more applications filed, priority being given to veterans of recent conflicts, inexperienced raters at VA Regional Offices, to name a few. My opinion is that there are no absolute answers to your question about timetables at each step. It varies from state to state, depending on staffing levels and the professional abilities (or lack thereof) of the folks having anything to do with the process.

If you haven't already done this, check out Jim Strickland's manual on how to file VA claims at www.vawatchdog.org. John D. Roche wrote two excellent books on this subject, "The Veteran's Survival Guide" and also "Claim Denied - How to Appeal a VA Denial of Benefits," both inexpensive and available at amazon.com.

You may not want to handle your own claim, but it's clear you have no faith in your VSO, so find another or decide to handle your own stuff, but dump the guy, he's useless and will only aggravate you in the future and quite probably hurt your claims.

If you can't work, have you applied for social security disability? If you get that, it would help your VA application significantly.

[LarryJ]

When did you separate or retire? My husband's original claim right after he retired took one year, and he's a 'Nam vet, but he first applied in 1993. It's a crapshoot now for a lot of reasons -- more applications filed, priority being given to veterans of recent conflicts, inexperienced raters at VA Regional Offices, to name a few. My opinion is that there are no absolute answers to your question about timetables at each step. It varies from state to state, depending on staffing levels and the professional abilities (or lack thereof) of the folks having anything to do with the process.

If you haven't already done this, check out Jim Strickland's manual on how to file VA claims at www.vawatchdog.org. John D. Roche wrote two excellent books on this subject, "The Veteran's Survival Guide" and also "Claim Denied - How to Appeal a VA Denial of Benefits," both inexpensive and available at amazon.com.

You may not want to handle your own claim, but it's clear you have no faith in your VSO, so find another or decide to handle your own stuff, but dump the guy, he's useless and will only aggravate you in the future and quite probably hurt your claims.

If you can't work, have you applied for social security disability? If you get that, it would help your VA application significantly.

A very good and commendable reply. Thank you, vaf.

[jsdwd]

I too am a vietnam vet. I understand that there are a lot of reasons why claims are taking a while to process, and I'm not complaining. I just would like to know more about how the process works and how long (on average) it takes for each step. From these pages i see that a given claim can take from a few months to several years. It would be nice to have some idea of when it might get resolved. With such a high degree of varaibility, "crapshoot" is not a bed descriptor.

Thanks for the tip on vawatchdog.org. Didn't know about that site and will defnitely check it out.

I haven't 'dumped' the county VSO (who would replace him?) but I don't rely on him for anything other than annoyance. No point in being too vocal about criticizing him, I don't think I need any enemies...

I already receive Social Security Disability. In fact, that is my total income. I received SS approval on first application; there is no doubt that I have what I have and it is directly related to my claim (according to a psychiatrist's report). I had the mistaken idea that there I could not get a VA rating if I was on SS. There is a lot of bad information out there. I think my claim is ok. I just wonder when I will get some determination by the rating board.

Thanks for your suggestions,

[jbasser]

If the SS is solely for service connectable issues then it will be a big asset.

The VA does not have a so called time line for claims processing. They work mostly in bulk. The bulk being controlled by filing date.

They doi have a procedure that is listed in the M21. It would take a hard search to find it but it can be done as the search parameters would give you 10 000 files.

Now if a rater has a complex claim and has to ask for more information and ect then he will pick up a claim that is less complex and those tend to get a quicker rating.

Things to be aware of is a lowball rating for the first one. ( I have seen it happen to a Hadit Member in your exact same shoes)

Go ahead and submit the IU paperwork and file a claim for it if you have not already.

Good luck and keep us posted.

J

Edited June 1, 2009 by jbasser (see edit history)

[Pete53]

It seems that claims are starting to move faster, Since you have had your C&P's a Docs are backing you up if your stressor is in order I would say 30 to 90 days. Just my guess I have nothing to base it on and all VARO's are different.

[vaf]

"I haven't 'dumped' the county VSO (who would replace him?) but I don't rely on him for anything other than annoyance. No point in being too vocal about criticizing him, I don't think I need any enemies..."

You would replace him -- suit yourself, but personally, I would never give my POA to a VSO in whom I have no faith. These guys either hurt you or help you, but very seldom don't matter one way or the other. You sound like a very smart guy, so why delegate such an important matter to someone who is either unwilling or unable to invest himself in pursuing the success you deserve? Many of us here handle our own claims (or as in my case, our spouse's or other family member's claims, as well as people we know who just need some help).

I'm just encouraging you to think about how much or how little you trust this person to handle a task that you may be able to handle yourself. We're here to help you.