Venting

[USCG CWO4]

Two things that I want to vent about.

I had an appeal that was decided in my favor back in September. Still no paper work or retro. DAV tells me to wait a couple of months and if still nothing to call them back.

I have a claim in since last June (2013), did the C& P exam and the VA changed it from an FDC to a regular claim. Had my knee replaced in February. That was added to the existing claim. I had the C&P for that. In June the claim went to PFD, then back to GOE, I needed an updated HIPPA form. Sent that in back in June, still sitting in GOE. I have called the 800 number and they told me to call back every 30 days. Last time I called back the woman on the phone told me I had access to Ebennies and that I should use that to check on my claims, then she proceeded to read me what it said on ebennies, useless. I called the DAV in Sept and spoke to someone other than my nml guy and he looked into it and told me to call back in 30 days if no change. So I called back in Oct and now Nov. This time the DAV told me that it can take awhile for them to decide and that I should be patient. He then told me to call back in 3 months if no change. Hell in three months I will be past the year mark fro my TKR. He told me not to worry cause I would get retro.

If you read this far thank you. I don't expect any answers and I know some others on here have had a worse time with the VA. I just wanted to vent.

Take Care

[georgiapapa]

This is a good place to vent. We understand your frustration.

Good luck to you.

[broncovet]

Welcome to the "expidited" Fully development claim process that Shinseki touted as going to reduce the wait time to 120 days by 2015 with 95% accuracy, that we dont hear anymore from the new Secretary.

I never understood the term "venting". If a woman tells me about her problem I assume she does NOT want me to say things like:

...Gee that is a bad problem..or

Gosh, that's awful...or

You poor thing! or the like.

Instead, if someone goes to the trouble of telling me details about the problem, I assume they want my assistance and not just a "sounding board".

If I went to a car accident and someone was crying "help", I dont think they mean for me to say:

"Gee that looks like a bad accident that probably hurt you tremendously" or

"Wow, Im really sorry this happened to you". or

"I bet that just feels awful".

Instead, I get on the phone, dial 911, and try to pull them out of the car that may catch fire any momemnt. I offer blankets, and maybe water to prevent shock if applicable. I give 911 teams directions and a quick asssesment. In short, I take actions (even tho some could be wrong) and do little or no patronizing. I never did get the "venting" thing.

[broncovet]

Georgiapapa...your answer was much better than mine..!!

[georgiapapa]

broncovet,

I don't think so. You put a lot more thought into your response. I enjoy reading your posts because you tell it like it is.

[Navy4life]

You are your own best advocate - if you don't like where you are at with this - dig and dig and get answers!

Sorry for the frustration you have and all the crap you are going through

[usaf1970]

USCG CWO4 - I totally feel your pain.

My venting is...why is this whole process difficult at all? I know I'm naive here and totally simplifing the problem, but for me...I'd like to call a number or go to an office/doctor/hospital/ (you fill in the blank here)....explain my situation and have someone tell me "yes you are eligible, please fill out this paperwork" or "no you are not eligible, have a nice day". I feel like I'm following this VA Claims process, bogging down the system for TRUE heroes who deserve benefits and need help more than me....all because this process is like chinese arthimetic. Or maybe I'm just feeble minded...but navigating ebenefits, keeping track of the paper trail, following up on calls to the VA - that is IF by the grace of GOD you are lucky enough to get a call through to the VA, all the crap I have to go through to submit this claim on top of taking care of life. It's all overwelming.

Then to find out the VA will deny benefits because you didn't follow a process correctly, or some other technicality...its disgraceful. I thank God I do not have PTSD and have to deal with the VA.

Anyway, I'll stop before I get all riled up. Best of luck to everyone here trying to get help they need and deserve.