What are the weirdest VA rules that can affect your claim?

PFC Courtney Hilliard — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 13:52:09 -0400

I run a non-profit for soldiers and veterans, as well as being a disabled veteran, and married to a Purple Heart Recipient. In saying this, I spend a lot of time dealing with the VA and strange rules. Recently my husband filed for the 4th time, in an attempt to receive the benefits owed to him. At the time of filing, he was told by Clarence at the VA in Temple (who is a God send for veterans with claims issues) that the VA has a rule stating that if the veteran tries to reschedule a claim appointment them self, then it's an automatic claim denial. He told us that this is why the first three claims were denied. He showed my husband where the VA received a call stating that my husband couldn't attend any appointments on Ties. and Thurs. and then turned around and scheduled him for those days only. Then he showed him where they denied the claim due to his attempt to reschedule the appointment. THERE ARE ONLY 4 PEOPLE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS WHO CAN RESCHEDULE A CLAIM APPOINTMENT WITHOUT THE CLAIM BEING DENIED. Clarence in Temple is one of them.

Any one else run into any crazy VA rules?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 2:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:11:21 -0400

Yes: If you're a contractor for the VA, even if you're a veteran, then it's MORE difficult to be hired by the VA.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jun 4 at 2015 2:38 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 14:38:25 -0400

No, thankfully I've neverhad to file a claim. If I live to bee a hundred (I'm more than halfway there now) I'll never understand why veterans are treated so poorly.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 3:40 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 15:40:59 -0400

It may be more like a policy developed by an over worked management person , more so than a real 'RULE'. As in a directive or a type of order or instruction placed down in black & white. The management comes up with ideas it thinks may help the operation run better. The result is that the little guy gets shafted from time to time. Your best bet is to get a political figure or a powerful staff person to change that rule.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 4 at 2015 4:52 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:52:09 -0400

I can see this and many other black book rules as being a huge contributor to frustration with the VA.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jun 4 at 2015 9:48 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 21:48:30 -0400

I called to ask about rescheduling one of mine. The contracted agent told me they would have to cancel it. Send it back to the VA and then was it for the VA to send it back to them and they would then reschedule me. Without checking with me first. In two weeks time, I had 4 appointments all over 1 hour seats from home and work. I am so very greatful that I have an understanding boss and I was able to take time off to go. I think this process is ridiculous.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 4 at 2015 11:25 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 23:25:11 -0400

So THAT'S how the VA "speeds up claim time," deny, deny, deny.

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

PO2 Milton Torres — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:03:20 -0500

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?