Fdc Claims Processing

[harleyman]

This past couple of weeks the VA has changed the way FDC claims are processed. We have just received more training and Fast Letters and emails on the FDC claims processing. These FDC claims were originally processed by the special ops team, then they were moved to the express teams. As FDC claims have increased, partially because the word is out that they move more quickly, but mainly because VA has been working with the VSOs, asking them to "push" FDC claims. The number of new claims filed as FDC claims has skyrocketed.

The FDC claims are now making up about 29% of all new claims filed. The VA has moved the FDC claims where they will be worked by all teams depending on the issues claimed. And they will have priority status on all teams.

1 to 2 issues only -worked by Express Team - called quick easy claims- usually less experienced VSR/RVSRs

3 or more issues (and /or all issues of IU and DM) - worked by the more experienced CORE team

FDC that includes priority processing such as homeless, MST,TBI - worked by the Special Ops Team, handles special issues

All teams will work these claims as a priority with working toward a 90 days completion average. (remember average) some will take longer than others for sure. This is based on the amount of development needed on the Federal side. There is no development on the Veteran's side in an FDC claim. Once you file the claim you cannot send in any other information or respond to any letters the VA sends you about your claim or it will be excluded from the program.

You may have to decide if the information you are being asked for will have an affect the decision, and is it worth pulling the claim from the FDC program in order to get the results you want in the end rating decision. It might take longer for a decision but remember all decisions are ultimately based on the evidence. If VA asks for something and you don't send it because you want a quick decision, you may get a denial because the VA needed more evidence.

Inherently, FDC letters are suppose to be complete when they are submitted with no further involvemnt needed from the Veteran. So if you file a FDC claim, and VA sends you something regarding your claim,, read your correspondance from VA very carefully, and then decide to respond or not to respond. As once you send in addtional information your claim is excluded from the program- H

Edited October 5, 2013 by harleyman

[Snake Eyes]

Come to think of it, there was a FOIA I submitted a few weeks before calling to open my informal. They're listed in eBennies as two separate claims, though. I think they may be beefing over submitting a TDIU and regular contentions together as an FDC. C&Ps next week. For now, I guess I'll just lay here and enjoy it.

[georgiapapa]

The VA could eliminate all the little traps in the FDC process with better communication between the VA and the veterans. Absent an obvious disregard of instructions by a veteran, before the VA removes a veteran's claim from the FDC process, a call should be made from the VA to the veteran in an effort to try to keep the claim in the FDC process. JMO