VA Claims Take HOW LONG?

[@jackk09]

This is not even close for how its handled in NC. I started my claim about a year and a half ago(June 2021). Had my exams, everything matched what was in my medical records and sent off. The first person agreed with everything and said they saw it in my medical records but then denied any % and their explanations didn't even match what was in the claims on some of the stuff. I sent in an appeal(Jan 2022) and it took some more months(March 2022) before I got a call from someone apologizing how bad I had been treated up until this point and he said that the person who reviewed my claim was totally wrong. He said it looked like they went through it at 3:45 on a Fri when they were to get off by 4. They didn't even have the comments in the right spot. He told me he would get it taken care of and apologized for about the 6th time before hanging up. It now has sat for 10 months, even with my VA rep sending requests. Any they wonder why vets don't trust the government and the VA.

[@eQuariuz]

If u don't mind, what was the denial based on according to them? "..then denied any % and their explanations didn't even match what was in the claims on some of the stuff."

[@jackk09]

@@eQuariuz According to them they saw each claim in my medical records but determined it was not enough proof that my issues now were created more from that vs since then. And they cut and pasted answers to questions without changing for each one, so some didn't even make sense. The person who called about the appeal apologized no less then 6 times about how horrible my claim was handled and sad he would be reporting the initial person for their crappy work and that he would be putting in his recommendation for everything, and that was back in March.

[@eQuariuz]

@@jackk09 Hey Jack, just a follow up: -"they saw each claim in my medical records" Which medical records? Active duty, VA hospital, Private doctor's? Records from where? -"they cut and pasted answers to questions without changing for each one.." Whose answers and what questions? Your answers to the C&P examiners questions? Without changing what? Did they just lump 3 answers into a box as your answer to a C&P examiner's question? The last part, that he said he "Would be putting in his recommendation for everything" What was that supposed to mean exactly? What is "his recommendation"?

[@jackk09]

@@eQuariuz my medical records from when I was on active duty. I made a copy before I got out because I didn't trust the government to have mine if I ever needed them later on due to some injuries I had while active. They also got copies of my medical records since I had been out, showing that I have had issues since leaving active duty. After I had my C&P exams they sent it off to whoever then goes through all of the claim, that person then puts in their notes on why they agree or disagree with it being the VA's responsibility. So I guess it's not questions, it's their opinion for each specific claim. I had multiple issues, back, arms, shoulders, ringing in ears as well as lose of hearing, and breathing issues(I was exposed to asbestos for 4.5 years while doing my job of climbing around in all the attics of the old buildings running wiring. When this person was writing their opinion, they would cut and paste and there would be something about my shoulder in the spot for back or back in the spot for breathing. I don't remember exactly how it was mixed up but I think you get the idea. The person from appeals told me they believed the first person made a big mistake and that all of the claims seemed legit and he was recommending someone else review it and assign % or whatever they due since it was clear from my records that it all happened while serving active duty.

[@eQuariuz]

@@jackk09 GOT IT. I guess the thing I would do now is to call/write that WHITE HOUSE Veterans contact. I've heard veterans say that they did that and got a rapid response within a week or so. Some said the next day they got a call from the VBA. Either that or/and pull up your Congressman's website and they must have a correspondence for VA or Disability or something. I've read that those two moves have gotten the VBA moving on a claim often.

[@cweber8513]

My husband's took from 2016 until April 2022!! Never had a claim take take as long as this video said!! It takes years not months!!!

[@greywolf1]

Maybe in fantasy land. It took me 1 year just to get a C & P exam, and then 2 years to get a decision for 30%.

[@chinasl45]

I've been on step 5 for almost 2.5 months...7-14 days my foot!

[@maudinerichardson3361]

I've been on step 5 for 4 months

[@chinasl45]

@@maudinerichardson3361 It's a damn shame

[@israelbrewton5742]

I'm going to take the accreditation test so I can get VBMS access I suggest you do the same. Also maybe a vera appointment would help you.

[@mrkareem75x68]

same hear....Oct 23-today Dec 12....step aka "we're waiting for u to die stage"

[@imveryhungry112]

Did you ever get a decision?

[@xuexxiong]

My claim went in May and came back on June. I filed for an increase on November and have an appointment for a C&P exam on December . So I have faith this claim won't take too long. Let's see how true that is.

[@rayadler1733]

Maybe now people can understand why va claims are below average ,its desighned this way to discourage people from fileing .

[@John-rd5xu]

My last re evaluation put me at 90% with unemployability. It took about 6 months. They left out my PTSI and my representative told me to just leave it, unemployability is as good as 100%

[@ianfeuerhake1859]

Are they catching up on the backlog for appeals yet? I’ve had one for three years, but I know that’s child’s play compared to others.

[@bmx7596]

Are you waiting on a secondary claim or have you been awarded other disability first?

[@ianfeuerhake1859]

@@bmx7596 it's an appeal for a condition that wasn't determined to be service connected when I first got out

[@bmx7596]

@@ianfeuerhake1859 Understood. I think I might end up in a similar situation. I have records of a traumatic event in service and wounds to prove it, but the subsequent anxiety was only documented after the service. I haven't started the official process yet.

[@ianfeuerhake1859]

@@bmx7596 sorry to hear that. I'm just wondering if the process has improved at all

[@israelbrewton5742]

Submit an intent to file while you gather evidence

[@arthurcaesar2200]

I'm in MA and my claim has been in evidence gathering for 200+ days with no C&P exams and no word from anyone. I haven't heard of anyone getting a decision as quickly s this video suggests.

[@ruthless6834]

8 months and counting since my C&P exam. Way to go VA 👍🏾

[@mrkareem75x68]

Damn.......I been stuck at the "preparation for decision" for damn near 2 months.....it needs to be called "were waiting for you to die stage"

[@imveryhungry112]

Did you ever get a decision?

[@ruthless6834]

@@imveryhungry112 yeah finally!!!

[@imveryhungry112]

@ruthless6834 awesome did your claim get approved??!! Also, how were you notified?? I'm still waiting on mine!!!

[@mrkareem75x68]

Update Keep hope alive..... Submitted claim : Sept 18 Approved : Jan 26 You're probably stare at the screen for a few hours.... especially if you're 100%

[@richardthomes963]

8 Months and waiting and was told it was in the decision phase? Have requested "C' and copy of C & P exam via FOIA, no response? At 78 years old, I will be gone before they make a decision on my Heart issues. VA just seems to care less!!!!

[@sminthian]

"106 business days". That comes to at least 12 months in real-people time....

[@mickey1618]

I applied for a Presumptive Condition claim with defined Secondary Conditions. It's been 5 months and no progression at all from day 1. They're still stuck with the issue of Diabetes for which I have been treated by the VA itself for over 30 years. I recently asked for copies of my two C&P exams under FOIA. What do they do? They handle my request as another CLAIM !!! which will probably prolong completion of my claim forever. When I call the -1000 telephone number they only reiterate the nonsense that's on their claim status website. What on earth is going on? I feel helpless and beginning to think that they have no intention of ever completing my claim and much less favorably.

[@goodoljackburton9211]

FOREVER!!!!

[@robertortiz3755]

I have to agree with most of the comments below, I’ve never seen any of my claims move as quickly as the video. In fact I’m still waiting for a BVA video conference, my attorney said it could be a 1 1/2 years before I even see the judge and another year after that depending on outcome

[@mikemcnamee2050]

You said the the magic word! LAWYER! They are dragging it out! The more time it takes. The more backpay you get which means more money they make. I knew nothing about what it took to do this 16 months ago. I hired a lawyer at first and after a week they said it would take 3 to 4 years. I fired them! I just recieved my 100% P&T 25 days ago! I did not present 1 Nexus letter. They are blowing smoke. At your well being now. If your ok with that, that’s ok also. I’m tired of seeing my fellow Vets being robbed and cheated by lawyers and fellow Vets praying on them because they don’t know where to begin.

[@PETE-y2k]

one year ago filed 7 months ago to C&P exam they said within a month i would hear!! nada!!!

[@michaelblack9112]

I have been in prep for decision for 40 days what can I do

[@LeoMadrid]

i've had an appeal to change the date of my service connection that's been waiting to be sent to a judge for over a year now. What's the longest something like this can take?

[@MrGarvey7]

7 fucking years...No...really 7 FUCKING YEARS

[@kensaxon7]

PS: never had a claim go this fast.

[@wlsonsnet]

And if the claim is denied and you file an appeal. If it goes before a judge how long do you have to wait before it is on the docket and is heard? I've been waiting for 2 1/2 years so far and no one at the VA can even tell me where I am in line on the docket. I've contacted my congressman and they are getting the run around also.

[@mrkareem75x68]

this video is encouraging & nerve racking at the same time I was told by the rep on the phone I went to the decision phase Oct 23 and still there Dec 12.....damn near 40 fkn business days for my ESRD condition which is a result from Hypertension in which ive been rated at 10% since 2016....according to Google ESRD is a %100 rating yet its stuck at the "decision " stage.....the PACT ACT maybe effecting this process ......I saved this video just to keep my spirits up but unfortunately its not accurate for all cases

[@chriscomer1472]

3 weeks for virtually every step which is just stupid .. Filed my claim for an increase January 27th .. Completed my C&P exams end of February .. They updated (evidence gathering) March 9th, and now its at a stand still..... online says average wait time is 118 days ... Thats still nearly 2 months away ..

[@fredtjack23]

You "guys" are outstanding 👏 thanks from Me and all Vets God bless

[@59thfsaviation79]

Claim from February is still waiting on video trial.

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I am 70% Service Connected PTSD with depression and Alcohol dependence. I have a current TDIU Claim with the VA filed on Sept. 28th 2022. 1 hour ago (5:10pm Monday) I got a call from QTC (they said they needed to set a C&P exam appointment about my PTSD.) They said the nearest facility they have for me is over 120 miles away) I told them that I can't do that... then they mentioned a "Tele Interview" and I told her I wasn't familiar with that process... so she then said that they would refer me back to the VA and I would have to call the VA and get scheduled thru them. So I guess I am getting an in person C&P at my local VA Clinic. (any Input would be appreciated!)

[@eQuariuz]

Naww.. It means you will be getting a call from probably QTC and maybe even the VBA, to set up a web-based (camera) C&P exam date. Basically you will either use your phone or PC to have a two way interview. They'll start asking you the same questions, but likely looking closer at the frequency, duration and severity of the symptoms.

[@Snailmailtrucker]

@@eQuariuz Thank you for your reply !

[@chriscomer1472]

Tele-interview isnt hard .. its just a phone call with a QTC therapist who ask basic questions about your situation .. I opted for the video call since the guy they had for me was 3 hours away .. Took about an hour.

[@mikemcnamee2050]

This is absolutely true! I was @ 20% . 10% tinnitus, 10% lower back. Dec 22, 2022 I filed multiple secondary claims to a 10% lower back injury. I got one C&P on Jan 11, 2023 the others Jan 19, 2023. I was awarded an increase to technically 86% rounded to 90% .on Feb 3, 2023. I filed mental health claim Feb 8, 2023. C&P exam on Feb 19,2023. Awarded 50% , jump from actually 86% to 94%. Rounded to 90%.

[@mikemcnamee2050]

April 21,2023 on my 50% mental health

[@danielkibbee5159]

Lower back looks low . Check out Secondary claims . Your 10% from 100% . Good luck

[@genjustice4766]

I want to file secondary condition due to my lower back pain. Did you have nexus letter for secondary conditions? or you just use VA treatment record download from the VA and submitted? if you have nexus letter who helped you? Thank you.

[@mikemcnamee2050]

No one helped me. I helped myself. I am now 100% P&T. I did not have a nexus letter at all. Not one!

[@mikemcnamee2050]

All you need is a current diagnosis and a Service related event. The VA has the legal responsibility of “ DUTY TO ASSIST.” Therefore that is what the C&P Examination is for. You are examined by a third party Medical Professional and they will give you the NEXUS, their Professional Medical opinion. Since it sounds like you have service related event and apparently a disability rating already. All you have to obtain is a current diagnosis/ with proven medical evidence(x-rays, Mri, EMG, etc).

[@tomgogolin819]

It has taken me between 2-3 years

[@inked_icons]

Since PACT act x 4-8 times this long

[@mikekinsella2822]

i might get my rating the day after i die

[@donaldmartin4980]

92 days and counting lol….

[@eQuariuz]

7 months... 1 c&P exam, still waiting on service treatment records, they say, for the other contentions.

[@eQuariuz]

IS THIS A JOKE?

[@LuisDiaz-sd4pp]

My took 8 months!!!!!

[@gavinbutler6243]

Least informative video you've ever made