Decision Phase For 10 Months

[masters101]

My wife has been waiting in the Decision phase for almost 10 months on her current claim. We have been checking in with ebenefits for the last 9 months and there does not seem to be any movement. According to ebenefits web site she is in level 2 and they have all the information they need and simply are waiting on her file to be rated.

This is direct from ebenefits: Next Steps: Your claim is currently located with our rating activity. We will review it to make sure we have everything we need to make an informed decision. If we have everything we need, we will prepare a proposed decision on your claim.

The length of time it takes to complete the Decision Phase depends on several factors, such as the type of claim filed, complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. The Decision Phase is completed on most claims between 16 and 28 days. The number of days provided is a national average of time claims spend in the Decision phase based on data at the end of May 2010. Please be advised that a claim may take longer in this phase based on the specifics of your claim.

[brokensoldier244th]

I've had an SMC-k claim in decision for almost 3 months, and the ED was already rated. Those estimate numbers are based on a sample of some RO's from 2010. Your RO may be in a different universe.

[Guest]

My wife has been waiting in the Decision phase for almost 10 months on her current claim. We have been checking in with ebenefits for the last 9 months and there does not seem to be any movement. According to ebenefits web site she is in level 2 and they have all the information they need and simply are waiting on her file to be rated. This is direct from ebenefits: Next Steps: Your claim is currently located with our rating activity. We will review it to make sure we have everything we need to make an informed decision. If we have everything we need, we will prepare a proposed decision on your claim.

The length of time it takes to complete the Decision Phase depends on several factors, such as the type of claim filed, complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. The Decision Phase is completed on most claims between 16 and 28 days. The number of days provided is a national average of time claims spend in the Decision phase based on data at the end of May 2010. Please be advised that a claim may take longer in this phase based on the specifics of your claim.

Checking ebenefits is one thing but when was the last time your wife contacted VA by the 800# or by Iris? I am told Iris is a little better because you have a paper trail you can follow. It sound like your wife need to contact VA.

Edited June 24, 2011 by pete992

[bobbyq]

For what it is worth, I have several claims pending and FINALLY got a direct call from VARO and they told me that ALL claims are on hold EXCEPT the Nehmer claims. Ischemic Heart is ALL they are working on. That is what I was told and some of my claims are OVER a year old, all is done just no determinations. I am at a loss at what we can do???? Sorry

[Pete53]

bobbyq:

Perhaps that is true for your RO but I have seen many awards on Hadit in last couple of months that were for ratings besides IHD.

[masters101]

Thanks for the heads up on potential VA delays. We don't have any problem with delays as long as we are told something. We check eBenefits weekly and have sent a letter to the VA office in Reno and got a standard letter back. We are busy but we will get to your case ASAP. There was no mention of working on old VA related cases. I checked again today and still in status 2 on eBenefits.