What did VA think, we didn't recognize the numbers shuffle they pulled?

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 15:58:13 -0500

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-veterans-appeals-backlog-20151123-story.html

On previous posts there was much conversation regarding the claims delay frustration. So VA shifted priorities and approved the claims, only to cause us veterans to file appeals. Their proposal to streamline the appeals process is to enable them to once again deny the appeal, thereby requiring vets to resubmit a claim. This will result in a reduction in costs, because VA won't have to pay retroactively. Remember my slippery slope comments......

VA is buried in a backlog of never-ending veterans disability appeals

It's a veteran disability case that never ends.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2015 4:45 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:45:42 -0500

The BS with the VA never seems to end, Sgt Spencer Sikder .

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Nov 24 at 2015 4:47 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:47:10 -0500

The fastest way to clear a backlog is to deny everything via rubberstamp. The onus is then on the veteran to prove the claim has merit.

The idea that "you get 1 appeal" when the government has every reason to Deny, we KNOW that record-keeping is shoddy, and the system doesn't work just doesn't make sense.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 24 at 2015 4:48 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:48:02 -0500

From what I understand there are approximately 5 years of backlog in the VA appeals process Sgt Spencer Sikder. The Patient Advocate at Martinsburg, WV VAMC told me not to appeal a previous evaluation by VBA. He suggested that unless something became significantly worse I should not request a reeval.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Nov 24 at 2015 5:42 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 17:42:53 -0500

As long as the VA is ran by the government, who can't fire anybody, things won't get any better. These are the inevitable results that come from a government bureaucracy. With limited dollars and no real incentive (either positive or negative) to innovate, everything lowers down to the minimum acceptable level. Remember the Yugo and Lada (they were good enough)? How about many jokes about Brit's appealing to their MPs (congressmen) for readdress of the NHS's decisions on simple things like hip replacements and cataract surgery? I hate to say it, but I think things will only get worse over the coming years.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 24 at 2015 6:59 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 18:59:34 -0500

Who is going to Pay for improvements to the VA? What "Compassionate Conservative Fiscally Responsible Republican" is going to sign the Check to do what is really necessary. Some things never change since before I enlisted and since I retired. Makes no difference who is in power. They will continue to juggle to numbers to show some improvements but Until Americans are willing to pay higher taxes and foot the bill and until Politicians give us something besides Lip Service. Nothing Changes.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 10:00 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 10:00:50 -0500

Just disband it and give the money as an allotment to the Vet equally. Then nothing to be blame except the Vet themselves, if they wasted the money on something else.