Posted on Jan 12, 2016
Why is the communication from the VA pertaining to the status of disabilities so poor?
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I have had several claims processes through the VA and yet I amsurprised when the level of communication pertaining to what phase or when my claim will be resolved is inaccurate or more likely non-existent.
I understand the VA is overworked, especially pertaining to claims, but at least provide real world timely communication pertaining to claims status. This does not seem that hard, yet it is.
Has anyone else had this experience and has anyone found a way to obtain real information from the VA pertaining to the status of a claim?
I understand the VA is overworked, especially pertaining to claims, but at least provide real world timely communication pertaining to claims status. This does not seem that hard, yet it is.
Has anyone else had this experience and has anyone found a way to obtain real information from the VA pertaining to the status of a claim?
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 7
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You know how you use to get a ticket to get your haircut at the barbershop? Get a ticket and get in a long line of fellow veterans that are dealing with this same thing. Yes its horrible! To many folks are putting there hands on paperwork. I am so glad I kept a copy of my paperwork on one of my appeals, because when I went back to the VA they couldn't even find my paperwork. Now looking at this I now see why. SMH!
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SSG Audwin Scott I get there are many of us in the same line. I have had horrible and great experiences with the VA in processing claims. One of my worst was quite similar to your issue. My claim was prepared for decision, but someone forgot to check the box in the VAs computer system (according to what a VA staffer told me) and this delayed resolution for over ten months. The VA claims they have our best interest at heart and my experience with the health care piece seems to support that statement; however, with the claims or benefit piece it remains a broken, challenging, and un-informing system.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS thanks for posting this discussion. First I concur with SFC John Lovelady response.
I waited too long to contact VFW to assist me in submitting my disability packet to VBA. I started as I was separating.
[For any AC or RC service members] While the guidelines change it is best to start keeping copies of your medical records as soon as you can. If you see something wrong or missing it is good to question the medical records as soon as possible after see them so that they accurately record what happened, diagnosis, etc.
It is a good idea to contact one of the Veterans service Organizations (VSOs) like VFW, American Legion, DAV which are ready, willing, and able to assist service members and veterans submitting packets to VBA and will work with you throughout the process.
I waited too long to contact VFW to assist me in submitting my disability packet to VBA. I started as I was separating.
[For any AC or RC service members] While the guidelines change it is best to start keeping copies of your medical records as soon as you can. If you see something wrong or missing it is good to question the medical records as soon as possible after see them so that they accurately record what happened, diagnosis, etc.
It is a good idea to contact one of the Veterans service Organizations (VSOs) like VFW, American Legion, DAV which are ready, willing, and able to assist service members and veterans submitting packets to VBA and will work with you throughout the process.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
LTC Stephen F. Thank you for your response and suggestions. I too concur with SFC John Lovelady based on my experience. I am hopeful the VSOs are better than the one I have experienced here. Sadly, he is unresponsive and has not been helpful to me.
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LTC Stephen F.
SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS - I am sorry that you have been receiving poor service from a local VSO rep. It is probably time to move to a different VSO. I hope that you find a VSO organization close to you that is ready, willing, and able to assist you.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
LTC Stephen F. I have always internalized it that there are Veterans who need his help more than me. We are saturated with Veterans here in Central Florida and I gripe and ruminate a bit, but know his plate is full. I just wish he would at least send me a message and tell me he will get to it, just not right now. Instead I get nothing, which adds to my frustration.
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I as a Veteran have experienced the same thing and yes it is frustrating. I avoid it by using Ebenefits the same vague status that Ebenefits gives me is the same vague information I receive when I call 800 number. My suggestion is to enlist the help of a service officer. They have direct access to your claim.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SPC Rhonda Gulifield Thank you for the information. My VSO is a VFW representative and he is not as responsive as I would like. I had the DAV and could not get anyone to respond. When I can find my VSO and get him on the phone he does provide greater and better information than the eBenefits website or the 800 number.
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SPC Rhonda Gulifield
Wow. Sorry to hear that. That is not acceptable. Here in NJ the service officers that I have dealt with get results . Not that I like to offer this course of action .... But the power of the pen... Contact your congressman/woman
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SPC Rhonda Gulifield Thank you. I will add that if you have an open claim and you file a Congressional, your file is pulled from its place in the queue and referred to a legislative liaison; moreover, the claims processing stops. Once the Congressional is resolved it is placed back in the queue but not in the place it was. Instead it goes to the bottom of the pile. That dissuades me from filing a Congressional.
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SPC Rhonda Gulifield
That is very interesting. Maybe offices in different states operate differently . That is not the case in NJ. Not sure how far the office is from you. That is an option to go the the regional office and request to speak to a supervisor.
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