Going To The Ro

[Susan]

I am making my first trip to the RO on Monday morning. I already know to get the date and time stamp on all documents that I hand deliver and get copies. I am hoping to physically look at my deceased husbands C-file. I do not have an appointment. This is Waco RO. Does anyone think that might happen? Any tips on how to handle the situation if they automatically try to discourage me from seeing the C-file. It is a three hour drive to the RO. I want to be prepared for what might ruin my chances and what might help. One post had mentioned OIG if all else fails. Do I ask for the phone number of OIG or do I need that before I go?

Should be an A/O Nehmer widow (but not recognized yet). Will be soon. Will be grateful for any help. Thanks!!

[brokensoldier244th]

If you have a claim in process, do you really want them to pull your file out of where ever it is, just so you can look at it? That is why most RO's want you to call ahead, because your file is not in a state that is accessible to you, because its in the middle of the claim process.

[S.Hardin]

Are you sure it is actually at the Waco RO and not stored offsite somewhere?

I'd call one of the service organizations to verify where the folder is, and then have them pull it for you to review.

[john999]

I would call ahead and make an appointment to see the file. If you only want some limited information they may do some copies for you. If you are just starting the claims process now is the time to get the copies.

[Pete53]

Susan:

Waco is fairly Vet friendly. Once you get past the guards who inspect your purse and run you through metal detector take a hard left and there is a counter. Just tell them what you want.

If you have submitted a claim they probably will have Don's C File available and will review it with you. They even will make copies of key pages if you ask.

They are pretty organized and unless it is at someone's desk they will be able to get it for you as soon as they have a Councillor available to review it with you.

Good Luck

[Susan]

Thanks all and especially to Pete. Good instructions. Some thing that I didn't think about also was the purse. I can make it easier for the guards to inspect than what I normally carry to work all the time. I feel better about the trip now. I am open to any other thoughts, concerns or comments as this might help anyone else that will be going to their RO. In my case, they just want me to go away :)

I went with Don to a hearing at Waco with the Washington BVA or whatever that was. Seems like it was around 1995, but alot of that trip is forgotten by now.

[carlie]

I've never been to or used WACO VARO - but I think I would

want to try and see if I could set up an appointment.

That's mandatory at St. Pete, Fl. VARO.