Claim Closed 3 Weeks Ago Still No Communication From Varo

[his.sparrow]

Through email and phone correspondence with IRIS I have discovered that my 8 month old claim was "CLOSED OUT" on 5 NOV 2010. Today is 27 NOV 2010 and 3 full weeks later I have not received payment or the big brown envelope. Am I being ignorant to assume that the terminology "Closed Out" meant that the claim had been completed in entirety. I would be grateful for any suggestions, comments, or explanations. Why does it take so long to find out the verdict after all the 'hard work' and decisions have been made?

[EODCMC]

Was there ever any resolution to the claim that was closed inadvertently?

[his.sparrow]

Does anyone know how many days the VARO is required by policy/law to respond after the Claim has been closed? What are the steps they take after the claim is closed?

[carlie]

They don't have a time limit, there is no 38 CFR reg to mandate this.

[71M10]

VA closed a claim of mine out (well the tried) without any notification of the decision. They mistakenly thought that I had not responded to the requirement to file my form 9 and since the deadline was passed they closed it out. After I forwarded a copy of the correspondence from VA that extended that deadline they promptly re-opened it.

I would suggest you send them a written request for a copy of the decision. It is possible that somehow somone administratively closed your claim without making a decision (un-likely but possible). A written request for a copy of the decision might help them find that error and they will then correct it.

However, 3 weeks isn't a long time in VA terms. My last decision took them 6 weeks to notify me. If IRIS or the 1800 wrong answer line tell you it is in notification or approval all is well- they are just processing it at VA pace.

Best regards,

Tyler

[jbasser]

When they close a claim, does this mean a decision has been reached?. more than likely it does. It also means that if an award is made, there is a period of signoff time by the VSCM and possible QA review.

Now if you have a VSO who is any good, you should be able to contact them and ask them to check it at the RO.

The Big Boys, DAV, AL, (ETC) all have offices int he same building as the RO and can walk over to check.

I had a similar issue and finally one person did jut that, but I had to twist his arm.

JBAsser

[Pete53]

If you can go to the VARO and talk to someone face to face.