Retro Pay: How long is too long?

[allansc2005]

Though this question does apply to me, I'm sure it's a question MANY vets have.

 

Won a CUE and IU effective January, 27th, 2017 via formal RO review.

My case falls under the "3 signature" rule, which means the retro entails more than 25K, and is expected to take a "little" while longer.

American Legion rep said "look for the retro in a month or so from the decision date(above), and that big white envelope a few weeks later; Ebenefits entry for the approval is anyone's guess..."

 

Called the rep back in March, his answer "The VA is way behind on these things, give it another month" Mid April I called the VA's 800 number and was told "Your case is in Washington DC right now...so we can't tell you a completion date..."

 

Today is May 1st, 2017; So 3 months, one week and 4 days later since my decision date, and no retro, no white envelope, no Ebenefits entry.

 

Now, before I ask the topic question, let me ask this question: Cases that involve three signatures, what's the "path", where do these cases go, and is there a mandatory time line the VA has to complete these types of case? OH, by the way, I've had NO monthly pay increase as well.

Yes, yes I know, I'm not the only pebble on the beach, but....

 

How long is too long?

 

Allan

2-2-0 HUAH!

 

[allansc2005]

@Gastone, too funny! I actually had a girlfriend named Peggy, and...OOOPS, wrong Forum!

OK OK Tbird and Berta, I left it at that!

Allan

2-2-0 HUAH!

[vetquest]

Be careful calling your senator's office.  Your letter to the VA will be filled out by a "veterans affairs rep" and the VA will respond telling them that they are doing everything in their power to assist the veteran.  You will get a letter from the rep including the VA letter and nothing changes.  The downside is that your case is sidelined while the letter at the VA is getting written and then goes to the bottom of the pile.

[allansc2005]

vetquest, great info!

For myself, I haven't gotten that far, and would probably kick holes in all my walls before going to my Senator, but that's just me.

Allan

2-2-0 HUAH!

[demeat]

If you have been waiting this long i would have made an email to Robert Mcdonald.  I also have tried not to push too hard but for some reason that is the only way to get results.  My last 2 emails were followed by Mr. McDonald's office within 2 days and progress was pushed.  Now since you are waiting on payment you can seat and wait or push them.  I like pushing them because for some reason for me, that is the only way i can get results.  I had to wait for 10 years to get the results for an appeal and i am now waiting on a rater to determine what the percentage will be.   Best believe I will be making calls once a week and if by close to a month no results, I will be emailing the Undersecretary's office (take it from me it does work for most issues). 

 

[allansc2005]

demeat, in my case there may be a lame but legit excuse for my case taking so long. Anytime there is a retro payment above 25k, the VA is required to have 3 "signatures" before that retro can be approved.

The question I can't seem to get answered is what's the path of these 3 signatures? In other words, who, what, when, where....is involved in getting the case approved?

I was already approved at the RO by a review officer, then what?

I'm sure MANY veterans have these same questions.

That VA "800" number can give you vague answers to these questions, but when I asked them the details, they seemed lost.

Also, trying to get my American Legion rep to return my calls about the matter is like trying to get a soldier to volunteer for KP!

Allan

2-2-0 HUAH!

[jfrei]

I am speaking about my own experiences but 2 years ago I had a hardship when I won my appeal so the retro which was 95K only took less then a month. But even so I would call at least once a day let them explain why it's moving slow its moves really slow when they have to figure out your lawyers cut if you have one. They then have to dispurse his or her cut.