Why did my estimated completion date change but did not move out of preparation for decision stage?

2019-03-28T11:28:54-04:00

My claim was submitted on 01/10/19 - Reopened 2 disabilities and 2 new disabilities claimed. Had my C &P exam on 01/22/19. Moved to preparation for decision on 03/15/19 with a completion date of 04/01/19 - 05/05/19 on 03/22/19 my completion date changed to 04/23/19 - 05/28/19 but still in preparation for decision. I was told that they are not requesting any new information and they have everything they need.

Response by PV2 Robert H. made Mar 28 at 2019 11:43 AM

2019-03-28T11:43:34-04:00

Is this for disability compensation? If so, I wouldn't worry about it to much. I submitted my fully developed claim back on 28 Nov 2018. During the process my final decision date jumped from Feb 2019 to Dec 2019 then back to March 2019. I received my first direct deposit last week. They are just adjusting the estimated date of completion based on a few variables, one is your type of claim (fully developed, ect.), the amount of people who submitted a claim before you did (position in line), and severity of the condition (disability rating). The last one is the biggest part. If you are about be be rated 10%-30% and there are three other individuals who submitted at the same time as you one rates 100%, another 75%, and the last 50%, you would be fourth priority because severity of condition takes precedence. Not saying your injury is not important or that it's not 100% disabling, that just how they prioritize. I have a 50% rating and it took them almost 5 months to approve and begin compensation.
When it comes to time frames and the va remember one thing...
The only thing that moves faster than the VA, is the IRS.

Response by PFC Brandy Lane made Mar 29 at 2019 1:02 PM

2019-03-29T13:02:39-04:00

Update: moved to pending decision approval. Estimated completion date 4/2/19- 4/5/19. Fingers crossed

Response by SGT Osmundo Thompson made Apr 11 at 2019 4:19 AM

2019-04-11T04:19:19-04:00

What I found out when preparing one of my claims is that when we submit our claim electronically via the eBenefits portal, we are certifying that our claim is complete and ready for rating, more so like a fast track.

However, if we add any new material afterwards, via fax or taking it personally to the Regional Office, it knocks it out if that “fast track” status and gets downgraded to regular processing as all other claims.

So, it is vitally important to turn all evidence, exhibits, and lay statements (etc.) at one time via the eBenefits portal, and your claim should be completed with 90-120 days.

I hope this was helpful.

Response by SPC William Simmonds, Esq. made Apr 11 at 2019 7:10 AM

2019-04-11T07:10:36-04:00

Hey Brandy:

My name is Will Simmonds and I’m a 100 SC Vet, former VA rater, and Veterans law attorney. http://www.vahelp.claims
This time bump is sadly normal. What it is representing is your claim sitting in the queue of other claims of other Veterans ready to rate and waiting on a VA rater to be assigned your case. You are at the very end of the process and a decision should be forthcoming. Keep checking eBenefits every few days, particularly your disabilities tab as your new ratings will populate there first (along with your new SC percentage).

More information than you want to know—but your time delay is likely caused by your 4 contention claim. Claims that are 3 or less go through a faster process than the 4 or more contentions. This isn’t really purposeful, it’s human nature. Your claim is rated by a human. Humans tend to do easier things first. By you claiming 4 contentions, you removed yourself from the Express queue, which would have moved you along a little faster. Of course, if you need all 4 claims, then it’s worth it—but if you’re just shotgunning you actually may be hurting yourself by causing your own delay. Good for thought for everyone.

Of course, if things don’t pan out the way you want, my team and I are happy to take a look. We’re all SC Vets, all maxed out with benefits, all former VA employees, and we want nothing more than to offer real Veterans benefits service to Vets.

Veterans Law Attorney | Veterans Legal Advocates | United States

We're passionate about helping America's Veterans securethe disability benefits they deserve. Founded by a Veteran, former VA employee, and attorney, Veterans Legal Advocates provides real disability benefit advocacyservices to deserving Veterans across the United States.