Backlog claims fall at VA, says VA
Military.com reports that the Veterans’ Administration is telling us that their backlog of claims has fallen since the government shutdown began, despite the fact that they said the shutdown would hinder their progress;
In an email, VA officials acknowledged that the backlog did not increase during the shutdown but insisted that it did remain flat during the days department funding was restricted. That ignores a Oct. 14 report putting the backlog about 6,000 cases lower than where Shinseki had indicated just a few days earlier.
The department attributes the 10,000-case drop from Sept. 28 to Oct. 19 to the five non-shutdown days included in that reporting period, and the “hard work of our Veterans Benefit Administration employees” despite the distraction.
Well, since VA operations were funded before the shutdown, the convenient excuse of the shutdown really didn’t apply, other than cutting back overtime hours. So, because they weren’t taking in claims during the shutdown, it only makes sense that the stack would have been reduced.
Category: Veterans' Affairs Department
Judging by the flow of traffic (or lack of) where troops would do their VA screenings and such during the shutdown, it makes sense that they didn’t get any new cases. Troops weren’t even allowed to carry out retirement or ETS tasks during the shutdown.
It’s easy, just deny a bunch of claims regardless of how valid they are and let them do a NOD, or appeal and it falls into a different category.
I have seen some well developed and truly valid claims denied with some of the Vets here locally lately, it all about cooking the books.
I moved in July and updated my address both through the 1-800 number AND e-benefits. I wanted to be DOUBLE sure, because I was waiting on some C&P exams. What happens? Of course the VA schedules the appointments at the hospital near my old address.
They can’t do anything right, I highly doubt they are doing these backlogged claims any justice by rushing through them.
Paper Shuffle #2…. If a case is awaiting disposition award a partial finding, while still looking at the majority of the claim.
Meanwhile in 0bamaland:
*papers swishing* – SEE? It’s all OK now!!! OOH, coffee break!!
Lee Stein, an attorney for Davies, said his client was surprised by the criminal charges.
“Colonel Davies has served his country for over 31 years with dignity and honor fighting the Global War on Terror from Tucson,” Stein wrote in an e-mail.
From Tuscon
Most decisions are coming back as “provisional” decisions. If you answer the denial letter, it starts the one year period for NOD, however, if more evidence or an exam is required, the Veteran can usually get a reconsideration versus a NOD. Talk with your Veteran Service Officer. If you don’t have one, I HIGHLY suggest that you get one as soon as you can. They will advocate for you and help you through these landmines that are the VA.
Foxes guarding the henhouse say nothing to see here folks.
434 days since my claim was submitted. In October of 2012, I received notice the claim I submitted on 14 August 2012 had been received. I haven’t heard anything since.
After almost 40 years fighting the rating board(idiots)in the DFW Metroplex. I had to quit working due to my injuries and move to Oklahoma to stay with family. My Uncles and Cousins had telling me come and they help till the VA awarded a higher rating. My kin told me to use the Oklahoma service officer. In less than 6 months I was rated over a 100%. I have found using the smaller VAMCs give better service to the Vet. Joe