Jump to content
VA Disability Community via Hadit.com

VA Disability Claims Articles

Ask Your VA Claims Question | Current Forum Posts Search | Rules | View All Forums
VA Disability Articles | Chats and Other Events | Donate | Blogs | New Users

  • hohomepage-banner-2024-2.png

  • 27-year-anniversary-leaderboard.png

    advice-disclaimer.jpg

  • donate-be-a-hero.png

  • 0

Visiting the Regional Office in person, to see the rater...?

Rate this question


K_C

Question

On asknod's recent blog post on VBMS (VBMS–THE NEW ELECTRONIC FRONTIER-PART I) he suggests visiting the RO an attempt to speak to your rater, in person:

"One of the strongest methods I have discovered is to show up at the front desk of your Regional Office and ask to talk to the rater who authored your denial. "

Sounds interesting, but what are the chances that (1) I'll actually get the face-to-face with the rater and (2) that I'll be escorted out of the building by VA MPs as soon as I show up asking to speak to the rater? Okay, so I'm mostly joking on #2, but really, it seems like just another one of those situations where you'll be told to shove off, there's no way, Sir!

I love the idea in concept, but what is the reality of the situation? How many have tried? Succeeded? Any suggestions for success? Any pitfalls to watch out for?

Note: This is about a denial that happened in August in which I was not given a C&P, the decision reason is complete nonsense (gasp!); I now have an IMO that asserts my present condition exists, impacts work, and is more likely than not SC'd; and several new signed sworn declarations. Also, thanks to all who have helped me along the way. It has been invaluable to the successes I have managed to secure. Last post I was on the fence yet again about my VSO. I finally dropped him and obtained a real life attorney.

 

(I've posted this here instead of asking directly so others might benefit from the question. I searched the forums but could not find an answer to all of my questions.)

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Recommended Posts

  • 0

Wow, asknod, you never disappoint. It's worth loitering around here just to see your commentary on the VA, if nothing else.

I decided to go with my attorney's advice on anything appeal-related (basically anything they represent me on). I do my research and I see a lot of great info here and there, but I sought highly-rated legal representation because I felt they could navigate the appeals better than I could, when push came to shove, so that's what I'm going to do--let go and let lawyer. I put the RO visit idea in their court to see what they advise. If they don't oppose it, I'm doing it. I have had success getting mistakes corrected by going up the VA chain before (on the VAMC side), so right now I can't see how this could hurt short of retaliation. If I get the go on the RO visit or advice from my attorney on why it's not a good idea in my case, I will report back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
  • HadIt.com Elder

I have met with VA Rater face to face by asking for a Hearing. In Waco Texas most of the raters hate to face Veterans. However, I have always had good success by showing up and ask to be Counselled   and review C File. The Counsellor has always helped me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0
  • HadIt.com Elder

IMO each RO is different  the people are way different across the country

Pete I use the Waco RO also  and I find them very helpful  Raters Dro's and all  the Staff

I believe a lot of it is ''attitude'' and how you respect them and their territory; 

 

KC let us know what your attorney says for you to do? about going to your RO.

If you do get to go and they let you look over your c-file  be sure and turn over the pages for any information also and also look for any ''scratch notes'' top sheets'' and anything that has writing on it , you maybe very surprised as to whats in it..I was when I got to look through mine.

Someone will stay in the room with you but there not suppose to be looking over your shoulder either,I'm not sure but they may make you copies of anything you need  if not  use your phone and take a close -up pic of any document you need.

Request them to send your c-file to you  with complete records of everything in it before you leave.

if your c-file is not there  request  the form that proves you where there to look at it if it was not there   you need to get your visit documented.(Report of Contact)

I can't remember the form number  they will know...but fill it out make sure you get a stamped date on it.

 

JMO

 

.................Buck

Edited by Buck52
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Guidelines and Terms of Use