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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.