A must read? (New claims processing)

[Bob698]

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pres...se.cfm?id=2354

I've only done a quick read-through. It sounds like you can file for a quicker turn around if you only file for one or two serious conditions or are *really* stuck up the creek and facing going homeless.

I think we really need to read into this before saying its good or bad. The down side seems to be that you have to sacrifice other valid concerns in order to get a quick decision.

[gomer]

Thanks Bob..

I looked up your link. It sounds reasonable and logical. The question is how well the plan is actually implemented in practice.

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

so just file your " 1or2" major complaints, then when they are approved file the others....people spend to much time spinning there wheels... its all how you word things. approved for ssdi in 4 months and it took only 3 months to get my upgrades to 100 percent all service connected, all from combat wounds though... next i am gonna see how long it takes me to get my MS service connected. I bet it will be less than 6 months.

[Bob698]

Well, its a little ironic in that it sounds a lot like how my first S.O. filed my claim.

What I would question is where do the S.O.'s fit into this plan? Aren't they supposed to be doing all of this stuff already to insure a claim is accurate and properly documented?

If you have five valid medical conditions and only file for two, what happens to the rest?

[Scooter24]

Bob- the additional are applied for under an ammended claim as mine are now, I had submitted mine by myself and afterwards got PVA involved, my second or ammended claim is in now for about 8 months, since those were submitted, my nuero now says I have lost use of my right leg and audiology has determined a 60% hearing loss due to MS nerve damage, these additional items will be submitted as a 2nd amendment once we get an answer on the 2nd group already in, this as per my PVA rep as he said it will just cause everything to start over again, such as C&P exams etc. he said it is better to wait for additional extras plus he already has me in for unemployability and if I get that no reason really to go after any more.

[gomer]

I see one potential problem with this.

Lets say a person had 3 or more issues, files for only 1 or two, then waits to file for the other issues. Instead of a single claim, you end up filling 2 or maybe even three total claims instead of one.

On one hand it seems like it could cause MORE not less paper work etc.

On the other hand, it could save the VA money, by delaying comp payments and their medical cost for the additional issues.

Scooter..did they give you hearing aids yet? After my hearing loss was determined to be service connected, my care in that dept did a 180, from very bad (& nasty) to good (& polite), and given very nice hearing aids.


Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Scooter24]

On the other hand, it could save the VA money, by delaying comp payments and their medical cost for the additional issues.

Cost for additional issues are not a factor if you rcv 30% or more initially as all your med care is provided period if S/C or not as are all of mine.

Scooter..did they give you hearing aids yet?

They have them there, but cannot give me an appointment before the 29th of Aug at this time to finish fitting and training and retesting with them. .

[Scooter24]

I also noted that the new provisions do not apply to my VA regional center at his time. quite strange as PVA rep said it is one of the top 3 busiest regional centers.

[Bob698]

Originally Posted by Scooter24

Cost for additional issues are not a factor if you rcv 30% or more initially as all your med care is provided period if S/C or not .

Scoot, I'm starting to wonder about that.

I also have an issue I've told them about (a bad knee) that's gone no where. I haven't made anything out of it because it would probably be a bigger hassle after an operation than it would be if I leave it alone.
I've also noticed that eye care seems to be getting scalled back (this would be my number two issue after MS) but this could just be a regional thing.
I'm a prime candidate for macular degeneration but I haven't heard from the eye clinic in over a year.

[Scooter24]

I have been given 2 extensive eye exams and new glasses twice in the past 2 years, I have only paid my 8.00 copay on pills and nothing else since i went S/c. You say you haven't heard from eye clinic , sounds like it is time to be proactive and ask your GP to do a refferal for them. My VAsays they want to take care of as many vets as possible to keep thier #'s up and get full funding. When I have thought I needed to see a specialist I just shhot my GP an email requesting a refferal and he does it, original eye exam was done about a week after asking for it.

[Bob698]

Originally Posted by Scooter24

My VAsays they want to take care of as many vets as possible to keep thier #'s up and get full funding.

Ding!

The VA hospital in DSM usually has full parking lots from 0730 to 1630. I should have bought lottery tickets on Monday when I pulled into the first lot at 1000 and saw THREE (!!!!) open parking spaces.
I usually have to cruise around for a half hour or more before anything opens up.

[gomer]

Bob... the VA I use was like that decades ago. These days there are always plenty of empty parking spaces. I have not had to hunt for a parking space in years!

Gomer Sir Falls-a-lot

[Scooter24]

My VA has valet parking at most buildings so I let them worry about a space to put it, if the building I'm going to doesn't have the valet I go to the closest one and ride my scooter to the other building. Tuesdays are the worst at this VA Hospital.

[Bob698]

Originally Posted by Scooter24

My VA has valet parking

You probably have bidets next to the ball washers at your golf course.

[Scooter24]

Nope the course I play at is a Redneck Country Club.