DRO Review Timeline

[angryemu]

Sorry if this has been addressed before, but I was not able to find an answer anywhere else. 

After collecting dust for 480 days after filing an NOD with a DRO, my appeal has apparently entered a "Review" phase.  According to the VA rep, the electronic system had a new note entered into my file a few weeks back stating that a DRO had begun to review the file. Can anyone offer insight into how long it could take from here to get to a DRO decision? I understand it depends on what else the DRO has going on and how complicated my appeal is, just wanted to see what others' experience has been. 

Appreciate any feedback.

[Gastone]

Scat, therein lies the problem with a DRO Review as opposed to requesting a DRO Hearing or even an "Official DRO Informal Evidence Conference."  No chance for a face to face, not good. You realize that the DRO did his Review and made his Denial Decision close to 9 mos before you received the Actual Denial Letter and SOC. Next stop, BVA.

Who's infinite wisdom led to the DRO Review Request?  Are they still your POA Rep?

If you haven't done so, file the VA FOIA requesting your complete C-File.

How about posting redacted copies of your original Denial, DRO Review Denial, and SOC.

Semper Fi

[UAVGuy74]

Found this site looking for answers. Glad I am not the only one wondering how long a DRO takes. So far, 491 days (Phoenix, AZ RO) here, waiting for any information. The status online states it has been received and is in the "review" stage, which was listed almost immediately. Used a local VSO (Tucson, AZ) but did not get any more answers than doing myself. Wrote my Congresswoman and Senator McCain; no better help or answers than doing my own leg work. Losing hope/faith here as I thought the VA would act quicker or more responsible with all the bad publicity they have received, especially for the Phoenix office. Not sure of what to do other than "be patient." Yeah, it is hard to remain patient when you see/hear different stories, rumors, etc. of other veterans with similar situations who are completed faster and with better results. It has also been stated by several veterans (won't mention names) that in the Tucson VA C&P office, 1 of the 3 counselors made a point blank statement; she does not believe PTSD exists. Of the several veterans that I have spoke with, whether they had per-existing percentages or not, have returned from a re-evaluation in this office being denied or reduced to 0%. I have contacted several news agencies as I feel this is a very "newsworthy" story, but no return responses. If this is true (hence why I feel an investigation needs to be made) this/these counselors have no business performing the job they were hired to perform. I would love to hear if this is a general consensus of all veterans or if these cases seem to be isolated.  

Edited October 13, 2017 by UAVGuy74
improper sentence grammar

[Tbird]

The wait is excruciating. It was pure torment for me and I feel for you.

[jboyd]

nod dro iu claim now at 781 days waiting in florida..been on s.s. sense 1994,,voc rehab saying not feasible,,new qtc exam saying severe,,smc a&a that va pcp filled out and said turn it in and at 80% cmt(pn) camp lejeune water hazard .....and i wait..i guess they are hoping i die and go away......usmc

[angryemu]

Late update, received a decision/SOC a while back, and total wait time was around 600 days. Granted 1 of my appeals (hooray!) but denied all of the others (boo!). What's funny is that I had IMO from multiple specialists (MDs) using VA forms, but VA says that they don't have to accept their opinion just because they are medical professionals, citing some previous case. The weird thing is that they could apply this rule to essentially any appeal, and it looks to overrule the veteran even when the burden of evidence is equal or in favor of the vet.

Appealed to the board, current status says "Administrative Case Processing" at The Board, and that a decision will be made once any required administrative tasks are completed. Not sure what this means, or where this falls in the process. Any ideas?

 

[boomer1234]

On ‎6‎/‎8‎/‎2017 at 11:21 AM, ShuMan said:

Indianapolis RO DRO review - 450 days and I was told it wont even be looked at for another 360 days at the earliest.

 

I hope by now they have finally got to it.