tdiu What Does "at The Rating Board Mean ?

[drkestlight]

I called for a status of claim and was told "You have been waiting a long time 12 + you claim is at the Ratings Board" If you do not hear anything by May call back. Does this mean I am close to getting an answer?

The way the VA has handled my claim I assume that they don't rate 100% on the first decision? How long does it take for the other parts of a claim unemployability etc to be added to my claim. Does it go back to the same people who make the original decison ?

I was called by a VA counselor to submit vocational rehab documents and found that odd. But I did it anyway and got a letter saying we have no claim information on you? Would it not be wise to do the work up and submit the findings with my claim? There in the same building and I am in the computer, if I am not eligible as of yet why are did they call many time for me to send in these documents?

Do I have to give up my Army Disability & Pension to the VA if my claim is approved?

I am confused about CRSC and CRDP pay? I am on TDRL Disability pay I meet the 20 year/ Combat/ Purple heart/ eligibility but do not have a VA rating yet. Does anyone know about this and should I send the claim in without the VA rating?

Thank you

NY -Steve

[Ricky]

With todays back log 12 months is not a long time. However, when a claim reaches 12 months, VA in washington starts asking the RO for reasons why. This does not mean anything as it is a administrative issue within VA. At the rating board simply means the predetermination team has declared your claim ready to rate and sent the file to the rating area. It does not mean a rater is looking at it so please keep that in mind. Your file is in the area where all ratings happen and will be rated as soon as they can. It is hard to put a date on when this will happen as many things can happen at this stage. For example, if the rater begins his or her review of your file and determines it is lacking some type of evidence they can send it back to the predetermination team for further development. Another example would be that your RO has lets say, for examply only, 1000 claims to rate and yours is number 885 then it could still be a while. I know the waiting is hard but just hold on and don't worry yourself crazy over it.

You will "give up" your retirement pay if you receive VA disability payments. However, CRDP and CRSC will apply if you qualify. CRDP will be in effect if you are rated from 50 to 100 percent. 50 to 90 percent or 100 percent based on I/U will get you a portion of the retirement pay back until 2014 when you will receive 100 percent of your retirement and disability pay. It is automatic if you qualify. Take a look at the DFAS web page. CRSC is another issue and the most beneficial if you qualify. However, you must wait for a disability rating from VA before you can submit the application.

Good luck and hang in there for it will happen even if it is slow.

[Pete53]

A lot depends what VARO you are using for your claim. In Waco TX at the ratings board means that your claim is one of 30,000 and they claim that they usually give a decision in 60 to 90 days from that point.

Hang in there as at least the claim has everything it needs to be rated if they have done a proper job.

Good Luck

[Berta]

Steve-if you are at Buffalo NY VARO- my claim has been there for over 4 years without proper resolve-

and in and out of the rating board many times-

Did you get a legal VCAA notice and an election form that was specific as to what evidence they needed from you?

Are you sure they received all the evidence you sent them?

If you were denied Voc Rehab because of your SC disabilities- this is excellent evidence for TDIU.

You should send them copies of this priority with tracking slip that way you can prove they received it.

Did you make formal TDIU application on the form # 21-8940?

If you are claiming PTSD I see you have the PH- proof of stressor-

that part wont be a problem with a current diagnosis of PTSD too-

Military.com also has a complete explanation of the CRPD and CRSC regs-

Also I posted much on this at hadit available with the search feature.

[spike]

Berta, I maybe able to help you with the Buffalo VARO. If interested contact me.