Why RAMP is not living up to expectations (Just my newbee 2 cents)

[firedog974]

Hi all, 

             New here, but want to share my experience with RAMP.  I came here looking for advice/ info/ direction, and it looks like some of you have had similar experiences with RAMP as I have had so far.  I have been in an appeal for almost 3 years now, I elected a DRO review.  During my appeal, I made contact with an old platoon mate who agreed to write a buddy letter on my behalf.    Since this was considered "new" evidence, the lawyers' office helping me said I should opt into RAMP as I now have new evidence.  I took their advice and went the RAMP route.  The VA received my RAMP package Aug 2018. Since then, nothing has changed.  When I call, they simply tell me my RAMP paperwork has been received but not processed.  I have been told, "I'm sending this to my supervisor to get resolved" only to call the next week to see nothing has changed.  While I understand I am well below their 125 day "approximate" window, I am at 90 days, making 125 seem impossible since I'm not even in the RAMP system.  This is typical VA in my opinion..... "it will be done in 125 days!"..... but it will take you 180 days to get into the system.  I'm pissed and think I should have stuck with my DRO review.  Maybe my experience is out of the norm, or maybe this is the latest trend in the VA lies....  Any input is appreciated. If I'm off base, please let me know.  I'm just in a world of pissed off right now,....

[john999]

 Since all these appeal systems are flawed it just makes clear that you want your claim adjudicated at the lowest level possible.  To me that means your claim should be as close to bullet proof when you first file it.  If you file a claim you should probably have an IMO/IME  for each and every condition claimed.  You should not trust the VA C&P system as your only exam evidence.  Back in 2001 I filed for an increase from 30% to TDIU.  I was denied any increase.  I used the DRO Hearing system plus an IMO, and in about 8 months I got a new rating of 70%, but was again denied TDIU.  I asked for another DRO and with a new IMO and got my TDIU, but I was denied P&T Chapter 35.  I went back to the DRO and got another IMO.  This time I got all that I was asking for finally.  If I had of gone to the BVA I would still be appealing the first denial.  I have never used RAMP,  but what ever appeal you use don't let that claim get out of the VARO if you can help it.  I went to the BVA after a DRO Hearing for my CUE and 5 years later after going to the Court of Vet Appeals I lost.  I even tried to get into federal court where I hoped there would be some justice.   I was wrong.    The more formal the setting the less likely a vet is to win IMO.

[firedog974]

1 hour ago, john999 said:

 Since all these appeal systems are flawed it just makes clear that you want your claim adjudicated at the lowest level possible.  To me that means your claim should be as close to bullet proof when you first file it.  If you file a claim you should probably have an IMO/IME  for each and every condition claimed.  You should not trust the VA C&P system as your only exam evidence.  Back in 2001 I filed for an increase from 30% to TDIU.  I was denied any increase.  I used the DRO Hearing system plus an IMO, and in about 8 months I got a new rating of 70%, but was again denied TDIU.  I asked for another DRO and with a new IMO and got my TDIU, but I was denied P&T Chapter 35.  I went back to the DRO and got another IMO.  This time I got all that I was asking for finally.  If I had of gone to the BVA I would still be appealing the first denial.  I have never used RAMP,  but what ever appeal you use don't let that claim get out of the VARO if you can help it.  I went to the BVA after a DRO Hearing for my CUE and 5 years later after going to the Court of Vet Appeals I lost.  I even tried to get into federal court where I hoped there would be some justice.   I was wrong.    The more formal the setting the less likely a vet is to win IMO.

I agree, but my initial claim was denied because they were unable to verify the “stressor” incident. Since it happened in 1993 in Somalia, it was hard to find much of anything to verify. I was able to locate a friend who was there at the time of incident, who participated in it. He submitted a statement, and hopefully, that will be enough to sway the VA. I am not optimistic though..  the VA just pisses me off..

[vetquest]

Firedog, we have all been through being pissed off by the VA.  Do not let it make you bitter or change your life as some of us have become jaded along the way.  My advice is to fight your claim and then when not researching or writing find a hobby, even if it is basket weaving.  Many others will agree with me that you need an outlet outside of your journey or it will only get worse.

[firedog974]

On 1/27/2019 at 10:10 PM, vetquest said:

Firedog, we have all been through being pissed off by the VA.  Do not let it make you bitter or change your life as some of us have become jaded along the way.  My advice is to fight your claim and then when not researching or writing find a hobby, even if it is basket weaving.  Many others will agree with me that you need an outlet outside of your journey or it will only get worse.

Very good advice. I have hobbies, but my pissed off is still in effect. I will make an effort to find a better outlet, as this journey has been taxing, to say the least. Thanks for the nice words. They are being absorbed, and hopefully, put into action soon....

[MarkInTexas]

LOL!  I think I've been pissed off by the VA, pissed on by the VA and everything else in between.  At my attorney's advice, I have stayed with the legacy appeals process, and am just waiting for the granted awards to go into effect and for the VA to deal with the two remanded conditions.  On a pleasant note, VA.gov shows that I still have 52,900 appeals ahead of me nationally, and that they have a total of 173,833 to go.

The "pleasant note" part is sarcasm, but true numbers showing on the site.

Have a great weekend and good luck!

Mark

[Patton]

Firedog - I know all to well how you feel because I have been there but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is how it went for me. I had filed my Appeal in 2015 (don't remember the date). I opted in the RAMP Program in May of 2018. My RAMP packet was accepted on July 5, 2018. They made a decision for most of it on January 5th, 2019. I went from 40% to 70% and they back dated to May 20th, 2014. I already had my C & P Exam for the part that they made the decision on, back in March of 2018. On January 22nd, 2019, I had the C & P Exam for the last two claims. I did have a DBQ completed from a Private Doctor but they wanted their Doctors to examine me. Vets.gov shows a completion date of August 19th, 2019.

 Vetquest has some great advise. Don't let the VA get under your skin. I had to learn the hard way that anger gets you no where with the VA. I was escorted to Mental Health instead of solving my issue (and it has never been solved) because of it. Don't let it consume you. Knowledge is key. 

Best of luck,

Patton

Edited February 3, 2019 by Patton
changed wording.