Feedback from any VA folks?

[Aitrus]

Thanks for all the feedback, folks. Much appreciated. Looks like the best thing for me to do is to call in and say that I'm willing to do teleheath, and then let the process take it's course.

[IRQVET]

Like I'm sure you've noticed, peoples experiences vary. Unfortunately, for most of the folks I served with it was pretty negative; I say most- but not all of them. I think my experience was so easy because it was combat related, and well documented. The VA really had everything they needed to move my file through. On the other hand, if your medical evidence and documentation are a soup sandwich to wade through, your case will most likely drag on.

Alot also has to due with who is handling your claim, or in a lot of cases, HOW MANY people from the VA have been involved in handled your claim. The VA seems to have a ton of turn over, so its not unforeseen to start with one individual, just to have that file handed off to someone else; and then someone else, and then someone else. All the while, hoping something wasn't dropped along the way. This didn't happen to me, but it has with many people I know.

During your C&P exam just be honest with them. This is not the time to "suck it up and press" like you've always been expected to do. This happen to one of my buddies, he got all HOOAH during his C&P and downplayed everything out of fear of appearing weak or soft. (Old habits die hard) Just explain what's going on, but also be mindful that there are folks out there trying to work the system to their benefit. So you have to understand the VA has a difficult job wading through the B.S.

The system isn't perfect, but if your case is strong, your paperwork is in order, and you're not trying to pull a fast one; you'll be fine. It'll just be waiting game, especially with Covid.

Hurry up and wait remember

[Scorpio70]

My file sat on a pile at the BVA for 5 years. They just did not really care, and I had great documentation. Once the attorneys got involved things moved along well. Don't be afraid of VA attorneys.

[xencfw]

IRQVET that's a solid comment. I will say the VA seems to want by how the process is designed to have multiple people involved with each case. I believe the idea is actually to prevent things from being missed but also to because each person only has a limited function where not one or even two people can send out money... and buy submarines (it happened before). So like the people who "rate" the case can't "create" a claim nor issue payment based on their own rating. I think the most negative part of this setup is it takes a LONG time to review all of someone's medical record to figure out what development actions have to be taken and do it properly then never see the case back again.

Aitrus - good idea but a lot of exams they won't do health like joints. If you're like nearly anyone who served you probably have a back, knee, shoulder, or foot condition claimed.

Be cautious with agent/attorneys. I used to be VA fee coordinator. The majority of them work on a commission where the amount they get paid is deducted from your retroactive payment. The amount of a retroactive benefit greatly depends on how many months or years the payment covers and also the % granted. This means they have no interest in getting your case worked timely nor getting you the right benefits granted up front. They literally will not get paid anything if VA grants your case first go around. They are deeply vested in delaying a case as long as they need to get the amount of money they want. I'm on the phone daily with these people who literally say, "we filed this just to waste time and buy another year before we submit what we are withholding to get this granted." Unless you truly have an unusual scenario (trying to connect the dots on some highly unlikely situation), which most do not, or a sketchy claim, then having an attorney is a big waste of money.

[Aitrus]

Got a call from QTC today. Looks like appointments are starting to come open somewhat. I'm scheduled to be seen by a Mobile Team later on this month.

[ProduceMan]

Got a call from QTC today. Looks like appointments are starting to come open somewhat. I'm scheduled to be seen by a Mobile Team later on this month.

With COVID still around, are the appointments telephonically?

[Aitrus]

It sounds like they're doing anything related to psychology via telehealth. The others are all in-person. From the sound of it, I'll be getting seen by a team on a specially outfitted 40-foot RV that travels around seeing patients.

[Joshuador]

I sure would like to hear some feedback from pedal steel players that are using the G2M. I am considering buying one and would like to hear how its working
Thanks so much,

[Aitrus]

I sure would like to hear some feedback from pedal steel players that are using the G2M. I am considering buying one and would like to hear how its working
Thanks so much,

Um...Are you sure you're posting in the correct forum? We're not talking about steel guitars here...