Understanding the Decision Ready Claims Process

[@hughmyrongaines]

It's a little confusing in regards to your VSO ordering exams. I did an ITF for an increase, developed my claim with neuropsychology test results, all of my records outside of the VA with my local provider, and she also completed a DBQ for me. I gave all of that to my VSO and they sent it in as a DRC. It sounds like we missed a step by not ordering exams but isn't a private providers DBQ basically the same thing they would fill out at a C&P exam?

[@jarhd1775]

I filed intent to file 8 Nov 22 for PTSD combat. I did a fully developed claim myself, did not use a VSO. VA scheduled my P&T exam on 7 Dec 22. Today my updated status changed to Request 4, Decision Ready Claim, While still in step 3, evidence gathering, review and decision. I’m confused but assume my claim is with the rater now?

[@anthonythompson4718]

This is exactly what my claim said . How long before I u heard anything?

[@jarhd1775]

@@anthonythompson4718 my total initial claim took 6 months 2 days from date of submission to Decision. Awarded 70% for PTSD & TDIU was inferred in decision letter so i then applied for it. 4 months later i was denied TDIU. I made the mistake of thinking i was a shoe in for it so i simply applied using all of the same paperwork & lay statements from my PTSD claim instead of treating it like a new claim w/ all new paperwork. I am now in the process of gathering all that so i can submit a supplemental claim for TDIU w/ new evidence.

[@pauldereadt2360]

Can the DRC be used to file for an increase in rating after the original issue was found to be service connected? (I'm well beyond the initial 12-month decision period so it is not going to be a rating appeal.)

[@MrEye4get]

DRC costs veterans time AND money. C&P exams are NOT paid by the VA or reimbursable for veterans living overseas. Not the case with DRC. If denied, the appeal backlogs will increase, delaying payments. Consider DRC only if you have irrefutable proof of a service connected disability and after consulting with a trained, experienced and accredited service officer.

[@carlsorensen6262]

I disagree, however, you need to have your medical records or at least know where they are and get them. Here in Illinois our VFW VSO has an outstanding record of being able to clear a claim....even those denied, which happens a lot on the initial filing, much like Social Security Disability

[@robertriebel8064]

DRC can only be utilized for issues already rated

[@darrylhudson2182]

I have a appeal already at the board but all evidence is submitted. If I choose to do DRC how would that work? Would it be more beneficial and less time consuming? Thank you.

[@imveryhungry112]

They ought to approve VA health care if your initial claim seems anyway legit. Its crazy to have a vet file a claim for a disability then wait a year or more for a decision or access to health care for it.

[@floridaveteranscommunities7037]

What is not clear from this is whether using the Intent to File form now subjects you to the DRC process. Can someone clarify?

[@clarencedouglas6124]

It doesn't. It just means you have a year to file any claim. If awarded, your back pay would go to that date you file the intent to file.

[@TheGrainSideUp]

My county VSO (3 now) did nothing this guy suggested. I only wish they would have suggested to me what I needed. Luckily, I had some medical documents to submit. Unfortunately, I ended up with more medical documents that could have helped me with a higher rating during the initial decision. Now that I am need to submit my NOD, I cannot get into the VSO until November! Seems like the Veteran gets it in the end.

[@JamesBond-ml3zp]

Don't go to a VSO, if you want a Higher Success Rate then GET A LAWYER!!

[@ranyen482]

What kind of lawyer ?

[@victorsellers9136]

The truth is that you file a claim with this new process is that your effective date is moved from 3, 6, or 9 years ago up to and within 30 days. Example: you file for being injured in 2013 for what ever reason, but you didn’t file for a secondary condition from that same day of the original injury. When you use the new process, the date for comp starts the day it’s date stamped as submitted, and will not go back to the original injury.