The More I Read, the Angrier I Become

[Sgt. Wilky]

I've been slowly reading through my BVA decision that I received last Friday; and I have been making notes and comparing with the referenced 38CFR notes from the judges. The more I read of their decisions and grants and comparing it with the Denver RO denial after denial ad nauseum, the angrier I get. I'm now getting a more clear idea of the scope of how bad the RO had screwed me over and the utter lack of competence from the C&P exams through the decision making process that seems to be the norm at VBA. There is no other way to describe either the lack of training and understanding of the system or the outright deceit of the this agency as nothing but criminal. There is no other way of describing what happened to me and obviously happens to so many other veterans out there, except as criminal. The abuse that I've uncovered-just in 27 pages of my decision-outlines just how out of touch the VA is, and how much despair this system is in.

In my very ill-informed opinion, the judges have done a real good job at explaining their decisions; even though I may not agree with a few. The grants I did receive, were very clearly referenced and their application and reasoning are well thought out. I went from a 30% D.V. to a 60%-70% veteran and I am owed literally almost a $100k in back pay. Lord have Mercy! When can I expect that? I'm literally sick to my stomach with the stress of receiving that kind of pay.

Semper Fi!

Wilky

Edited October 26, 2015 by Sgt. Wilky
Thanks VYNC!

[pwrslm]

problem is, the RO says that 12% of its claims reach BVA

 

most Vets take a no, and go away

 

go figure, as complex as the VARO makes claims, its no wonder that they don't want face to face contact at the VHA where the vets can show them facts

They should make VBA representatives a part of the VHA system.  One in every PACT.

[Chuck75]

problem is, the RO says that 12% of its claims reach BVA

 

most Vets take a no, and go away

 

go figure, as complex as the VARO makes claims, its no wonder that they don't want face to face contact at the VHA where the vets can show them facts

They should make VBA representatives a part of the VHA system.  One in every PACT.

"They should make VBA representatives a part of the VHA system.  One in every PACT."

Too often, just adding another level in the process is the VA's answer, as well as that for many of the other bureaucratic entities in and outside of the government.

[pwrslm]

Not just add to it, but cut it out at the VARO level.  Force them to come to the vet and help fully document the claims (as a non adversarial agent working for the vet) before the claim is sent to the final review.  This would encircle the gathering evidence and prep for decision phase.  They could also council vets if there is no reasonable grounds or basis for a claim to succeed on.

Face it, a huge number of appeals are based on problems and errors that could and should be resolved at the lowest level of the process.  75% is a lot, and by doing this, they could cut that number dramatically.

Edited October 27, 2015 by pwrslm

[Vync]

When we were in the military, if we screwed to this degree we would end up spending our day doing push ups, scrubbing garbage cans, picking up trash, or they take a chunk out of our paychecks. Perhaps it is time to start implementing this type of punishment for irresponsible VA staff. The BVA needs to inform the RO of what is being missed and take steps to change it. When the VA screws up like this, the very least they could do is include a formal letter of apology instead of the usual stoic award letter.

[Navy04]

Congrats on the good news, and sounds like you guys have a good plan

[pwrslm]

When we were in the military, if we screwed to this degree we would end up spending our day doing push ups, scrubbing garbage cans, picking up trash, or they take a chunk out of our paychecks. Perhaps it is time to start implementing this type of punishment for irresponsible VA staff. The BVA needs to inform the RO of what is being missed and take steps to change it. When the VA screws up like this, the very least they could do is include a formal letter of apology instead of the usual stoic award letter.

We got Article 15's too.  Legal way to screw with your money and time.  There really should be a means to punish incompetence in the VHA and VBA.