All Vets Need To Read This!

[stillhere]

This is a new pilot recently selected from this link:

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1852

This new pilot will put Veterans in control of thier claims- and we want your input.

Hey folks,

The VA has a new pilot program starting up at the Atlanta RO. Basically, this will cover SC claims for increase, presumptives already verified, temp 100% and ALS claims.

Because of the back-logs, we have identified the above type claims mainly due to SC has already been established. We are in the process of creating an application, physicians statements for each disability system and the format on how we will process these claims. The pilot is named Rapid Evaluation of Veterans Claims (REV).

We all know that the back-log is growing, so this pilot is soliciting your help. To qualify for this pilot, you are wanting an increase in SC conditions. For your outpatient treatment records from private physicians-You will obtain them. VAMC records-basically in the application you can inform us which VAMC your treated at and we can get them. Our rating board has developed physician statements that will be made availible for you to take to your treating physician or VAMC doctor. Once you have all your documents together, submit your claim to the RO.

There will not be a VA medical exam, the application has a "waiver" for the VAE so we can rate your claim based on the material you provided to us.We will not send you a VCAA. The only correspondence you'll receive is the rating decision and your notification letter when your claim is complete.

Please give me some comments, concerns and your questions. If successful, this pilot will be launched nationally.

Admins-if Ive posted in the wrong section, please move. DRO's, RVSR's, VSR's etc please chime in also.

Thanks,

Edited February 24, 2010 by stillhere

[carlie]

How does eliminating the VCAA help a veteran? The VCAA is your roadmap to winning your claim. Now you are trying to navigate the VBA without a map. When is the last time the VA did something out of a motivation to really help vets rather than helping themselves to keep their jobs? This pilot program is just an effort to take the heat off the VA at the vet's expense. Since many will have to appeal it seems to me you are being asked to give up basic rights to get a fast decision. Fast does not mean good.

I would like to know how Berta feels about elimination of the VCAA since she is pretty expert at it applications?

John,

I agree - it's another CYA for VBA.

I wonder how much time was taken away from adjudicating claims

for employees to submit these ideas ?

I wonder what kind of *atta-boys* or special treatment

was given to the employees that had "winning" suggestions.

jmho,

carlie

[jbasser]

The idea to digitize the records in ST Louis can cut months off of a claim.

I say quit flappin their jaws and break out the saws. Get r done.

Streamline the porocess and for folks with severe disabilities, the VA should pay them a higher level of SMC, especially Vets with severe pulmonary problems.

J

[stillhere]

There has and is and on going discussion and we are learning more about this Pilot Program at the atlanta RO. This pilot program at the start is coming across to me as a help for claims for increase where you have your private doc notes to submit or you are being seen at a VAMC. The VCCA would still be enforce because these are claims for increase. This program is looking to cut out the need for reduntant C&Ps and just going on the medical notes records being submitted.

The way I see this scenario is a veteran who is already rated for a disability applys for an increase and sends in his records and the file would only need to be based on the notes of record and the doc's notes and the increase would go direct RO after review.

[MikeR]

At the end of the day the VA is a paper mountain, and it requires a lot of people. If we make it more efficient then we might have to let some of those people go, and that is not going to happen. Everyone has an incentive to make the job that they do appear valuable.

[BMCS00]

With the VCAA letter, there is a 30 day timeframe to submit additional evidence attached to it. If you have submitted all the evidence, there is no need for additional time, right?

I think it's worth a shot.

--Jim

Life is good! :)

[halos2]

Applying, submitting, and processing sounds good but ultimately one would get a dumb azz rater who only wants their bonus for denying, rather than granting. The VARO's are not about to put granting in the hands of vets/no way/no how. They just want to publish "their so called plans" and sound goody goody to the public.

If true I would be the first to proceed, however, I have already proceeded and sent them all copies of civilian treatments dating back to early 70's. This was years ago up to last year and got a remand.....