I filed for VA Disability for my condition using the VA Online Program and FDC option, anyone have experience with it TIA?

MAJ Michael Pauling — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:41:46 -0400

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 24 at 2016 1:45 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:45:46 -0400

DO NOT LET IT JUST SIT...Stay on top of it.

Response by TSgt William Meyer made May 24 at 2016 4:48 PM

TSgt William Meyer — Tue, 24 May 2016 16:48:21 -0400

the wait time for anything especially a disability claim takes a long time.

Response by CSM Michael Salfai made May 24 at 2016 6:54 PM

CSM Michael Salfai — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:54:42 -0400

I was going to go that way but at the Fort McCoy Retiree Appreciation day they suggested going through the CVSO instead. I went through my County Veterans Service Officer with the American Legion as my Advocate. From what I hear that is the most effective way to file. Mine was approved in less than 90 days.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made May 25 at 2016 8:10 AM

SGT Beau Thomas — Wed, 25 May 2016 08:10:55 -0400

I did it last year, I scanned all documents related to my claims, waited about 4 months and received notice of 2 DR's appointments that would develop my claims. I went to both within two weeks, and pretty much forgot about them. Three months later I was approved for many of my claims, and a couple at 0%. The whole process took me a little more than 7 months from start to finish. Two of my friends had similar results. My suggestion, talk to a VA Rep and learn the exact verbage needed to decribe you disabilities exactly to develop the claim correctly. I was actually impressed at the speed at ebenefits.

Response by CPL James Mellar made May 25 at 2016 3:02 PM

CPL James Mellar — Wed, 25 May 2016 15:02:08 -0400

When filing for VA disability I find it best to use an advocate, such as the American Legion (AL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or Veterans of Foreign War (VFW). All three can help you out without you being a member of their group. Once you choose an advocate, that is the one you must stick with for the complete process of filing. The advocate organizations, listed above, have lawyers, and councilors, to assist you with your claim. I used the DAV. I was not a member then but am a lifetime member now.

Response by SPC Dee Bartlett made May 27 at 2016 3:00 AM

SPC Dee Bartlett — Fri, 27 May 2016 03:00:39 -0400

I initially filed on my own and wasn't successful. I went to the Veteran Service Officer at the Workforce place for assistance and he sent me to a website. I went by to see my County VSO and getting him to move was like dragging a dead whore outta bed. The DAV is the group that I sat down with, did my service agreement and proceeded. I filed in July and was approved in October. Two years later, I am now at the DAV assisting with claims.

One recommendation I have is if you already have someone advocating for your claim, I would leave them as your representative if the claim has already been started. Changing vet reps mid-claim can slow the whole process down. Good luck.