Decision Ready Claims

From experience, the time to getting your claims process completed varies drastically from Vet to Vet depending on so many factors - how soon before/after you ETS did you start, VA facilities involved, actual claims, etc..

SGT (Join to see) You are right, I am sitting right at 4 years. It seems like every time they tell me I need something and then I get it, they suddenly need something else. Never ending.

Are you working with a Veteran's Service Organization such as Disabled American Veterans, American Legion? A good service officer will know how to help you develop your case and make it complete. When I put together Decision Ready Claims absolutely everything that could be relevant to proving the condition was put in the claim as enclosures. If you are seeing non VA doctors make sure the complete the VA's Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ). Your local VA Medical Center should have a Veteran Service Organization on site. Ask the Patient Advocate for information. SPC Diana D. if you have questions, I'll be happy to assist.

SFC Phyllis Barnett Yes I am working with the DAV. We have done everything that the VA has asked but my claim is a little different because it is a 1151 Claim. It is harder to prove. My PCP is with the VA and the doctor has written two different letters stating that in her medical opinion the operation that I had done at a VA Hospital caused my disability and the VA told me that she did not have access to my medical records nor did she quote and medical references. It is truly a process. And the VA holds all the cards.