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.

[mrsvet28]

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.

With our claim they haven't yet to this day regarded that mrvet has been on SSD since 03' for PTSD- and an NSC pension for bladder- the VA already admitted PTSD-verified stressors and yet we are in 11 years are at the BVA "expeditious remand " level since Jan 7th they were supoosed to schedule 2 further CP exams at the BVAs request-which that hasn't happened -there was a conflict between the 2 IMOS and the CP PTSD exam(go figure) even though they already have stated in their SSOC "the finds you have been diagnosed with PTSD-that was in 05'-in 06' they verifed stressors-which they had since 04'-but didnt bother to look- and now a new letter tells us after the BVA there is a 150 day "special handling period" for the c-file-but the VCAA notice says you have 30 days to submit new evidence-but yet you have a year also(conflict) so in my math the BVA takes a year to even expedite it back to the RO-to schedule another CP exam!

J

[LarryJ]

"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..."

Any of your local veteran's service organizations, i.e., the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the VVA (Vietnam Veterans Association), American Legion, etc.......................heck, you might even try the JWV (Jewish War Veterans of the USA) ;)

Any VSO (veteran's service organization) is required to help you, and NO you do not have to be a member of any of these organizations.

If ya want to find someone that will really help you, just go down to the VFW/American Legion, belly up to the bar and ask whoever may be tending bar who HE'D use. Simple method, but it works.

[jsdwd]

"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.

You raise a good point. I have received much more useful information and guidance from this site than from the VSO. It's just that when I initially got involved in this everything I read said, "Don't try to do this alone, get a VSO to help". But this guy is useless (or worse) so what you say makes sense.

[jsdwd]

"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..."

Any of your local veteran's service organizations, i.e., the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), the VVA (Vietnam Veterans Association), American Legion, etc.......................heck, you might even try the JWV (Jewish War Veterans of the USA) B)

Any VSO (veteran's service organization) is required to help you, and NO you do not have to be a member of any of these organizations.

If ya want to find someone that will really help you, just go down to the VFW/American Legion, belly up to the bar and ask whoever may be tending bar who HE'D use. Simple method, but it works. :D

I had thought of that and I think I'll follow up on your good advice. Thx.

[Testvet]

you say aall of the exams are done and they have all of your records, I am guessing that they have verified your stressor for PTSD, and you have completeed all of the C&Ps on May 15th....it has been my experience that it is usually about 90 days before you get the award letter and the money in the bank or a paper check they do have a tendency to low ball the initial PTSD award in my case they gave me 50% in May 2005 with a claim date of Dec 2003 I filed a NOD the very next day a year later they awarded me the 100% P&T my GAF's ranged between 30-45 nothing ever higher than 45 I also at that point had 3 annual statements from my shrink stating he felt that my PTSD by itself was considered total and permantly disabling and that he felt I would never be able to hold a job in the future.

Nothing is fast with the VA and they do not have timelines only the veterans do, the VARO and BVA and the Court of Veteran Appeals do things when they want to and contacting elected officials is a waste of time and only causes more delays (I have the T shirt)

[carlie]

Is there anywhere a step by step guideline (flowchart) of the processing of claims? The self-help guide was great, but not complete.

http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/...i/ch01/ch01.doc

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.

The VA answers your claims request when they feel like it period.

There is no timeline for them.

There are only timeline requirement's for the claimant's.

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.

OH believe me - we know all about the process itself, plenty of information on it.

Getting VA to follow their own regs is the problem and again they have no timelines

and/or accountability.

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

http://www.gao.gov/archive/2000/h100146t.pdf

Hope this helps a vet.

carlie