Anyone have recent experience with the VA turn around time on initial post 9/11 benefits application?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 19:49:38 -0400

Recently got fed up with the way my work life was going after leaving active duty and decided I want to go fly. Sadly I came to this decision rather late for the fall semester and it's going to be tight if it even happens at all. The head VA rep at the school said she was seeing them get approved in around 12 days and the VA site said within 30. All the info I found online was outdated and was saying months. As expected vets.gov and ebenefits gi trackers seem to be constantly down. I'm going to call tomorrow and see what I can find out. Also if anyone has recent experience with this that would be greatly appreciated as I'm going crazy with the anticipation.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jul 29 at 2018 8:32 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 20:32:11 -0400

If you are getting assistance from the school you might get it done a little faster than on your own.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jul 29 at 2018 8:32 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 20:32:43 -0400

When I did it my first time it took about three months. I did just have a friend go through the process and it was good to go in a month or so. Just depends.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jul 29 at 2018 10:40 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 22:40:11 -0400

I went to an FBO flight school in FL. One of the guys there was a vet using the VA. This was about 10 years ago. He used VA benefits, but he always had issues getting paid. Finally gave up and went to one of the airlines, and because he was through Private, working on Commercial, they found a program to pay for his training (and a job when he qualified). Now, that the airlines are desperate for pilots, that may be a route. I would also go talk to some of the Flight Instructors. They always seem to know some secret squirrel programs. They may be able to help. Best of luck!

Response by SSG Lyle O'Rorke made Jul 30 at 2018 1:47 AM

SSG Lyle O'Rorke — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 01:47:54 -0400

My experience is probably way different then most as the office that handles them for the region was only a few minutes down the road and they had it done within in 45 minutes and the letter to me within 3 days in the mail.

Response by PFC Deborah Shepherd made Jul 30 at 2018 6:28 PM

PFC Deborah Shepherd — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 18:28:07 -0400

I used the DAV to file and had physicals in a week and 3
Months later got my rating of 70%