Authorization Step

[deanbrt]

I have read postings on this that vary. A decision on my IU claim was made Dec. 20. I think I was advised via IRIS Dec., 23 or so that it was waiting to be "authorized". I then received a phone call from the VARO Dec. 30 that it was in "Authorization" and the next step would be a letter to my POA and, after they responded, a letter would be sent to me.

Reading the VA Flow Chart I have some perception on what that might mean but I guess it depends on how the word is being used. What I do know is that it has been there almost a month. Any insight would be appreciated.

"The "Authorization Team" is actually the Post - Determination Team. Post is the final step in the processing of a claim.

After the Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) has made a decision, the claims folder should be sent to the POA (i.e. American Legion, DAV, etc…) for review if the veteran has elected a representative. Normally, the POA has two days to return the file to the Post-Determination Team. If a veteran has not elected a POA naturally, it will go directly to the Post - Determination Team.

Once the claim is received at Post - Determination Team, the goal is to have the award promulgated (the award is entered into the award program VETSNET or BDN and the notification letter is prepared) within seven days from the date of the rating decision. This is accomplished by a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) assigned to the Post-Determination Team. The VSR is also responsible to review the claims folder to ensure that all issues have been addressed and to take appropriate actions if necessary.

The VSR then passes the promulgated award to an authorizer. This person is a Senior VSR at a GS-11 or GS-12 level. The goal now is to have the award authorized with five days from the date of promulgation. The SVSR is also responsible to ensure that all issues have been addressed and if required return the award and/or notification letter back to the VSR for corrections.

Just as in life sometimes things do go as planned. I've seen on a few occasions where management will shift the priorities for a VSR or SVSR or even the entire team in order to work on another pressing and or hot issue at hand.

The reason why the phone representative couldn't tell you a % is things could change due to an error found by the POA, VSR, or SVSR. It's rare but it has happened. I know I wouldn't be too happy to be told by the phone unit that I was rated at 50% then a week later get the notification letter saying it was rated at 40%."