VA wont respond

[SoCal_Sapper]

Hey guys, I need a little help here on what to do about this situation. I've been in the process of trying to get my rating raised since last October. The counselor said it would realistically take 6 months, its been almost a year. I've wrote two letters and have called several times only to get a "there are too many people waiting in line, please call again.". The VA still sends me updates on other things, but I haven't received a reply about my rating yet.

What can I do?

[turbomkt]

Call the DAV. Sign the paperwork to let them act on your behalf.

[epilepticninja]

What the hell is "the DAV?" I've been waiting for over a year on my rebuttal on my rating (trying to get it raised as well.) I talked to one homie of mine, and he is going on two years.

[paul0660]

Disabled American Veterans.

VARO Oakland Federal Bldg.
1301 Clay St., Rm 1110, North
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: 510-834-2921

[epilepticninja]

Thanks Paul.

[shooterfpga]

did they not counsel you on having a DAV rep? seriously, you need to find a DAV rep NOW AS IN YESTERDAY!!! these are the guys who are on your side and will help you with denials, packet forming, anything that you have a question on.

best advice i can give you is to not take no for an answer. you can appeal all day long, eventually it will get accepted. but you have a better chance with a DAV rep. i knew all this info beforehand, but a buddy of mine became a VA admin and really broke it down.

[turbomkt]

Ahhh...didn't think the acronym DAV would be unknown. They're at every transition class in San Diego. They don't cost you a dime, either.

[paul0660]

DAV is the only organization, of many, who hit me up for donations, and get any.

And, I never served.

[ankyle62]

Disabled American Veterans.

VARO Oakland Federal Bldg.
1301 Clay St., Rm 1110, North
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: 510-834-2921

This x100000

These guys are awesome and will work for you.

[Fjold]

And if possible make a contribution, it's not a government organization.

[epilepticninja]

I believe I selected AMVETS at one point. I wasn't sure what in the heck for. Are they a "DAV"?

[paul0660]

I believe I selected AMVETS at one point. I wasn't sure what in the heck for. Are they a "DAV"?

They are not DaV, much smaller. I am not sure beyond that.

[shooterfpga]

I believe I selected AMVETS at one point. I wasn't sure what in the heck for. Are they a "DAV"?

they are two seperate entities, they do run partnered events, but they are not one and the same. DAV is much better suited to the needs of veterans. they are free, no appointment required, friendly, quick, professional. a lot of the people that work for DAV are prior service, or service connected, so they know whats its like and how to get you there.

[epilepticninja]

Cool. Looks like I'll be calling the DAV on Monday then. Thanks.

[NYsteveZ]

The waiting game...Ive been waiting on an appeal TWO YEARS. The DAV near me (San Diego) said it would be MONTHS before they can even see me. I get the same response every time I call the VA "We recieved your appeal on yada yada..." DAV sends me these "donate now" notifications that look like bills, and thats all Ive gotten from them as far as help. I called them with a concern one time, they THOUGHT they put me on hold, and I heard them making fun/laughing at my situation. Really didnt want to turn this into a rant and Im sorry to all. Best of luck