Dealing with the VA

[dalriaden]

Have had a claim going for over a year now and starting to get mad. I moved to CA in July and am still getting appointments for Alabama despite numerous phone calls and in person visits to the Fresno office. I believe I have all the documentation needed to back my claim which should be close to 100% part of the reason I think it's taking so long. Will AmVets or VFW be able to put pressure on them?

[AfghanVetOrcutt]

I wish I had an answer for ya but I'm in the same boat as you. I'd like to know what the hell is going on or if there is anyone that can help us fight the VA.

[X231]

Hey, we're almost neighbors! Try the County ran Veteran Services Office at 3845 N Clark Ste 101 in Fresno 559 600 5436. They may be able to help you. They filed my claim and it was about 8 months start to finish even with Kaiser dragging their feet.

[llamatrnr]

I filed in April '11, got notice of approval last week. Claims are running 12-14 months these days . . .

[dalriaden]

I filed in April '11, got notice of approval last week. Claims are running 12-14 months these days . . .

I filed in feb of 11 am rated at 20% for tinnitus and a scar I got from being clocked with a forklift still waiting on back PTSD tbi and sleep apnea :/

[llamatrnr]

I filed in feb of 11 am rated at 20% for tinnitus and a scar I got from being clocked with a forklift still waiting on back PTSD tbi and sleep apnea :/

You may want to have a look at "The Veteran's Survival Guide", by John D Roche.

Good luck, brother.

[justjeff]

I waited 11 months. I was told they have to review all the cases back to desert storm or something to that effect. Congress is pressing the VA hard and trying to save money!

[rero360]

I filed in Sept. of last year, went thru the DAV, hopefully it doesn't take a full year, but if it does, so be it. My biggest concern is them trying to med board me out once the claim is approved, I'm not ready to end my service yet, I think I got a few more years left in me, even more if I were to leave combat arms (don't want to).

[GMG]

My son in law was in Desert Storm, finally last year received some help.

Is this a great country or what!!

[dalriaden]

I waited 11 months. I was told they have to review all the cases back to desert storm or something to that effect. Congress is pressing the VA hard and trying to save money!

Some of my buddies who were 30-40% only had to wait six months or less. I get the feeling any claim that could be over 50 gets put on the back burner. Thankfully I found a job and am starting soon because living on unemployment plus 251 a month is tough. My claim has literally gone backwards its frustrating getting on myhealthevet and watching your claim being stagnant for months then move the wrong direction.

[dogfood]

just gotta keep hounding them. i had to change my address with them four times over the course of a year or so before they ever actually changed my address.

[llamatrnr]

Try 800-477-8227 to speak live with an actual person . . .

[NYsteveZ]

It took nearly 3 years to recieve my claim, but it was after an appeal. I got 70%, and READ that book mentioned-The Veterans Guide by John Roche

[crashbubba]

Not so much in this thread, but if you search for older threads of the same theme, you'll find most of us highly recommend contacting the DAV for assistance. Speaking from experience, they are very successful in assisting vets through the VA process. Check out their website. There's an NSO in Oakland you can contact.

[Timbob55]

If you haven't already, check with Disabled American Vets. That specialize in VA claims and are outstanding! They helped me get mine through in about 6 months time. They are great people.