Did you know that the VA claims backlog, signature problem frustrates valley Air Force veteran?

2015-09-10T14:24:13-04:00

Did you know that the VA claims backlog, signature problem frustrates valley Air Force veteran?

Here is another testimonial article provided by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM about an Air Force Veteran!

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/military/va-claims-backlog-signature-problem-frustrate-valley-air-force-veteran

If you're a veteran like Willie L. Smith and you want to ask Veterans Benefits Administration Service Center Manager Allen Bittler in Reno about the delay in processing your disability claim and where it stands in the backlog, well good luck.

"A. Bittler," as his name appears in bold-faced type on the bottom of the form letter that Smith received March 30, hasn't worked at the agency's Reno regional office since he retired nearly two years ago.

Yet Smith and other Nevada veterans received decision letters this year from Bittler, or in Smith's case, the one that begins, "We are still processing your application for COMPENSATION."

Smith, a 30-year career Air Force veteran from North Las Vegas, wants to know why Bittler has sent him three letters long after the former VA employee retired.

More importantly, he wants to know why a year has passed and he hasn't received a disability rating decision when the Department of Veteran Affairs recently announced that the wait time for rating decisions was down to 95 days from 357 days at the peak of the backlog in February 2013.

VA claims backlog, signature problem frustrate valley Air Force veteran

If you're a veteran like Willie L. Smith and you want to ask Veterans Benefits Administration Service Center Manager Allen Bittler in Reno about the delay in processing your disability claim and where it stands in the backlog, well good luck.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 10 at 2015 2:27 PM

2015-09-10T14:27:34-04:00

Isn't this where his Senator or Congressman gets involved? No way should this be tolerated and those responsible should realize this is a resume generating and an unemployment claim starting moment.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 10 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-09-10T14:34:52-04:00

This is likely a good insight as to WHY they have a backlog problem - they spend so much time fixing the BS they create, they don't have time to process claims!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 10 at 2015 2:38 PM

2015-09-10T14:38:16-04:00

This one is actually easy to explain. It's an "autopen" that no one bothered to update.

It's like not bothering to update the CO's name in the Global Address List at a unit because no one thought about it. It's a step that has to get done, but until someone actually notices it... it doesn't happen.

Whenever there is a change of personnel, there's likely a "checklist" of things that have to take place. In the "Pre-computer Era" these letters were likely Stamped, or used some other method. Then we had the computer revolution and digital signatures. What happens when the "first" guy retires. There's no spot on the checklist.

Yah, it's stupid, but it's understandably stupid.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 10 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-09-10T14:59:59-04:00

Unbelievable.

The VA, your request will be ignored.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 10 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-09-10T15:16:44-04:00

What else is new...

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 10 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-09-10T15:16:44-04:00

What else is new...

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Sep 11 at 2015 1:24 AM

2015-09-11T01:24:04-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs if any Veteran is waiting more than 6 months for a response on their claim, they need to get in touch with their congressman's office and have them put an inquiry in on their behalf. We have congressional contacts we deal with, not the same people anyone else would get in touch with. If their is any Veteran that falls into this category, contact me, and if you aren't in my district, I'll get in touch with the ones that are.

People need to remember we put these politicians in office, which means they work for us, not the other way around.

Just shoot me a message on here and I'll be more than happy to help anyone out.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 11 at 2015 3:05 AM

2015-09-11T03:05:27-04:00

Sure, the VA got the signature issue resolved, but why is it taking the VA almost a year to process Mr. Smith's claim? That's what the VA is still refusing to address!