Gov't Shutdown

[Inarticulate&Distorted]

Putting all political feelings aside, anyone know if this is gonna hurt those of us with Claims pending?

[HorizontalMike]

Unfortunate, but here is the answer:

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/43654/va-contingency-plan-2017/

Appendix C – Functions to be Suspended

BVA	Claims appeals will be discontinued

 

[broncovet]

Probably.  Instead of it taking 5 years for your BVA appeal, it may take 5 years and 2 weeks, if it lasts 2 weeks.  However, if the legislation actually works that required VA to speed up the appeal process, then its not likely to be noticable.  

I do not recall in the last government shutdowns whether things like CAVC or BVA continued to operate or not.  However, according to this site, 4 percent of VA employees will be furloughed.  

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/01/19/us/politics/government-shutdown-employee-effects.html

The 4 percent of people who dont work on a given day for the shutdown is probably a similar number to those who "call off" every other Friday, or call in sick.  It may mean your claim is processed by a supervisor, who was not furloughed, and you may even get a better result by having it processed by a more senior employee.  

The VA is ran by unions, and if they have to furlough 4 percent, then they will likely furlough the newest, untrained junior employees, not the bosses unless they "want" to take off.