Finally

[WVSERVER]

I finally received the form letter from VA Huntington that they received my app for benefits. It’s there desire to give me a prompt decision but the are seriously back logged which could cause a delay. Plus they are evaluating rather or not more evidence is needed.

I know it just a form letter but a least I know they received it. Now I am praying they only take a few months. However I know it un-realistic to expect anything from them before the 18month mark.

[carlie]

Yes, you're right it is an initial claim.

I have a feeling (with it being your original claim) that a decision

won't take as long, as many of the claims you will read about.

It is my belief, that once we enter the appeals level - that's when

the brakes get applied.

[chucknewcomb]

when you see claims going on forever and ever they have all been appealed at least once

I predict 6-8 months for your claim

I am starting a new one today so i am gonna predict a decision by end of oct

[COOL BREEZE]

I checked the E-benefits site and it shows all 3 initial claims of mine took 8-9 months per claim from start to finish. That is what I am going to use as a baseline even with a claim at the rating level.

[john999]

Claims really start to take time when they get into the RO/BVA/Remand cycle. It is good to get it at lowest level, but not always possible. When you have lots of potential retro at stake that is when things slow down for many. The VA will wait you out with hopes you may die first. I believe they do this with A&A claims for elderly widows and those in nursing homes.

[carlie]

Something to keep in mind is that a vet / vba claimant

only has the opportunity to file ONE ORIGINAL CLAIM.

[john999]

Yes, every claim after that is a claim for an increase. This is good since you don't have to reinvent the wheel each time. For instance, I file a new AO claim. It is a claim for an increase.