Fully Developed Claim Program (Fdc)

[Cm Burns]

I wanted to ask if this program is still being used by the va. I am under the Atlanta VARO and i put a file in for the rev program buts its gone. So I am looking to see if this program is still around and does it speed up the process any before I resend my docs.

Please advise

thnx

[cooter]

If your talking about Rapid evaluation Veterans Claims, then I'm not sure what to tell you. I personally havn't heard anything of it for a long time. I'm sure you'll get some better info tomorrow. If I'm not mistaken wasn't the REV a pilot program for the VA to test out and see if it was an advantage for a faster adjudication on claims? Excuse me if I'm wrong.

[broncovet]

CM Burns

It looks like you have "fallen through the cracks". The VA isnt supposed to have initial unadjuticated decisions from 2009. Is it possible you moved and did not give the VA your new address? This seems like the most likely.

Go to your local VAMC and update your address. Many times the VA has you in the computer in mulitiple places..one for VHA, one for VBA, another for Voc Rehab, etc., so make sure the C and P address is up to date.

I would also fire off an IRIS email asking the status, AND call the 800 number, comparing the responses, since they could well be different.

If you have not recieved a decision, be sure to state this in your IRIS email. If the VA has mailed you a (denial) and you did not get it and the one year appeal period expired, there is a regulation that may allow you to appeal and still get the earlier date, if successful. (5103 notice violation). These are often difficult, tho, because it becomes a "he said she said" senario where the VA says they mailed the decision, and you say you did not get it. Most of the time the judges would rely upon the "presumption of regularity"...that is the post office and VA officials said they mailed it, so you should have gotten it. The VA's lawyers will argue that It isnt the VA's fault if you had "stolen" mail, or maybe if you accidently discarded it thinking it was junk mail.

If you did not get any decision, and the VA people say they sent it, ask for a copy. Its not enough to know that you were denied..you need to know the "reasons and bases" to appeal, as well as which issues were decided.

Did you get VCAA letters acknowledging the receipt of your claim? You certainly need to keep those, as they may become critical if you are another "shreddergate" victim.

Are you represented by a Veterans Service Organization, and, if so, which one?

[broncovet]

One more thing, too. If, on the phone (or IRIS), the VA says something like:

"Oh, yes we mailed you that denial on August 1, 2010. You say you didnt get it?"

Then you need to immediately appeal the August 1, 2010 decision and do not wait for the copy of the decision to arrive. Appeal it generically.

Something like this:

Jim Johnson, Veteran 321-00-xxxx

Notice of Disagreement

I disagree with the decision dated August 1, 2010. My first idea that it was denied was a phone call today (July 7, 2011) to the 800 number. While I did not recieve written notice of said decision, I disagree with all issues, (to include any that may have been "deemed denied") and plan to contest the result with a DRO review. Further, I request a copy of said decision be mailed to the address below:

I certify the above is true to the best of my knowledge.

(signed) Jim Johnson, Veteran

1234 Main Street

Hobokken, New Jersey 343434

Phone (123) 456-7890