The Big Question Out There

[JHawks]

I know this is probably an insane question but here goes..............

Now that Nehmer claims have been being worked since 10/2010 and all the other "Priority" claims have helped bog things down, once a "Normal", run of the mill, one item claim reaches the "Decision Phase", what kind of a time frame are we looking at for completion?

My claim for just one item hit the "Decision Phase" on 1/20/11, 31 days ago. Is it real to expect them to complete it in the next week or two or are we looking at a much longer window?

I'm NOT complaining at all. I know the rules. Go fishing, get a hobby or have a beer and relax. Just curious what the recent track record has been for those whose claims have been in "Decision Phase" for a non-priority claim and how long it took to complete.

[Veldrina]

suspense dates can be postponed, but the clock keeps ticking from the original datestamp. Eventually it becomes an "iover a yr case", then past 400 days case, etc.

CB,

Your claim will probably be assigned a suspense date - but the suspense date can easily be changed.

The suspense dates aren't carved in stone to be rated by that date.

[rakkwarrior]

Zeldrina,

VA gets hit on production and percentages, management is rated in part on that basis. Giving notice to a coach that a case is nearing the 1YR mark is a tool, as is having it worked on OT.

Is is your RO ambivalent to that type of suggestion?

[rakkwarrior]

Sorry for the Z...on my cell right now.

[hawkfire27]

I had a conversation with a VA rep the other day that explained the process to me like this.

* 0-30days for initial evaluation and development on a one item first time claim where the team organizes c&ps needed and requests records.

* 30-60 days to be assigned a rating (at the rater who reviews the initial development info to make sure it is correct and includes everything it is supposed to and assign a rating based on the info)

* 30-90 to be adjudicated (after rating an adjudicator must review all info and proposed rating to make sure it confirms to law and procedure and decides the claim)

* 0-30 days for award to be calculated and granted or not.

Of course depending on volume and staff availibility this can change, but the rep told me this is the usual wait times and processes for a one item first time claim. The rep also said the part of the process that is most often drawn out is the initial 0-30 day evaluation and development process, because of scheduling for C&P's and waiting for private records and release of information records.

The lady told me also that every time a veteran sends in new information the claim goes back to the beginning (development) and the process has to start all over again. The best bet is to have everything included at the beginning, and when they request further information to just let the window pass unless they are requesting specific records or important information like family members, normally the request for information is a standard letter they send at the end of the development phase to make sure that you have sent them everything. They will still rate the claim based on the information you have already sent. At least this is what the rep told me.

Edited February 28, 2011 by hawkfire27

[john999]

Those dates are a dream. You are trying to make sense out of a crazy situtation. RELAX!

[deanbrt]

Agree. Mine was a 3 time remand with priority and appears to have been in development for months...

Those dates are a dream. You are trying to make sense out of a crazy situtation. RELAX!