6 Months... A Decision Has Been Made.

[LANavyVet81]

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to give some information on my success with getting an increase for some S-C disabilities. My claim was actually held up for 2 months from a VSR at the VA in Los Angeles (Wilshire)- They had said it was filed, but upon checking Ebenefits as he told me to do- 6 weeks later- nothing had shown as filed. So I took it upon myself to walk it into the federal building myself and low and behold that following Monday it showed up on eB's... as filed on the date I walked it in.

This is the second time I have attempted to allow the VA's reps assist me and every time they screw it up. *smh* So for me no VSR/ VSO's I just can't... I would like to trust them, but it seems when i try to let them "just do their job" they don't. go figure.

ANYWAY.

3/14/2014 - Claim for increase was filed (FDC)... (currently 40%)

6/20 - QTC exam

7/3 - VA received QTC results (eB::: Development letter sent)

8/01- VA magically lost original claim paperwork

8/2- Uploaded claim paperwork through eBenefits

8/15- VA confirmed they had received the original paperwork uploaded. (eB::: moved to Preparation for decision)

9/15 - EBenefits reflected claim closed/complete (Decision notification sent/ development letter sent/ appeal possible)

9/16 - A8 (Benefit Summary) reflected my new rating (60%)

9/17TODAY- Called Peggy and got the callback option and my call was returned within 30 minutes. The woman who assisted for verification purposes informed me that it was complete, she cannot tell me what the decision is- however, you have retro pay authorized for Sept. 15th. Below 3K which is fine by me- anything is better than nothing- So now I am waiting for my retro to hit my bank and the BBE. (Big Brown Envelope)

and tomorrow 9/18 is my birthday- at least I can enjoy it knowing my claim has indeed been handled 1 day short of the 6 month mark. Keep the faith and stay on top of your paperwork.I agree with most, which is your timeline totally depends on what you're claiming and ensuring you are making your appointments, sending in documentation requested ASAP, and do not forget to FOLLOW UP! Technology cannot be trusted sometimes lol... If it says uploaded that's fine, but 2 days later I will cll anyway because, I need a human telling me they have gotten it. Hopefully you all are getting some quicker decisions as well. Looking forward to interacting with you all.

[lotzaspotz]

I believe a letter to whatever agency your VSR worked for describing the situation (no editorial, just the facts), copied to your Congressional reps might be in order. There should be some accountability for the fact that he/she cost you six weeks, although had it not been for your taking the initiative, it could have been much worse.

Edited September 17, 2014 by lotzaspotz

[cham1968]

Congratulations! No-one loves you LIKE YOU!

Ooh Rah

[ctbenja1015]

Congrats!

[LANavyVet81]

Thank you the BBE came in today! :) However i will have to file a NOD- because they claim I withdrew my depression in May- when I most certainly didn't. Why would I if I have to take meds for it every day? O_o Gotta love the VA and those dirty little tricks they like to play. Either way, I'm still ecstatic. :)

[georgiapapa]

Congratulations and good luck to you.