Seattle Regional VA Timelines:

[maronedp]

I just spoke to my Seattle DAV rep and she told me that the VA is "awaiting guidance from the PEB" but didn't know anything beyond that. When I pushed her on it, she said she would email to find out more. I'm not sure why the VA would have to await guidance from the PEB. The PEB guidance is pretty clear: "rate this soldier". The only other thing I can think of is that I am 90 days into ratings and my ebenefits still says "gathering evidence, evidence past due". Any thoughts or similar experiences?

 

[Warrior644]

I just spoke to my Seattle DAV rep and she told me that the VA is "awaiting guidance from the PEB" but didn't know anything beyond that. When I pushed her on it, she said she would email to find out more. I'm not sure why the VA would have to await guidance from the PEB. The PEB guidance is pretty clear: "rate this soldier". The only other thing I can think of is that I am 90 days into ratings and my ebenefits still says "gathering evidence, evidence past due". Any thoughts or similar experiences?

____________________________****** Happy Holiday Season! ******_______________________________

Hmm, interesting in that the response you received from the Seattle DAV representative is my current state albeit I know why in my particular case; it's due to my 2nd Formal PEB hearing proceedings.

To that extent, I am not exactly sure as to why the DoVA D-RAS is "awaiting guidance from the PEB" if they are indeed in receipt of the PEB-referred memorandum requesting DoD and VA claimed conditions ratings with supporting rationale.

Hopefully, you shall received additional clarification from the Seattle DAV representative soon in reference to your particular situation.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[thunderchuck]

I just spoke to my Seattle DAV rep and she told me that the VA is "awaiting guidance from the PEB" but didn't know anything beyond that. When I pushed her on it, she said she would email to find out more. I'm not sure why the VA would have to await guidance from the PEB. The PEB guidance is pretty clear: "rate this soldier". The only other thing I can think of is that I am 90 days into ratings and my ebenefits still says "gathering evidence, evidence past due". Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Is Lorraine your DAV rep? That actually sounds very similar to what she told me when I was at that step. She could never really explain what that meant, though, so I just had to wait it out. My ebenefits said the exact same thing.

 

[Surf1Boss]

I am getting the run around on what is up with my ratings. My eBenefits page has been stuck on Claim Recieved since 4/30/2013 and has not moved. Everyone says "Go to eBenefits", well that is useless or they have not looked at my case one bit since. I did finally get a notice from the PEBLO that there was a cryptic msg in DRAS on Dec 5 2013. Still no change in eBenefits! Very frustrating still waiting 244 days today and all the others getting ratings in 90-150 days....

 

[maronedp]

I

Is Lorraine your DAV rep? That actually sounds very similar to what she told me when I was at that step. She could never really explain what that meant, though, so I just had to wait it out. My ebenefits said the exact same thing.

I believe it was Lorraine. Hopefully she can give me something more when I call again.

 

[Surf1Boss]

I just spoke to my Seattle DAV rep and she told me that the VA is "awaiting guidance from the PEB" but didn't know anything beyond that. When I pushed her on it, she said she would email to find out more. I'm not sure why the VA would have to await guidance from the PEB. The PEB guidance is pretty clear: "rate this soldier". The only other thing I can think of is that I am 90 days into ratings and my ebenefits still says "gathering evidence, evidence past due". Any thoughts or similar experiences?

How did you reach your Seattle DAV rep? I called the 800-827-1000 and got some guy that said I was out of luck and had to wait until I was out of the service to get any info from them. Because I was active duty and in the WTB I should contact my PEBLO. What is going on?

 

[grizz13]

I am getting the run around on what is up with my ratings. My eBenefits page has been stuck on Claim Recieved since 4/30/2013 and has not moved. Everyone says "Go to eBenefits", well that is useless or they have not looked at my case one bit since. I did finally get a notice from the PEBLO that there was a cryptic msg in DRAS on Dec 5 2013. Still no change in eBenefits! Very frustrating still waiting 244 days today and all the others getting ratings in 90-150 days....

Go to the VA website and do and IRIS inquiry direct link here: https://iris.custhelp.com/ In the inquiry state above information and see what they send you back.

 

[Surf1Boss]

Go to the VA website and do and IRIS inquiry direct link here: https://iris.custhelp.com/ In the inquiry state above information and see what they send you back.

Here is a response from IRIS inquiry on 3 Dec 13:

Dear Mr. :

This is in response to your inquiry to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dated December 3, 2013.

For the service you have performed for our country, we are grateful, thank you for your sacrifice.

Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your inquiry. We are currently experiencing a large volume of inquiries and are working as quickly as possible to respond to each inquiry in a timely manner.

Our records indicate a Disability Evaluation System (DES) claim was initiated on January 18, 2013, and included multiple contentions. If we determine we need additional information, we will contact you.

The Disability Evaluation System (DES) is a joint Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense Disability Evaluation System program. The intent of the DES program is to enroll all service members who have been referred to a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB). However, VA can’t complete a claim until the service member is discharged from active duty service.

The Physical Evaluation Board Liaison Officer or PEBLO will guide the service member through the process from the point of referral until the service member is either returned to duty or discharged. For additional information, please contact your PEBLO.

So you are informed, we are currently processing a large volume of claims, and we are doing our best to process these as quickly as possible. We generally process claims in the order received. We appreciate your continued patience. Unfortunately at this time the VA has an unprecedented number of claims that are being submitted every day. The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is working hard to process all claims effectively, timely, respectfully, and following the laws correctly that have been placed by congress.

Do to the current backlog and unprecedented amount of claims that come to the VA every day, we cannot provide you with a timeframe of when a proposed rating letter can be completed for you.

We have contacted the Seattle Regional Office for verification and information about your claim. Once we have received their response, we will contact you.

When a Veteran submits a claim for VA compensation with service-connected disabilities, each Veteran is unique in how their disabilities affect them in the adjustment and stability in everyday civilian life. When two Veterans have the same disability for the same incident, one Veterans condition may be worse than the other Veteran because of how it has affected them physically and or mentally.
.
. [nothing important]
.
Thank you for contacting us. If you have questions or need additional help with the information in our reply, please respond to this message or see our other contact information below.

Sincerely yours,

C. Boyd
National IRIS Response Center Manager
srd

The same blah blah I always get...

 

[grizz13]

Here is a response from IRIS inquiry on 3 Dec 13:
The same blah blah I always get...

Indeed, that is a blanket reply for most inquiries, when did you receive notification that the VA had received your packet and what was the date they received it?

 

[MattR77]

I just spoke with a DAV rep at Seattle. She said that i was rated (proposed) at 70% on the unfitting conditions (DOD), and 90% on the "all the other" conditions. I was confused. I know my 199 will come soon and that I must wait, but she also said that 70% was the maximum on the DOD side.

Does this mean that my 199 will reflect 70/90 or is there a difference between what's on the VA letter and what is on the 199?

 

[Combat Eng]

I just spoke with a DAV rep at Seattle. She said that i was rated (proposed) at 70% on the unfitting conditions (DOD), and 90% on the "all the other" conditions. I was confused. I know my 199 will come soon and that I must wait, but she also said that 70% was the maximum on the DOD side.

Does this mean that my 199 will reflect 70/90 or is there a difference between what's on the VA letter and what is on the 199?

you will get both a 199 and VA paperwork, 199 will state DOD side 70% and the VA will show the 90%, both will breakdown each rated condition

 

[thunderchuck]

PEBLO called this morning, 199 is back from the PEB (took 5 days for them to complete it but an extra 5 days to get it back to my PEBLO according to my dashboard). Will meet with him on Friday and then figure out if I want to ask for a reconsideration or not. 10/30 is low in my opinion, but I'm realistic in knowing that there's no way they would bump the Army from 10 to 30. 20/40 would at least be $200 more per month from the VA. Not sure if I'm willing to wait an extra 2-3 months for that though.

 

[Dickie G]

Well mine went back to gathering evidence again was at preperation for decision for 2 weeks and for the second time.
Been at the VA for 147days (2 above avg)
219 total med board. Frustrated and checked out, why wouldn't they request information all at once. It feels like they go down the list and stop at each claimed condition and request more information and wait. Once they get the information they move to the next claim and repeat the last step. Why wouldn't they just do it all at once.

Well anyway Happy New Year: 2014 can only be better.

 

[YepYeah]

Well mine went back to gathering evidence again was at preperation for decision for 2 weeks and for the second time.
Been at the VA for 147days (2 above avg)
219 total med board. Frustrated and checked out, why wouldn't they request information all at once. It feels like they go down the list and stop at each claimed condition and request more information and wait. Once they get the information they move to the next claim and repeat the last step. Why wouldn't they just do it all at once.

Well anyway Happy New Year: 2014 can only be better.

I think we might share the same rater

 

[Dickie G]

I think we might share the same rater

Always a possibility, they requested somthing from Loma Linda VAMC. Now what that is, your guess is as good as mine. I never had any appointments there, but on the good side it's only a hour and a half away from my base.

 

[Warrior644]

I just spoke with a DAV rep at Seattle. She said that i was rated (proposed) at 70% on the unfitting conditions (DOD), and 90% on the "all the other" conditions. I was confused. I know my 199 will come soon and that I must wait, but she also said that 70% was the maximum on the DOD side.

Does this mean that my 199 will reflect 70/90 or is there a difference between what's on the VA letter and what is on the 199?

_______________________________****** Happy New Year! ******________________________________

Indeed, congratulations on the recent verbal receipt of your DoD and DoVA proposed ratings!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[Warrior644]

PEBLO called this morning, 199 is back from the PEB (took 5 days for them to complete it but an extra 5 days to get it back to my PEBLO according to my dashboard). Will meet with him on Friday and then figure out if I want to ask for a reconsideration or not. 10/30 is low in my opinion, but I'm realistic in knowing that there's no way they would bump the Army from 10 to 30. 20/40 would at least be $200 more per month from the VA. Not sure if I'm willing to wait an extra 2-3 months for that though.

_______________________________****** Happy New Year! ******________________________________

Indeed, well only you know what's best in your particular situation for sure!

To that extent, it shall be interesting to know what your decision is upon the conclusion of your meeting with the PEBLO on 3 January 2014.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[Dickie G]

My peblo got back to me and this is the information I received. Has anyone ever done this test?

According to the Veterans Tracking System on Dec 26, 2013 VA requested the following with a 15 day suspense:


Date of Review: 12/26/2013
Review Results: Inadequate Exam Type: Gulf War Guidelines
Exam Facility: Exam Facility: Contractor Details: Fort Irwin, CA
Inadequate Reason: The examiner provides no diagnosis for the claimed issue of respiratory complaints due to burn pits in Iraq and chemical plant in Iskandariya, Iraq. Per the June VSMC conference call, a Gulf War exam is needed. Please complete a Gulf War worksheet for this issue. A Gulf War exam must be completed by the nearest VAMC.
Date Corrected VA Exam Requested: 12/26/2013
Days in Suspense Period: 15


Date of Review: 12/26/2013
Review Results: Inadequate Exam Type: Gulf War Guidelines
Exam Facility: Exam Facility: Contractor Details: Fort Irwin, CA
Inadequate Reason: The examiner provides no diagnosis for the claimed issue of bilateral hearing loss. Per the June VSMC conference call, a Gulf War exam is needed. Please complete a Gulf War worksheet for this issue. A Gulf War exam must be completed by the nearest VAMC.
Date Corrected VA Exam Requested: 12/26/2013
Days in Suspense Period: 15


.....NOTE....VA will contact me and Mrs Beck with your new appointment....also VA will contact you via mail for required future appointment.

 

[Warrior644]

My peblo got back to me and this is the information I received. Has anyone ever done this test?

According to the Veterans Tracking System on Dec 26, 2013 VA requested the following with a 15 day suspense:

Date of Review: 12/26/2013
Review Results: Inadequate Exam Type: Gulf War Guidelines
Exam Facility: Exam Facility: Contractor Details: Fort Irwin, CA
Inadequate Reason: The examiner provides no diagnosis for the claimed issue of respiratory complaints due to burn pits in Iraq and chemical plant in Iskandariya, Iraq. Per the June VSMC conference call, a Gulf War exam is needed. Please complete a Gulf War worksheet for this issue. A Gulf War exam must be completed by the nearest VAMC.
Date Corrected VA Exam Requested: 12/26/2013
Days in Suspense Period: 15

Date of Review: 12/26/2013
Review Results: Inadequate Exam Type: Gulf War Guidelines
Exam Facility: Exam Facility: Contractor Details: Fort Irwin, CA
Inadequate Reason: The examiner provides no diagnosis for the claimed issue of bilateral hearing loss. Per the June VSMC conference call, a Gulf War exam is needed. Please complete a Gulf War worksheet for this issue. A Gulf War exam must be completed by the nearest VAMC.
Date Corrected VA Exam Requested: 12/26/2013
Days in Suspense Period: 15

.....NOTE....VA will contact me and Mrs Beck with your new appointment....also VA will contact you via mail for required future appointment.

_______________________________****** Happy New Year! ******________________________________

Unfortunately no albeit it seems that the DoVA D-RAS is being thoroughly proactive with your DoD IDES case file; good deal!

Indeed, it extends your DoD IDES case completion time but the DoVA D-RAS coud have deferred your claimed issue which results in extended wait times as a military veteran in my opinion.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[Dickie G]

Thanks

_______________________________****** Happy New Year! ******________________________________

Unfortunately no albeit it seems that the DoVA D-RAS is being thoroughly proactive with your DoD IDES case file; good deal!

Indeed, it extends your DoD IDES case completion time but the DoVA D-RAS coud have deferred your claimed issue which results in extended wait times as a military veteran in my opinion.

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

Thanks again, I looked it up dose t seem all that bad. The good news is that they have till Tuesday to get the answers.