How can the VA speed things up with the claim status?

SGT Corey Franks — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:57:30 -0500

I have currently been waiting for almost 3 years now for a claim I submitted. I am already getting a percentage but that claim only took 6-8 months. With the obvious increase in Vets getting out of the service and all the wounded warriors we have the claim status is going slower. What can we or the GOV do to help speed things up? Hire vets to help vets? Hire more people in the VA system? Thoughts?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 7:46 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:46:52 -0500

I feel your pain I am on about 2 1/2 years on my appeal as well, I keep getting the excuse of normal times, but as you stated with all the new vets and initial claims taking priority, appeals get pushed back farther and farther.

I would think that a good fix would be to have a 25% of the claims process be handled for appeals and the other 75% for initial claims, but we know the reality is it will never happen that way.

Response by Cpl Jania Masterson made Dec 16 at 2013 3:36 AM

Cpl Jania Masterson — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 03:36:56 -0500

Well at least you are getting a percentage. I have been waiting for 13 going on 14 years for my claim which has been denied 6 times. Getting hired in the VA system unless you are a doctor is nearly impossible. In the last 2 years I have applied at 2 VA here in California and between both of them over 100 positions. I am still unemployed. The VA needs a ton of people. I can't even get in for appointments. When I call they just say go to the ER we are overbooked. Companies say they hire vets and I have applied but nothing has worked out for me. I wish I had the answers but I don't. With more military cuts my answer would be start cutting the government's paychecks, benefits, and lay half of them off for a wake up call. Hire real people in who can do the job but we all know that will never happen.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 16 at 2013 11:05 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 11:05:59 -0500

The VA has tried hiring more people. But of course it takes time and energy to get these new hires trained and ready to go. Sadly, I don't see the back log ending anytime soon. With the number of Veterans returning from deployments plus the number of older Veterans finally putting their paperwork in, to get the backlog totally cleared would require a lot of time, people and money.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Dec 16 at 2013 11:13 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:13:10 -0500

Going based on what I've experienced, the VA can be fixed if we upgrade their systems. When I was working on finishing my degree I transfered universities, and I went from a school on the west coast to an east coast school. To be able to process my GI Bill I had to wait for the Western Region VA based in Oklahoma to physically ship my files to the Eastern Region location in Atlanta. With technology and comon sense do we really still need to physically send folders from one location to another when it is entire possible and practicle to create an electronic file that can be accessed by any region to allow faster processing and easier access by those that need the information. There are many organizations that are comparable to the VA that process information and claims faster and more effectively with fewer people. The problem is that most people in charge think that the only solutions are to throw more money and people at the problem instead of reducing inefficiencies and costs that could free up more money to provide the care that our fellow servicemembers, and veterans need and deserve.

Response by Cpl Gerard Babin made Dec 16 at 2013 11:16 PM

Cpl Gerard Babin — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:16:28 -0500

It took almost 22 years for the VA to get mine started! I had to get my congressman involved and they are still dragging ass... Get your elected official to "RED FLAG" your case. If that doesnt work, have a lawyer call the VA rep holding your file!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 3:29 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:29:32 -0500

Personally I don't think that the process should start when you get out. It should start the moment you enlist or get commissioned. We have Service Members that go undiagnosed for years with chronic pain due to injuries and don't get diagnosed until their records go before the VA after a specialist has reviewed and diagnosed the ailment, when it is determined that the extent of their injuries qualifies them for 60%, 70% and sometime 100% disability.

If the VA process began during the service member's service, then it would be a life long process for the Service Member. Diagnosis could be made during the service members service term and supporting documents could be tracked as injuries occur, as opposed to allowing them to accumulate over time and then trying to play catch up.

This would also allow us to better identify those Service Members that need to be separated from service earlier, and not allow them to continue to train and fight through their injuries when it is only expected to worsen with continued service. This would reduce possible additional injuries as a result of over compensation.

As injuries are diagnosed, decisions for retainability can be made based on associated risks of increased injuries to the Service Members and they could then be identified for separation. This would reduce the backlog over time and decrease the cost of disability claims. It would also decrease the amount of inflated and fraudulent claims that add to the backlog and increase the time it takes those who really need to support to actually get it.

I don't see a fix for the current situation, other than to throw manpower at the problem. We have more claims than the current infrastructure can support.

Response by CPO Rufus Williams made Dec 17 at 2013 10:35 AM

CPO Rufus Williams — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 10:35:01 -0500

I currently have a claim with the VA and they told me upon my release I was in the fast track program, needless to say it ran at a snails pace because I had to inquire about 11 months and some days after retirement date, because I received nothing back. so I track some numbers down and started making calls and when I did reach the staffing who could may have been able to shed some light on the subject they were unable to help me and to top it off she was rude and nasty, and soon after they sent me a letter exactly 8 days after that phone call that I received o% of all my documented claims and it was 23 claims in all from High Blood pressure to Diabetes just to name two and I have been in waiting ever since October 2011. I really wish they would hire veterans to work the backup in the claims department and on completing this process because we really need some people who has some sympathy within the system.

Response by SSgt John MacIntire made Dec 18 at 2013 12:26 PM

SSgt John MacIntire — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 12:26:08 -0500

I was diagnosed with AO related throat & neck cancer in 2010 & the VA Hospital in Tucson was remarkable through my treatment! Filed a claim and waited couple years before receiving 100% & back payment! After their determination I was "cured" of cancer, down to 20%. We have used Congressional help, with little if any help from McCain's office & some level from Giffords/Barber, who I didn't vote for! Now pursuing review of claim as it pertains to dental, dry mouth, hearing & other secondary affects from radiation & chemo! Primarily using our LegalShield attorney who specializes in VA/SSI claims & thankfully no fees unless we receive an increase. 10% increase recently & shooting for 50% & some teeth to replace the ones destroyed by radiation! Cancer free 24 months & loving life; only wish they would revamp the claims process with sympathy & efficiency! All the very best to the group for Christmas & holidays!

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 11:20 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 23:20:11 -0500

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

We also have fun at times while remaining professional.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 8 at 2014 5:45 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 17:45:37 -0400

Everything goes in cycles with the VA. When they got green lighted to push the Agent Orange claims, things went to a crawl for the more recent vets. I'm in Phoenix, and all this scandal has them freaking out. I swear, they are just doing different things to hide their inability to deal with all of us. I filed my appeal with the DAV and it took about 3 years to get my case reviewed again. If you aren't getting updates with the service organization you used, you may consider switching to another one.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 10:40 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:40:17 -0400

I initially started to post a suggestion for each person posting on this thread - but I think I'll go this route.

Folks - don't deal with the VA on your own. Too many of us do this and end up as so many of you are describing. Find a Veteran Service Organization (VSO) of your choice (i.e. - VFW, DAV, etc.) speak to one of the VSO's Service Officers and sign a VA Form 21-22 to permit your selected VSO the authority to look at your file within the VA while it is being processed. Sometimes it's a simple thing - like signing a form 5103 and mailing it in that's holding things up.

A couple of words of caution - (1) expect your claim processing to take time. (2) getting a lawyer will not make things any better unless your claim is in the queue for BVA, etc. (3) never give the VA original copies of military records - give them copies. (4) Don't be afraid to challenge VA findings - use outside doctors and the VA's own DBQ forms for help your case. (5) you can challenge the VA decisions ad naseum - take advantage of it.

I can't answer all the questions you have - mostly because I don't have your case file in front of me. What I can provide is some specific suggestions and tactics on what to do. If you have specific questions, please do NOT put them here on the forum. PM me and I'll get with you and make suggestions. Again, I don't have all the answers, but I'll bet I can find someone that does....... even if you might not like the answers!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 12:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 12:58:41 -0400

Its one thing for a vet to help a vet or hire more vets to help vets, but clearly a different thing to be a VSO Rep. We're talking about processing someones claim and in order to do that one must be accredited and trained to do so.

To be a VSO Rep you must be accredited. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes three types of individuals who have received certification from VA to make application for veterans benefits.

Accredited agents
Accredited attorneys
Accredited service officers from veterans service organizations

Anyone other than an attorney or a service officer with a VA recognized service organization must apply for accreditation as an "accredited agent."

Federal law dictates that no one may help a veteran in the preparation,
presentation and prosecution of an initial claim for VA benefits unless
that person is accredited. The only exception to this law is that any one
person can help any veteran -- one-time only -- with a claim. To help any veteran a second time requires accreditation.

If you belong to an organization like the VFW, DAV etc and your post doesn't have a VSO there, hey there's an opportunity for your post to have one. But the VFW does have a nationwide network of VSOs as part of their National Veterans Service as I'm sure the DAV or the Legion. You don't have to be a member of a VFW/DAV, the service is free.

There's a lot of responsibility to being a VSO,. It's not a hard process , there is a test you have to take and come continuing education you have to fulfill to keep you accreditation.

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member let me know if I left anything out or if something needs to be corrected.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Sep 16 at 2014 2:23 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:23:53 -0400

Great question. If you come up with the answer, let me know

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 23 at 2014 12:07 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:07:09 -0400

They can hire me to be a claims rep!!!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 23 at 2014 2:49 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 02:49:46 -0400

The excuse that I was given (one of many),was that both systems didn't communicate with each other and that meant that all info had to be manually entered. I was told this in 2010. It reminded me of Army Aviation. Every PCS meant a new computerized system, Some units were half paper, less paper, or no paper records. Then, no paper (all computerized) units used different versions of computer reord keeping. It was an avoidable nightmare.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jan 27 at 2015 4:14 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:14:45 -0500

I think it's a people problem. The VA must hire qualified people to meet the demand of the claims being submitted. It's like any business, we are people oriented and it's people serving people. It's not magic, the problem won't go away and the complaints will continue.

Response by SPC Darin Taylor made Jan 27 at 2015 4:37 PM

SPC Darin Taylor — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:37:35 -0500

A great way to speed up the process of your claim is to file an electronic Fully Developed Claim (FDC). This is done by acknowledging that you have no more documents to submit in support of your claim. Here is a link to a video that explains the FDC Process.

http://youtu.be/RSzX029_ohA

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Feb 20 at 2015 12:49 PM

SGT Tyler G. — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 12:49:25 -0500

I'll admit I don't know enough about the inner-workings of the claims process to say anything positively, but if I had to speculate...

I'd say a complete overhaul/update of the system. From what I understand they're still trying to do everything by hand, and that just isn't feasible anymore, at least not in a timely manner. However, making a switch would be even more difficult when they're already what seems to be 3 years behind. It would likely take massive manpower and money.

Other than that, I guess the best you could do is put in your claim as soon as possible and be as patient as possible, checking back periodically to make sure you aren't lost in the system.