C-File In Limbo

[mike6113]

Over 2 weeks ago went for a second C&P exam at Va Hospital in NYC. My DRO is still waiting for it to come back to him so it can be rated and completed. After a six year wait on my appeal and many exams this feels like an eternity. So today I call the hospital itself and was told it was sent back to RO in NYC a week ago. Then the gentleman tells me that it is probably in the mailroom at RO and no one has opened it yet . C'mon , I know we all have waited and waited for many things from the VA but this seems excessive ! Can I go to RO personally and ask for it and take it up myself ? Or can someone offer advice on how to get them to open the mail ? As always thanks for all the advice.

[mike6113]

WOW that would suck ! But I have the same feeling. The CP exams taken the end of last month also for my heart { SVT and A-fib } and GERD. Both secondary to PTSD. I am 10 % for tinnitus. I am wondering if the 10% will stay separate from the VA formula and added on to whatever the award is.

[GatorNavy]

Let's come to grips with terminology for your understanding and so the people here are better poised to help you.

DRO - Decision Review Officer (VARO) who is deciding your appealed claim

VSO - Veteran Service Officer is the one working your claim that you gave a special power of attorney to.

SOC - Statement of the Case which contains denied items or partial grants

The DRO will send out the SOC explaining what was denied. If there is a partial grant the rating specialist will get the SOC and do a Rating Decision. The rating decision takes longer to do then the SOC. But you should get both in the mail at the same time unless everything was denied then you will only get a SOC. Simply because they listed a SOC in ebennies doesn't mean that you won't also be getting a rating decision. It merely indicates that the DRO has finished deciding your appeal. Don't get your hopes up though. A DRO review is all too often just a a rubber stamp of the original decision. I have had two of them and they were just a waste of time. However, if you are not happy with the decision get your form 9 submitted pronto (within 60 days) and get in line at the BVA with your appeal. I could be wrong to some degree as I have only worked my own claims for about four years.

Gator

Edited February 13, 2014 by GatorNavy