Tips from Veterans or Retirees about the VA process

SFC James Baber — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 13:35:28 -0500

Does anyone have any expertise or good tips in relation to appeals through the VA on ratings not fully completed the first time through.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 9:35 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:35:26 -0500

I can't believe there have been no responses to this post at all.

Response by LCpl Matt P. made Mar 26 at 2014 4:53 PM

LCpl Matt P. — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:53:20 -0400

I got out of the Corps in '83, and never registered at the VA despite multiple efforts to get me to (too healthy, no time due to work, too lazy to bother and to confusing to deal with it...for whatever reason I never did, I am a cancer survivor and now in my 50's I am finding that I "have a claim"? due to being stationed at Camp LeJeune and Camp Geiger during my hitch, apparently while they were contaminating the ground water or something along those lines...despite all the "help" I am getting from others, I have NO idea what I am doing or should be doing!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 3:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:26:55 -0400

You can try here:http://www.bva.va.gov/How_Do_I_APPEAL.asp

or http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42609.pdf

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 15 at 2014 7:51 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 07:51:24 -0400

Contact a service officer near your location.

http://nacvso.org/find-a-service-officer/

Find a Service Officer | NACVSO

To find your local Service Officer, select your state from the list below. You will be redirected to the appropriate page if it is available.

Response by SPC Michael Stanko made Apr 15 at 2014 9:42 AM

SPC Michael Stanko — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:42:17 -0400

This site is useful for tracking appointments/claims with the VA.

http://www.ebenefits.va.gov

eBenefits - Homepage

Get the latest news and updates about VA benefits available to you on the Veterans Benefits Administration's Facebook page.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 9:55 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:55:18 -0400

I don't know if this is just a local thing, but the Bowling Green, KY American Legion post has VA representatives that are there once or twice a week. They are the reason I was informed of the fully developed claim process, and they generally were awesome with assisting me in submitting my claim.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 15 at 2014 3:43 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:43:43 -0400

My appeal has been elevated 3 times and pending a hearing on the last (and final) appeal for 3 years. All I can say is good luck!

Response by CPL J Sannizzaro made Jun 26 at 2014 3:38 PM

CPL J Sannizzaro — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:38:16 -0400

Do not assign any blame. Stick to 3 points. #1 I have an ailment, physical or mental, example loss of use of left leg and PTSD. #2 it occurred or was aggravated by/during service. Example. January 17th 2011. I was on active duty from October 2009 until November 2012. The incident occurred while deployed to Iraq. #3 I need help. Medical, financial ect because of these ailments.
The DAV is free. They help. They care. They are as fast or faster than any lawyer you will have to pay. You never have to join but it was only $250 for lifetime when I did. Good luck, and be patient.

Response by PVT Vance Hanna made Jul 14 at 2014 1:18 AM

PVT Vance Hanna — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 01:18:31 -0400

Get a Good VA Lawyer and Contact your Congressmen. Then be ready to wait.