Ebenefits- Claim Moving

[SSG O]

• Is it possible for a claim to move from Claim received "Phased Completion Date: 12/13/13" then moved to Under Review "Phased Completion Date: 07/18/14" then Preparation For Decision "Phased Completion Date: 08/15/14" and on the same day move to Preparation For Notification "Phase Start Date 08/15/14"?
• When will eBenefit upload Benefit Summary letter?
• Does anyone know if St. Petersburg meeting quota?

[georgiapapa]

Ebenefits is unpredictable. It just depends on when a particular regional office decides to update your claim status. My last claim showed "gathering evidence" for several months then went to "preparation for decision" one day and the next day the status was listed as "preparation for notification." About ten days later, my retro showed up in my direct deposit account and my AB8 & AB3 letters showed up on ebenefits. A few days later I received my official notification in the mail. Different people have had different experiences with ebenefits but most will probably agree that you never know what to expect with ebenefits.

Good luck.

[SSG O]

gorgiapapa thank you for the response. I just wish that a tool develop for Veterans would have more info and access, and the 1800 is useless.

[georgiapapa]

There are too many layers of bureaucracy in the VA disability claims process. In my opinion, the biggest problem with the VA disability claims system is communication or the inability to communicate with a live person who has immediate access to your file and the ability to answer any questions (without reading scripted responses) you may have regarding your claim. This would resolve so many problems that currently exist.

[SSG O]

you are correct on that statement. Why is it when in uniform you could call any office and speak with a Soldier/Airmen/Sailor/Marine and can get a response to a question and even get more info wanted if you built a rappor. You call the 1800 number and you get someone from another state who may have never had served read a pre-scripted response. It's frustrating that you cannot even get a number to the regional office.

[SSG O]

wow just check eBenefits and my claim went back to Pending Decision Approval "Phase Restart Date: 08/16/2014 "Change of Status: We determined that your claim needed additional review. If additional evidence is needed from you, you will receive a letter from us explaining what is needed".I didn't even know that they worked on weekends.

• Is this a good thing or Bad?????????

[georgiapapa]

Hard to say. It could be good or bad. I don't know how much retro you anticipate but it is my understanding that any retro over $25,000. requires review and approval from a higher level employee in the RO. Hopefully you will hear good news.

Good luck to you.

[SSG O]

Almost had a heart attack in the mailbox, VA brown envelope was in the mailbox to bad it was for my wife. Still no good news from VA.

[SSG O]

Well it seem that my claim is moving as of today. Saturday eBenefits was reporting Pending Decision Approval "Phase Restart Date: 08/16/2014 "Change of Status: We determined that your claim needed additional review. If additional evidence is needed from you, you will receive a letter from us explaining what is needed". Friday it was reporting Preparation For Notification "Phase Start Date 08/15/14". And now it's Preparation for Notification "Phase Start Date 08/18/2014". Is this normal for Ebennies to move up and down like this???

Edited August 18, 2014 by SSG O (see edit history)

[georgiapapa]

That's great news.

[veteran7796]

Yeah, mine keeps going back and forth even though my VSO said a decision has already been made and he read the notes on my claim. In addition, I spoke to a rater who confirmed the same thing. However, they are still reviewing something. Im hoping they are just looking at everything to see if anything else needs increased (yeah right).

But, that actually isnt too far off because of the recent VA issues. Two people at my job (vets) received calls from the VA without even having filed anything and were informed their cases were being looked over and they scheduled them for exams.

So...who knows?

Edited August 18, 2014 by veteran7796 (see edit history)

[SSG O]

Thank you, leaving it in the Almighty hands. Any idea how long does it take for it to move to the Notification Phase? Or when i'm able to see it in my documents?

[SSG O]

Veteran7796 how did you get in touch with a rater?

[georgiapapa]

Hard to say for sure but I would start checking ebenefits daily for your AB8 letter with your rating decision. Also check your direct deposit account for your retro pay. Hopefully you will have your rating decision notification within the next couple of weeks or sooner.

[SSG O]

Georgiapapa is it normal for you to get Retro pay prior to AB8 letter?

[georgiapapa]

It is possible. While waiting for my rating notification, I was checking ebenefits almost daily. Then one day I received an e-mail deposit alert for my direct deposit account. I checked my account and discovered a $34,000. deposit made by the VA. I immediately checked ebenefits and discovered I had an updated AB8 letter showing 100% P & T.

Good luck.

[veteran7796]

SSG O,

It was a favor from a friend of a close friend. I swore not give out the number because that person would obvisouly be inundated with calls. For the record, there is nothing this person can "do" for me so to speak in terms of getting me a better or favorable decision because they arent handling my claim and it isnt even in the same state. All the call did was give me specific information about what is actually going on with my claim and it was reassurance...nothing more.

[SSG O]

georgiapapa I don't think i'll be lucky as you, but i'll keep my fingers cross and hope for the best.

[SSG O]

veteran7796 roger got a few buddies myself that work at VA but not in the state i reside in. But i do bug them from now and then for info. Right now i'm hoping that i can get something back from VA.

[Navy04]

Could be good or bad, but either way atleast your claim is moving bud. Good luck and keep us posted.

[SSG O]

Let hope it positive and not negative, if so i have a DAV Rep standing by to go war for me.