Nod Or Request For An Increase?

[JohnO]

My claims file was transferred from Columbia, SC Regional to Houston Regional in February, 2011. I met with an American Legion service officer today to discuss some deferred claims. I also asked the AL service officer how to request increases in current awards based on new medical evidence. I want to share some information that might be beneficial to others about NODs, requests for increases, and the claims process in Houston.

I have specific medical evidence that will increase my current benefits. I asked the American Legion service officer if I should file an NOD or if I should request my file be reviewed based on new evidence. He said the current wait time in Houston if an NOD is filed is about 4 years. He said that it is best to request a review based on new evidence.

He also said the wait time for a C&P in Houston is about 8 months. This is not too bad but my wait time in the Columbia, SC region (Charleston VA hospital) from the time I initially filed claims to the time C&Ps were scheduled was six weeks.

I asked about the current status of my C-file that is now in the hands of Houston Regional. He told me that my file had been transferred from Columbia to Houston mid-February of 2011 and it was in limbo, had not been assigned and therefore was not being worked. We're now working on getting my file assigned and worked.

I know the question of whether to file an NOD or to file for a request for an increase has been asked. I hope that some of this is helpful.

[Philip Rogers]

A NOD if won will use the original claim date. If you request an increase, they will use the new date as thhe date for the increase. I always recommend a NOD, as it could offer retro funds. jmo

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