Thank You, James Breckenridge!

[Philip Rogers]

I, for one, appreciate your input! It's good to know how the VA thinks. I hope we don't chase you away.

pr

Edited January 1, 2010 by Philip Rogers

[halos2]

I think many times when you are in a position of authority people really respect it when you can give suggestions, hints, examples to educate people with the claims processes. I can only speak from past experience, when surveying licensed nursing facilities, our supervisor allowed us to offer these sugestions, hints, examples to help the facility staff to better take care of the residents.

Anyone can site a facility on the thought of a trivial violation ie having comet in a staff lounge bathroom sink cabinet, however advising the staff the importance of safety of the residents to lock a cabinet for supplies teaches them to follow not only the regulations but the actions that could potential had a confused resident injest this...teaching experience/learning experience/establishing a trusting relationship and an open dialog goes much further than just citing them and giving a deficiency.

You obtain the respect of these people. More time can be spent with the residents versus challenging the deficiency, thereby giving the care to those who are in need. My point is anyone can read the reasoning, but sometimes it takes a gentile hand to guide one through the process. Kindness goes a long way here. Never did we put ourselves nor those who were intrusted in our care in jeopardy.

The assistance you provide here is greatly needed and also appreciated. Give what you may and when you can, but never do so in any manner as to jeopardize your position.

Thank you for taking the time to walk us through these processes. Enjoy your new year too! :P

[babyray]

Just remember, I can only answer questions in my personal capacity, and using my familiarity with the process. Please don't get the impression that I speak for the VA because I certainly don't. But I will say that the people I work with are almost all vets themselves, and we're all trying as best we can to do the right thing.

The last thing I want is for some middle manager somewhere between my supervisor and the President to get the idea that I'm acting like the self appointed voice of the VA, and that I am running the risk of confusing/misinforming the vets in the process, and that such a thing Will Not Be Tolerated, and the next thing you know I lose my job... and I love my job, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done.

So let me be clear, I'm only speaking for myself, and can only share my experience and perspective on things.

It's odd that VHA (the hospital side of things) has a Twitter and Facebook and YouTube presence... but VBA (Veterans Benefits, my side of the fence) does not. Maybe they will someday.

Thx alot JB, u have help me to the extreme w/ your timely knowledge and info. Happy New Year to you and yours. God bless u and your family.

babyray

[free_spirit_etc]

Am adding my thanks too! You explain things so clearly. I appreciate all the time you take to help us.

Free

[john999]

James

I hope you don't get offended when some of us say things about the VA that are harsh. It is not directed at you. I know the VA is a big machine. Lots of things go haywire. Desparate vets say and do desparate things.

[Pete53]

A long time ago we had some help on this Board from a retired rater. His name was LL and quite often he would defend the VA for the actions it took. However, many times he told in no unclear terms what the deficiencies were of Member after Members claims.

Sometimes there were major rows over posts going back and forth. He left Hadit without much notice but I would like to salute Larry aka LL and hope that he is enjoying a well earned retirement. The irony is the VA screwed LL just like it has so many Veterans who come here

[Philip Rogers]

Yes, I know that but you can give us insight as to how the VA processes claims, thru your personal experience and training level.

pr

Just remember, I can only answer questions in my personal capacity, and using my familiarity with the process. Please don't get the impression that I speak for the VA because I certainly don't. But I will say that the people I work with are almost all vets themselves, and we're all trying as best we can to do the right thing.

The last thing I want is for some middle manager somewhere between my supervisor and the President to get the idea that I'm acting like the self appointed voice of the VA, and that I am running the risk of confusing/misinforming the vets in the process, and that such a thing Will Not Be Tolerated, and the next thing you know I lose my job... and I love my job, it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done.

So let me be clear, I'm only speaking for myself, and can only share my experience and perspective on things.

It's odd that VHA (the hospital side of things) has a Twitter and Facebook and YouTube presence... but VBA (Veterans Benefits, my side of the fence) does not. Maybe they will someday.