Is the VA Claim process finally catching up?

2015-09-24T14:46:29-04:00

Last month, VA reached a historic low in the disability claims backlog by dipping below 100,000 to 98,535 – and the number of these claims (pending more than 125 days) has come down even further since. This milestone means that VA is processing disability claims faster and more efficiently so that Veterans, their families, and Survivors get the benefits they deserve.

By participating in the Fully Developed Claims program, Veterans and Survivors can take charge of their claims by submitting all relevant records with their claims at once. The fastest way to receive a decision on your disability claim is by filing an FDC electronically through eBenefits.va.gov.

Visit VA’s website to learn more about filing an electronic Fully Developed Claim and what you can do to get started.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Sep 24 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-09-24T14:48:53-04:00

I would be surprised if it was!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 24 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-09-24T14:53:18-04:00

Hopefully this is a good sign and that the VA claims process is becoming more efficient MAJ Private RallyPoint Member. Time will tell if this is a anomaly or if things are getting much better. I certainly hope the process is getting better and will continue to improve.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 24 at 2015 7:44 PM

2015-09-24T19:44:48-04:00

Please forgive my cynicism but is this reduction symptomatic of improvement in the system or because many waiting for treatment have either given up or died? Really, it's an honest question...

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 24 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-09-24T19:53:57-04:00

They need to broadcast some positive PR as it was recently reported that this new electronic system of theirs is well over cost and under productivity failing to meet the projections. On the other side, if I were to drink the juice and believe they are improving, I believe the problem will still be what has always been the basic issue and that is the "medical evidence." They have published on their web site the rating guides used by the adjudicators which details what evidence is needed to achieve the particular rating, unfortunately for many of our older veterans who don't traverse the internet much, they haven't seen what it takes for medical evidence. So it will still be the same frustration that one has a similar problem as their battle buddy, but why is it their rating is so much more lower than their buddy?

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Jan 13 at 2018 7:23 AM

2018-01-13T07:23:22-05:00

What a joke! I have been waiting over 6 years now. This process is designed to out last a veterans own life. They hate us down there in there dungeon of miss trust.

Response by PO2 Milton Torres made Feb 25 at 2022 11:03 AM

2022-02-25T11:03:02-05:00

I was deployed with the 2nd MARDIV during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, when I got back I experienced joint swelling, aches, headaches like never before. Prior to that I was top class during all PT, the VA did give me a rating as they categorized it as rheumatoid arthritis, as I got older it got worst and I made a reclaim, which the VA came back and just labeled it as Fybromyalgia. Today, I have throat problems, tinittus and chronic headache that most likely were to living in the belly of an Assault Vehicle, inhaling diesel fuel, burning wells smoke and God knows what else. The VA is saying that I cannot make those claims since it has been over 10 years since I dettached. Any ideas or same situations out there?