Adding Dependants To Claim

[usmc1114]

I recently received 10% sc for my left knee, which brought my total sc to 30%. My claim was filed Jan 28, 2008 for back, knee and ankle. In July 2009 I was awarded 10% for back & 10% for ankle for a total of 20%, the knee was deferred back to the Detroit VA. I received the backpay for the 20% back to Feb 2008. A few weeks ago I received noticed that I was now 30% total because they rated my knee 10%. The letter indicated they have computed my rate while including my wife, but not my 2 children because they did not have the SSN's for the kids. As the letter suggested, I called the RO and gave them the SSN's for my kids. I have since received the backpay for my wife and I at 30%, but not the additional my children would add. I received a letter that they are processing my request, which I assume means the form adding my children.

How long should it take to have the children added to my "claim" and the additional backpay deposited? I'm happy with how the claim process has gone thus far, just curious on a possible timeframe.

Thanks!

Tom

[rdnkjeeper]

Give it a little while.....When I added my Daughter it took 4 months, but when I added my son....both because they were born it took 18 months! Don't know why. Sorry I couldn't help anymore.

[jbasser]

Did you do the dependant form to add the kids.

The VA has a rule and they will use it against you if the form is not submitted.

J

[LarryJ]

Give it a little while.....When I added my Daughter it took 4 months, but when I added my son....both because they were born it took 18 months! Don't know why. Sorry I couldn't help anymore.

And.............how long would it have taken if they hadn't been born?

sorry, man, I just couldn't, COULDN'T, let that one get away B) !

[rdnkjeeper]

I meant after they were born I filled out the forms and submitted them.

[broncovet]

Tom

The short answer is that it takes exactly how long the Regional Office Wants it to take. For me, it took them 2 years and they NEVER paid me for back pay. Others have said less time than this. Since the VA has no accountability and no time limit, they can take their sweet time. This is a pet peeve and one of the reasons for "hadit".

[navydoc2]

Can two vets claim the same dependent? I am getting married in the next few months and I will be adding a child to my dependent list, however this child is already claimed by another vet who receives benefits, can we both claim the same child?