Congressman Filner

[Berta]

Congressman Filner , Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee-will be joining us during the second half of the show- and we will be discussing with him the situation of homeless veterans- and what is being done to help them.

http://www.stardustradio.com/

5:30 CT and 6:30- EST

Our call in number is 1-319-648-5143

[Berta]

Thanks all-Mcafee-that was the exact number Congressman Filner gave out-(202)225 2346

I didn't see your question here until this AM-so I assume that was you calling in to the show?

Did he say this was Malcolm Shorter's number?

He gave the same number to another call in too-

I hope the new number helps you-

[Berta]

Thanks all-Mcafee-that was the exact number Congressman Filner gave out-(202)225 2346

I didn't see your question here until this AM-so I assume that was you calling in to the show?

Did he say this was Malcolm Shorter's number?

He gave the same number to another call in too-

I hope the new number helps you-

I tried to interrupt the Congressman when he said claims were taking 6 months to a year- This is a fallacy that the VA perpetuates.

The reality is it takes about 4 months for the VA to send the claimant a VCAA letter - these letters can be so deficient that the VA knows the letter will set up a BVA remand down the road-the main reason for the backlog-

and then the denial letter might come 2-3 months later within 6 months to a year.This statistic in no way reflects that claims are being worked on and resolved within a year.

They arent.

In my correspondence to Congressman Filner on other issues I have been quick to point out that the backlog has been caused by the ROs themselves due to deficient VCAA letters to the claimant.

A proper VCAA letter incorporates Pelegrini and Hupp (for widows claims)-they actually have to read the claim to be able to develop a proper VCAA letter.

Then it is up to the claimant to get to them what they need.

Deficient VCAA letters almost always cause the BVA to remand so that the veteran can get their VCAA rights at the RO level.WIth ample evidence however, the BVA can award. They did this in my case although every statement and submission I made to BVA (it was the first statement in my I-9) pointed out (with copy as evidence ) how deficient my VCAA letter had been.

I mentally made up my own VCAA letter and sent them what it should have said.BVA found thr RP deficiencies were moot because they had the evidence that a proper VCAA letter would have asked for.

I could gripe all day about this- and really get ticked when I hear the 6 months to a year claims process.All one needs to do is look at the original claim dates of current BVA cases.

With more troops being sent into Afganistan and with the passage of the AO Equity Act (hopefully) as well as the 3 new AO presumptives, more claims will continue to be filed.

Someone asked in the readio show chat room if more judges will be hired at the BVA, they have 4 new ones now- unfortunately I dont think that important question got asked on the air-but COngressman Filner said the magic word ---Accountability-----

if we get that from the VA (and it sure has been lacking)- that alone could significantly alter the claims process.

[Commander Bob]

I tried to interrupt the Congressman when he said claims were taking 6 months to a year- This is a fallacy that the VA perpetuates.

I sometimes think that the members of congress are beguiled by those they are suppose to oversee.... You did a great job, Berta. I enjoyed putting a voice to the wit & wisdom I read from your posts. You are one in a million.

Edited November 3, 2009 by Commander Bob

[Mcafee]

Hello All Hope All Is Well.

Thank You Berta,Yes I did call in I was so nervous I broke down cause at the same time I am angry for what the US.Army and Veterans Administration has taken a life and future from a man whom only wanted to serve his country and in return to be neglected by those whom created the SOLDIER.

For some odd reason the same problem still exists due to network difficulties your call can not go through? Did not contact Col.Shorter

I also did not hear Congressman Filner address spoliation of record?

That was a great show and Keep it going.Thank You Again

[Mcafee]

Hello All Hope All Is Well.

Well my phone company informs me that Washington DC.has BLOCKED any incoming calls from my or this telephone number.

They also said this is very unusual and are looking further into as to why?

As for me personally I am not surprised by anything Washington does or has to offer cause to DATE they have not been productive as for Veterans entitlement or resolve.

I am curious as to whom threw the switch or was this in error.I am sure Congressman Filner would like to know that now in order not to deal with a Veteran just BLOCK his or her Number. Imagine WOW.!!!!!!

[Mcafee]

I was not aware that public services can block an individuals incoming call?

Is this illegal?