Help!

[BFR]

I was finally able to get into eBenefits and found what I expected to find; that my Gulf War Illness claim has been waiting for a decision for over a year. Apparently they've spent more than a year "review it to make sure we have everything we need to make an informed decision."

Is that within the norm? I understand that things take time and the resources are limited, but all I filed for are conditions in the GWI "presumptives" list (with what I think is an awesome IMO) that is written in the "VA speak" that Dr Bash recommended ( it's full of phrases like "more likely than not" type of stuff).

The IMO I sent is from a board certified in Internal Medicine saying "He has CFS. He has IBS. He has FM. And all of them are more likely than not directly related to military service." Do they really need a year to decide?

I'm getting worse and need to get this service connected so I can get VA treatment my private medical bills are huge. Should I get a rep to go to the VARO in Waco to find out what needs to happen? If I do that will it push me to the back of the line?

Please, any advice is most welcome.

From the eBenefits page:

Open Claims

Claim Date Claim Type Claim Status Is Your Attention Needed?

2010-08-24 Compensation Decision Phase No

Details on your Compensation claim received on 2010-08-24

• Regional Office of Jurisdiction: Waco
• Power of Attorney: TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION
• Status: Decision Phase
  Where Should You Send What We Need?
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  Regional Office
  One Veterans Plaza
  701 Clay Avenue
  Waco, TX 76799
  
  
  Contentions
  
  • Gulf War Syndrome
  • 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]

If his/her evidence is good, there may not be a C&P. Ive had an increase once with no C &P, based on evidence that Id already presented.

You said you have not received any requests for C&P exam? If that is correct, you need to expect that. They always request a C&P exam - then you will get a decision usually in a couple of months after the C&P

[retiredat44]

Some of the very best advice that I ever got on this site was that sitting around thinking, worrying about a claim and/or appeal will only get you depressed and sick. That advice was to get a hobby, involved in your community and/or veterans issues. No one knows when a claim/appeal will be settled, and no one can speed them up. JMHO.

Papa

MY problem is that waiting is bringing closer to death... there is no cure, they told me the next time I get an infection they will remove my pancreas, but since i have complications, it pretty much means a lot of misery!, then shortly after, a horrible death...

so, that adice of just suck it up and wait doesn't work with me.. and yes, I have already seen the head doctors and they know... the va is evil when it comes to people who are very sick... they just round file you and if you die first, well, it's F-U!

but there is one question I have not asked, or if I have I forgot, or not got an good answer..

Does anyone that is powerful read these forums? I mean people who can actually push VA buttons?

Powerful means they are more equal than the rest of us and make bad people do the right thing?

Edited November 4, 2011 by retiredat44

[stillhere]

MY problem is that waiting is bringing closer to death... there is no cure, they told me the next time I get an infection they will remove my pancreas, but since i have complications, it pretty much means a lot of misery!, then shortly after, a horrible death...

so, that adice of just suck it up and wait doesn't work with me.. and yes, I have already seen the head doctors and they know... the va is evil when it comes to people who are very sick... they just round file you and if you die first, well, it's F-U!

but there is one question I have not asked, or if I have I forgot, or not got an good answer..

Does anyone that is powerful read these forums? I mean people who can actually push VA buttons?

Powerful means they are more equal than the rest of us and make bad people do the right thing?

Can't answer your question but, I just sent this to my senator's email box!