AFD for DRO Decision

[AnotherDay]

Hello all! New around here but I've visited this site on many occasions for claims help. First and foremost, I want to thank everyone for their service and everyone's advice/input on the claims process. 

So a little background on me and my question. I served from 2007-2012 (Army).  I've deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 and also a recipient of the CAB as well as had multiple encounters of IEDs. Submitted a claim for migraines (secondary to PTSD) this past May after getting diagnosed from the VA for migraines due to mental health condition. Initially was seen from a TBI specialist at the VA to see what the heck is going with these symptoms, but she came to the conclusion that my TBI symptoms, mostly headaches/migraines were due to my mental health. Got prescribed meds all and that fun stuff but no scans or other tests. C&P Exam in July and it seems favorable. September comes around claim gets closed, contacted my VSO and it seems it was denied.

Waiting on the brown envelope to see the details of denial, but checked ebennies and seems there's a new pending disability posted 9-17-2019 "Afd For Dro Decision 06/20/2019". VA.gov status shows closed for claim submitted on 5/31/2019, but also shows another claim for migrains as "we don't know your status" I"m all sorts of confused and I know that these claims works in mysterious ways sometimes, but does anyone know what "Afd For Dro Decision" means? Afford for DRO decision? Never submitted any appeals yet as I haven't received the letter, so maybe my VSO did something? I know these websites are never up to date and I shouldn't rely on them, but also confused on why VA.gov still shows a status is closed but migraines still open (didn't submit any claims besides migraines). 

Sorry for being all over the place. First time posting. Any insight would be appreciated.

[broncovet]

You need to wait for the envelope.  Ebenefits can say the moon is made of green cheese and the Martians will rate your claim.   But, read on:  

A DRO decision is a "Decision Review Officer" decision, that was used prior to RaMP.  (Now ramp is called AMA)

A DRO decision is a VARO decision by a more experienced "Decision review officer".  You opt for the DRO instead of going to the BVA.  

There is no more DRO decisions, except for those older claimants who did not opt into ramp.  

Now, DRO decisions are called "HLR" (Higher level review if you have no new evidence) or (Supplemental Claim lane) "SCL" if you have new evidence.  (you have to choose on the nod form).  

"Afd" is probably "Appealant filed" or something close.  But, there is a problem.  After Feb. 2019, there was no more DRO.  As I explained, it became HLR or SCL.  

You should call and get it straightened out.  It sounds like you may have used an old nod form, which may or may not have been valid.  

If you got a decision PRIOR to FEb. 2019, then you you could still file for DRO review.  

However, if you got a decision after Feb. 2019, then you need to use the new forms, and elect HLR or SCL.  

I suggest you call and find out, if you dont know.  

[GBArmy]

I don't know what afd for dro means either, but the new claim could be that the rater is looking at TBI relative to headaches/migraines/MH and that could be where the new claim comes in. Be mindful that there can't be any pyramid effect going on, so possibly, and this is admittedly speculation on my part,a re-evaluation to see if you should be rated for another diagnostic code that could potentially get you a higher combined rating. Just trying to be optimistic my friend.

[GeekySquid]

by some chance do you have an attorney doing work for you? AFD can stand for Attorney Fee Decision.

[Oceanbound]

Do you have a VSO or attorney/agent?

 

edit - Did you submit your own claim or have an attorney/agent? Don't bother with VSOs. You gotta do the dirty work yourself and you can find how here, saves you headaches.

Edited September 19, 2019 by Oceanbound

[AnotherDay]

13 hours ago, broncovet said:

You need to wait for the envelope.  Ebenefits can say the moon is made of green cheese and the Martians will rate your claim.   But, read on:  

A DRO decision is a "Decision Review Officer" decision, that was used prior to RaMP.  (Now ramp is called AMA)

A DRO decision is a VARO decision by a more experienced "Decision review officer".  You opt for the DRO instead of going to the BVA.  

There is no more DRO decisions, except for those older claimants who did not opt into ramp.  

Now, DRO decisions are called "HLR" (Higher level review if you have no new evidence) or (Supplemental Claim lane) "SCL" if you have new evidence.  (you have to choose on the nod form).  

"Afd" is probably "Appealant filed" or something close.  But, there is a problem.  After Feb. 2019, there was no more DRO.  As I explained, it became HLR or SCL.  

You should call and get it straightened out.  It sounds like you may have used an old nod form, which may or may not have been valid.  

If you got a decision PRIOR to FEb. 2019, then you you could still file for DRO review.  

However, if you got a decision after Feb. 2019, then you need to use the new forms, and elect HLR or SCL.  

I suggest you call and find out, if you dont know.  

Thanks for the insight. Yeah, I'll see if I can get more info. I never signed anything, haven't submitted an appeal and haven't even received my denial letter regarding the claim that was closed so that's why I was so confused when that claim opened up in ebennies. Thanks again!

[AnotherDay]

13 hours ago, GBArmy said:

I don't know what afd for dro means either, but the new claim could be that the rater is looking at TBI relative to headaches/migraines/MH and that could be where the new claim comes in. Be mindful that there can't be any pyramid effect going on, so possibly, and this is admittedly speculation on my part,a re-evaluation to see if you should be rated for another diagnostic code that could potentially get you a higher combined rating. Just trying to be optimistic my friend.

Thanks, and will do! Nothing else I can do but stay positive. If not, try try again I suppose.