Dependent Backlog

[eddingtons]

I am very fortunate that I was awarded 70% SC for Bi-Polar just three months after applying in 2010. I was also very fortunate to have that bumped to 100% just one year later and my wife and most children added without a hitch.

It took six months to have two children added as some how their birth certificates were put in the wrong data base and everytime a representative looked at my claim it appeared as if everything was correct when in reality two children were missing. It took a trip to Louisville and someone manually walking a file to a supervisor to have correction made and then all things were great..

Until one of those two children turned 18 in August of 2012. I submitted the paperwork four times saying she was still in high school. Yet every time I called it was not showing until I had my KY dept of Veteran affairs fax it in..now it shows that it was received but I still have not received compensation for her since she fell off after turning 18.

I had my claim reviewed for a hospitalization and she was not added back, I also had another child born in 2012 who was added but she was not put back on...why look at one part of a claim but not the other.

Now this child is applying to college so I will have to submit more paperwork showing that she is still in school. I have not had her added back for high school yet I have to show proof that she is in college.

How can I get her added and stop her from constantly falling off. I understand that there are much more pressing issues than a simple dependent add but shouldn't they have a seperate dept for simple things like dependent addition/subtractions to free up agents to work on "real" claims? It shows on E-benefits as being in the rating phase. This is not a ratings decision..it is merely adding back a child that was already listed on the claim.

Edited May 5, 2013 by eddingtons

[Wms]

I'm sorry. Intially, I put my dependents in at the same time of the claim on the form 21-686c. Then had to add my dependents shortly after my intial award in June 2012 (again). I am constantly getting the run around, with the same old blah blah. I don't understand why this process is soo long. I understand the backlog of claims. I just don't understand what is the hold up on back pay for dependents. I have twins who will turn 18 in January of next year. It is so frustrating to know that there is a possibility that the VA will take them off as a dependent until I furnish more information of enrollment. My children are still in high school, until June of next year.

[jcdODU]

It has been a year since I turned in the paperwork for the dependent claim. I have called the VA 3 times in the last 3 months. The VA given deadline was given between May and Sept of 2003.

Contacting my reps in the state of VA seemed to work for enforcement of the Mil Act. It still took a year of being billed and vilified by Sentara Hospitals. Same old story I'm sure.

Plenty of issues.

I will never give up. I will never give in.

[Loose Cannon]

Again let me state this for everyone.

Dependant issues are ancillary benefits and are not. I repeat are not claims.

Dont give in to these Regional offices treating them like claims because they are not.

These can be done in a matter of 10 minutes and the VA is just sitting on them.

Contact your reps and explain this to them/ Treating ancillary benefits like claims is a no no.

J

Basser- When you say contact your reps do you mean our local politicians or our claim service reps (DAV, MOPH, AM LEG, etc.)?? I am a bit confused on how to move forward myself. Thanks!

[Loose Cannon]

Anyone care to take a stab at answering this?

Thanks,

LC

[Motherof3]

My dependent claim was completed after my LAST compensation claim was completed. Very low priority. Very stupid policy and/or procedure. IJS......

[Loose Cannon]

I agree. Bigger fish to fry & battles ahead to fight so right now, I'm resigned to this as just one more obstacle in life. Trying my hardest to let it go and move on but it 'aint so easy :-)

LC