Called Regional Va Office And Was Told That I Was A Level 7

[3 years to retire]

Has anyone else been placed in a higher level (such as 7) and been advised by the VA that U could only talk to certain employees. I might add there have been no reason given that I was placed in the level 7 category.

I asked for legal advise on this situation. Below is the exchange.

"Sir

I called the VA to check on the status of our appeal. When I got connected with a VA agent, I was told that I was a # 7, and he did not have the authority to speak to me. He took my phone number and said that a VA agent with authority to speak to a level 7 veteran would call me back.

When I got a call back from the VA I was told that they could not tell me why I was placed at level 7 in the system. Also, he told me he could not tell me when I was placed at level 7 in the system

He told me that most of the time it is because the Veteran works for the VA. When I told him that I have never worked at the VA, he could not give me a clue. I was uncomfortable giving my data to him over the phone, since he was the one who called me...my telephone ID the call as coming from the ' VA 1 800 827-1000' but there was no other proof... that he was really from the VA. I have never heard of this before, so I wanted to run it by U.

I was wondering, have U ever heard of this security system by the VA? Can U share with me anything about it?

He did tell me that our appeal was in line for Decision Review Officer (DRO) and it could take anywhere from 6 to 18 months before we hear anything.

Thanks

I wait for your response.

3 years to retire"

"Hello

I think DRO review is what we R waiting for; the "level 7" is assigned for cases as they ascend the system of appeals, and is assigned for a variety of reasons, the first being a former or current employee; BUT there are several other triggers that would result in that assignment; I THINK one of them being just a DRO request (maybe with an attorney rep in the picture, too).

I don't have a source for that information yet; but I do not think it alarming; they're just COVERED UP with appeals, and have to sort them somehow, and maybe this is a new system; I'm too new in the system myself to have run across this designation; but will keep looking!"

[jbasser]

You dont have to work for the VA to be considered a Sensitive 7. You can be a spouse of an employee, A former employee. A contracot or former contractor.

J

[3 years to retire]

You dont have to work for the VA to be considered a Sensitive 7. You can be a spouse of an employee, A former employee. A contracot or former contractor.

J

Yea, I can see that a history of employment to the VA could make for some degree of heighten security, but I, nor my family, have a history of working with the Va, even as a contractor.

U would think that the VA could tell U why they decided to "upgrade" you to a Sensitive 7. There has to be a process for that decision. Even the VA Regional representatives could not (or would not) tell me why or when this 7 was assigned.

thanks

[Papa]

I am sensitive seven, and thought that it was a bad thing. Well, if you call IRIS, you will get someone who wants you off the phone fast. Be, when she/he sees that you are a sensitive seven they will take down your number and you will get a call from a VA employee that will answer your questions and concerns. They will usually call you back right away.

Papa

[3 years to retire]

I am sensitive seven, and thought that it was a bad thing. Well, if you call IRIS, you will get someone who wants you off the phone fast. Be, when she/he sees that you are a sensitive seven they will take down your number and you will get a call from a VA employee that will answer your questions and concerns. They will usually call you back right away.

Papa

Papa

did the Va explain why you were designated a Sensitive 7 ? Other than a employment connection with the VA, any other reasons given?

Edited February 4, 2011 by 3 years to retire

[Philip Rogers]

I was a level seven for a number of years. The reason had to do w/having an atty and having a CAVC claim. Even after my CAVC claim was decided I continued at a level seven. My atty recently decided he could no longer help me and I am no longer a seven. Actually, I think it's good, as it means you are being handled by a more competent person.

pr

Edited February 4, 2011 by Philip Rogers

[Papa]

I was a sensitive seven even before I hired an Atty, so it must be that I worked there as a College hire. At first, I thought it was a bad thing, but you do get to talk to an actual VA employee. I would not worry about it.

Papa

Papa

did the Va explain why you were designated a Sensitive 7 ? Other than a employment connection with the VA, any other reasons given?