Veterans can now file an appeal online at the BVA website.
The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board, BVA) continues to modernize to meet Veterans’ needs. The Board recently updated and improved its website to make sure all the information you need is available and easy to understand. It also includes what the Board does and what to expect during an appeal. Biggest news of all? Veterans can now file their request to appeal to the Board online!
How do you request a Board Appeal online?
If you disagree with a decision VA made on your claim, you can log into VA.gov and electronically file the VA Form 10182.
Here is how to request a BVA appeal on a claim decision.
The process is simple!
- Navigate your browser to https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews/board-appeal/.
- Select “Request a Board Appeal” to go to the VA.gov login screen. You must have a VA.gov account.
- The appeal tool will walk you through the process of filing an appeal correctly online.
- You can select which type of appeal you would like: Direct Review, Evidence Submission, or Hearing. You can also find more information about all these options and what to expect during your appeal on the Board’s homepage.
The ability to file an appeal online is just one of the many technology modernizations the Board has made to ensure Veterans have easy access to the Board. This initiative supports VA’s commitment to help Veterans receive faster resolutions to their disagreements with VA claims decisions.
Did you know that you can also have a Virtual Tele-Hearing?
In addition to filing an appeal online, Veterans who selected a hearing can have those hearings online. No need to report in person to a local VA office. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. Additional information about virtual tele-hearings can be found here.
Visit www.bva.va.gov for more information.
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Combat Craig provides great information. I filed my a claim for aircraft engine exhaust exposure and worked with the aircraft that was exposed to herbicides from ‘68 to 71.. I submitted a letter from my doctor, some outside hospitals, VA hospital records, service records, and articles related to fuel exhaust as well as previous adjudicated VA claims at the board level. I submitted over 50 documents and was given 100% disability with a 76 days of submitting my claim. I provided everything that I thought VA needed to review at its Regional office level. I submitted a Full Developed Claim because I want VA to read a story of my life and how I was damaged for my service. Leave no room for questions by VA.
Man it’s rough out here dealing with the VA, but there is hope. Check out Combat Craig on U Tube, He seems very wise with Veterans issues
I feel for you. Just know how lucky you are to have had kids
A VA committee handling a VA claim appeal is doomed from the start for the Veterans.
IF people read this page describing what we veterans must go thru trying to get what was promised to us for serving, they will know the real truth of the VA. There is no wonder why so many people simply HATE the VA. I have kidney failure because of being in the army. I did all the paperwork correctly, exactly as prescribed. The final judgement was that I am disabled, occured while in the army, due to being in the army. This was a claim for disability compensation. You know what I got for serving and becoming disabled? NOTHING! Why? Because Kidney Failure is not a disability claim! So I suspose that my wife will be able to claim I am 100% disabled after I die from the kidney failure I got from being in the army that was the fault of the army and was all reviewed by a doctor picked by the VA who said same thing and his final statement was “Pay this disability claim.” I have not received 1 cent and even though the VA is wrong in their judgement of kidney failure not being a disability, and they will not pay claims retroactive. Anything to save money and screw over a veteran! Further, I did not sign up, did not enlist but was forced during Nam to join the army against my will. Thanks for screwing an American Citizen who has never been arrested or caused anyone any problems.
Oh now, I tried topost this and got a message I am posting too quickly!
I got 1 thing to say all vet’s should read the agreement the VA made with private teaching hospitals .By the way the don’t tell veteran’s this here it is in a nutshell . When you sign the papers to slow Va health care there is a tiny little line that states.They slow teaching hospital they work with to slow medical students who are 3 years out from being a licensed surgeon to do major back surgery on you . Here’s the best part you wake up more crippled than when you walked in .like major drop foot .My fellow veteran’s quit volunteering to be a lab rat for medical students who will be millionaires .USN 1977-1980
I don’t know if the feedback on this post is viewed or reviewed and addressed after posting, but it would seem that VA is streamlining the appeal, but not the wait time. I think the wait time is much higher of an issue for them to address. I applied for a simple review by a judge without a hearing with the evidence provided earlier and it has been 10 months (filed in Aug 2021). I spoke with a local VSO regarding the status and he said it’s very slow process and don’t expect to see any type of updates or estimates. He raised a real alarm by saying he had one case resolved recently that waited 5 years.
5 years…. is that not ridiculous??
VA needs to process claims across the board faster, not just at the appeals level. I also called for status and they said there is no way to know how long it will take and that the web function that displays to call in a month after filing for where I am in the queue is completely false, there is no queue visible to them.
My recommendation to all is:
Get in touch with your local State Veteran Service Officer – BEFORE you file a claim for SC Compensation, especially before you file an Appeal.
Most denied claims do not need to be handled with an Appeal but rather a Supplemental Claim (reconsideration based on new and relevant evidence) that your
local State Veteran Service Officer will help you with. Each state has a Veteran’s Commission with Accredited Veteran Service Officers/Representatives that
help you gather the proper evidence to submit your claim efficiently the first time.
I was denied. Explanation — I didn’t complain enough.
The worst part about the VA, including the sub-standard medical care provided by uncaring desk jockeys, is the obvious. Specifically, the VA simply looks upon Veterans as the “has been warrior” or service member who was duped into military service and now get what they “deserve.” Meaning, not much. Anyway, …. In about 100 years, when the VA has long been dismantled and our own government has been outsourced to China, people will scratch their heads in disbelief why the (former) United States of America had shamelessly ignored their military personnel who had (unsuccessfully) attempted to serve and defend the country.
Since I have been receiving a 10% disability and never asked for more, well a few years back I did when I noticed a big change it my knee and leg hurting all the time and also giving out while like shopping at the food store. Luckly so far I have always been able to catch my-self before hitting the floor and my gripe is after fifty plus years you should take into affect that aging also plays a large part in an older injury but you don’t because your not the one with the pain. I have tried with no sucess to get my percentage raised to 25% for what little time I have left also suffering from COPD I also feel I got from asbestos while serving on ship but all I find is you keep playing the same old game with us till you take the fight right out of us and you did. I would rather spend what time I do have with my family and get enjoyment over what you have to give me, I already have Anxiety and don’t need more from playing this game with you, I fought for you already during the Viet Nam crises .
I believe the max rating per knee is 20% and you have to be worst off to get that. Shoot for secondary claims cause most likely that knee issue has caused it made worse other possible service connected issues example heel pain, Achilles pain, back pain, hip pain. Get a doctor to diagnose then sign a nexus connecting the new issues to your already existing disabilities.
Joseph Dorsett Sr. June 15, 2022, at 11:49 AM
The real rub after three years of active duty and three years of inactive reserve (discharge reads 1963). Those of us that were not in a combat theater are not considered by the US Government as “Veterans” when it comes to benefits. As A paratrooper and expert infantrymen all I had was my word, two knees replaced, and going on my fourth spine operation everything was turned down. I write this for all the hundreds of thousands of men and women that served during the cold war and are left out in the cold by the VA.
The problem is all of us veterans have to stand together and go to the va in Washington to be heard and demand the va system be shut down and we get the quality medical care we deserve by putting all of us on tricare we deserve the same medical care congressmen and senators get . The wait times of 5 to 9 years is not right to get a decision . The va needs to out source our disability claims to expedite them and judge the claims fairly . Thank you
Why doesn’t somebody from the VA read these comments. What a disaster and a joke. My appeal was filed by this new tremendously speedy method in October 2019. I have yet to come before the board. We are going on three years now. Every time I call they say it’s still in process and we don’t know when you’re hearing will be. For a stupid administrative error that the VA made. What a total joke.
Dear Dan Whalen, We are sorry to hear the VA is not meeting your expectations on your appeal. Please reach out to us at https://ask.va.gov/ to allow VA to start a conversation with you, so we can assist with better understanding the appeals process.
The VA’s #1 mission is to deny benefits to veterans. Did you incorporate this tool because you’re pushing nearly every claim to the BVA hoping the vet will just give up? Or die before receiving a hearing? Every aspect of the VA screams “we hate vets”.
i would like to know my late husband had a claim in when he passaway in 2005he had 2 heart attack had 3 way bypass inapril 2005 i kelp it going till2013the veteran gave me dic pensonthe veteran said he passway from agent orange why didt i get 100% service concet i think i should have got it hie name was luster salyer was in army in army 1965 till 1967 i would like to know thank you bonnie
[Editor: Do NOT publish sensitive information on the internet, including DOB or SSN or contact information.]
Hello, My husband also past from lung cancer which began while he was stationed at St Albans during Vietnam. He became more sick every year, he went to the VA health centers time after time. Some of the diagnosis he received were 1. “You seem to be getting adult asthma”. 2. “You must be allergic to tropical flowers”. 3. ” Must be COPD ” 4. “The small spot on your lung is nothing it will go away”. He just suffered more and more every year, finally he had to retire, One night he panicked and asked me to take him to Madigan. They diagnosed him that night with stage 4 cancer. Six weeks later he was dead. No insurance he was way to sick, I have DIC which is absolutely zero before last year. I was wondering why surviving spouses like us are not given the death Gratuity of $100,000 tax free just as the other, younger survivors are given. If you know anything about that please let me know. Thank you.
This is nice, but what improvement does it make? Still, has to be reviewed by the VBA or not? But the real issue is that the lack of communication with Veterans who have appeals already submitted is abysmal. I have an appeal that was filed on 6/11/20 with evidence and no hearing that is not in the hands of a Judge yet. On 07/21 my claim for ALS was approved. On 03/22 I notified the board, and that should have put me on a priority and advanced my claim. I never got notified of anything about this from the BVA since I filed the appeal on 6/11/20. Nothing, crickets, left hanging for 2 years.
Vets.gov says to check back next month for updates, but there are none. Phone calls come up with nothing. The same info I get by calling the BVA is already on Vets.gov. You guys have no clue what Vets go through during the appeals process. I was directed to the BVA metrics on the VA website about this issue. According to that website that says how many days it takes to process appeals, my appeal should have been completed over a year ago. The failure of the VA to communicate, the failure of the VA to post accurate stat’s on appeals, and the lack of any accountability to Veterans with appeals are appalling. Whoever is in charge of this should be fired for cause because it is totally ineffective.
Filing appeals on a website already existed, we did not need a new website to do that, so it is duplicative of efforts and a waste of tax dollars involved. They would have been better spent establishing a better way to keep veterans accurately informed about the status of their appeals.
Came up with another way to give you the run-a-round. Maybe we shpold start paying those who work there by the amount of claims they approve. That may get veterans more results.
I had a claim approved 5 years ago for 30% disability. I have now been diagnosed with a different type of cancer in a different part of my body and have been told I need to submit a status update. After being bounced around from department to department and making numerous phone calls to try and get in touch with someone that may be able to help, (approximately 10+), I am now told I have to file another claim to update my new status. I truly wish there was an easier way to do these types of things instead of waiting indefinitely.
I understand and can sympathize with those that are waiting years to hear back on a claim. Our veterans should be treated better than this.
My claim is almost 18 years old. I have given up. I get care with 10% disability. To hell with agent Orange and leukimia. Deny deny until i die
The VA is a total and complete joke! It is also a scam on Veterans. Want to fix it?
Simple! First, give us an ID card that we can use at any hospital or doctor’s office for the purpose of receiving healthcare from those we choose personally outside of the VA and paid by the VA.
Second, when a person applies for disability compensation, is found disabled, found to be the result of being in the army, admittedly is the fault of the army, your chosen doctor confirms the disability and the causes being the army, pay the veteran his just due instead of ignoring the case because there is no class for KIDNEY FAILURE. IF this happens, and it did, to me, and there is no class, create the class and award what we are due immediately and provide backpay for the all the time this case was rejected for no reason and not paid – just to avoid paying the claim? Rapidly approaching Stage 4 Kidney Failure due to the army so pay me my just disability compensation. This finding was years ago, at least back to 2010 maybe longer and still no disability compensation. Thanks a lot for taking care of us veterans. The VA is a pack of lies. And typical of the VA, ask for our comments and then make it impossible to do so because we do not have a URL personally. Thanks a lot for nothing.
I put a claim in for hearing loss denied .still rated at 0%.put claim in for presumptive disability for both lungs covered in plaque due to exposure burn pits in Iraq and Kuwait denied.
That’s great, but how will this help the ones like myself that have had the appeal in for longer then there initial awards finds with no updates or changes to our claim appeals status. I don’t want to wait around for years when my whole claim process took 5 months to get reviewed and awarded. How can we speed up our process that’s already in?
I am finally getting my board appeal on July 15th after 2 years and 5 days… and this is because it was expedited due to the fact that I have cancer… This system is so bad, that I had to enlist the help of my congresswoman’s office TWICE!!.. I had to appeal 5 times and go to see 3 different doctors because each time I go to their doctors, the medical records that arrive at the doctors office are either not mine… or are conveniently incomplete.. This has been a complete case of either total incompetence, or a case of intentional sabotage….. I filed my original claim for service related disability in June, 2017 (YES 5 YEARS AGO)…
I have been fighting for my 100% for a while since I left the military. Every time I put in for my conditions and ailments I’m denied. What really burns me up is when I talked to people who didn’t go to the Gulf War because they said they suffered with PTSD of going to Saudi. I was in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I left 3 kids back home plus I was a single mom. Mentally I went through a lot but while I was there I done what was acquired of me. I have been suffering with PTSD since, almost to the point of being committed. I suffered with a few medical problems and still are. I’m not able to work because of my mental state when I’m upset or someone make me angry. I have done everything to prove that I need my 100 percent, I don’t understand how those who has never been to a war that caused all kind of problems can get 100 percent. Something need to be done about this and it’s not fair to the ones who has served this country.
I understand your frustration and agree with you. I just don’t like the personal attacks at other veterans. Though I’m sure a lot of them are nothing more than good actors, it is possible to get ptsd from deploying to Saudi Arabia. I wish you the best and I know my brother got help getting to 100% from the Wounded Warriors fighting for him
I don’t know what to say, but I have an appeal that has taken toooooo long. I will monitor this to see if it works or not.
I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. Has the VA considered using Mediator’s to intervene the disputes between the Vets and the VA?? This intervention most likely will result in an amicable resolution to the differences between the Vet and the VA. Normally, this will expedite the process and reduce the already frustrations and anxieties the Vets are already living with. I stand ready to serve.
I am also a U. S. Foreclosure Mediator,
I’m sorry Mr. Clark, but the VA does not want “amicable solutions”. I had a really bad fall that tore out all the sutures places in my left shoulder from a surgery 2 months prior, causing complete thickness tears of 2 off the rotator cuff tendons, a bicep tear, and partial thickness tears of the other rotator cuff tendons. I went to Community Care for a complicated surgery. The VA was billed $70,000 for the surgery and physical therapy but only payed $5,000. It turned into a “slip and fall” liability case in federal court. I lost over $400,000 in income, the case lasted 2 years, I was in mediation for a solid 12 hours, and wound up having to settle for MUCH LESS. The VA then tried to stick its fingers into the pot of money. My attorneys got $40,000, I had court costs and expert witness fees of $20,000 plus my travel and lodging costs of $7,000 for depositions ( I was working out of country). Then the VA DEMANDED THAT I PAY THEM $70,000 to “reimburse” them for the 5 grand that they actually paid. And it is legal!!! So I was out of work for a year, still have pain and decreased functioning of my arm that I need for my work, yet the VA was allowed to DEMAND $70,000, more than ten times what they actually paid. And it took me 6 months to find out what they actually did pay the doctors, operating room, PT, etc, The VA finally settled with me for $7,000 which is STILL MORE THAN THEY PAID. That just isn’t right.
Why shouldn’t our service connected veterans receive the same healthcare our elected officials and VA employees receive ? Would all elected officials and VA employees be willing to be required to navigate the VA for their healthcare ?
Hi I have been trying to get some help from the va for years now I have claims pending now I have been before the judge ect.I’have been denied but I’m not going to give up.
It’s sad that vets have to hire a lawyer to get what you should have coming to you to begin with.you serve you deserve.why all the red tape and bs.the VA should be able to look in your 201 file and see where you were Station and what unit you were with and what you did as a soldier and what your mission was..because you don’t understand the language or regulation or certain form etc……..I been fighting the VA since 2019 currently rated at 60%. I lost a nephew to suicide because the VA lost his medical records.when will the VA see soldiers as friends instead of enemies.they really be hating on soldiers triny to get what should of been theirs from the get…I did 11 months in the sandbox dessert shield/dessert storm with the 101st airborneairassualt out of ft Campbell ky.i lost my family and a couple of friends because of this war I got plaque covering both lungs due to exposure to burn pits hearing wasted due to fighting both hearing lost and lungs denied by VA
Maybe they r waiting for me to pass before they award me what I should of been awarded 5 years ago…..Sgt lieb Anthony 101st huah huah
I agree, the VA makes it very difficult to file a claim and also render a decision regarding our disabilities I filed a notice of disagreement and requested to see a judge regarding my claim and it has been almost 2 years with zero updates. After 20 years of military service we struggle to ask for help and when we do ask we are just told to wait. This is why there in an increase in veterans becoming homeless and discouraged to even ask for assistance.
Can I use this to appeal veteran care giver program denial?
November 2006 I had prostate cancer and had seeds put in and at that time we found out those that had those seeds put in at that time were not enough so now I have prostate cancer again, and now I understand there is a problem that because I didn’t get the right amount of seeds. There is a chance there is no real help for me so I need help to see where all of us Veterans can get help with this problem. Thank you and God bless you
Yes,I can understand what everyone is saying about there appeal. I’ve been waiting at least 3 years now,on my last appeal..my situation have gotten worst.ankle ,knees,back ,partially paralyze for 5 years now. It’s a pain to get any thing. 20% that’s it. That’s barely helping with medicine.
Seems as though this country continues to fail veterans.
the main concern is the homosexuality and skittled people NOT THOSE WHO GAVE TO THIS COUNTRY
I know what you mean. Years of waiting for an appeal to be heard makes no sense. The government seems to care less for veterans.
Cool. So now it will take 1 year 360 days to appeal instead of 2 years since we can knock off the postal delivery time.
I am a 22 year, honorably retired, USCG CPO/E7 veteran. I retired in 2014. I did 4 years of Active duty and 18 years as a reservist. I was recalled twice to Active Duty (2001 for 911 and 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom-CONUS).
Upon my retirement, I went to the VA (Jams Hailey in Tampa) and had a full discharge physical completed. I do not have a percentage of disability tied directly to my first four years of Active Duty. I’ve applied to use the VA for my primary health care needs three times and been denied 3 times. I have been told that military reservists that “DO NOT HAVE A PERCENTAGE OF DISABILITY TIED DIRECTLY TO THEIR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE (in my case the first four years; 1992-1996) YOU DO NOT QUALIFY TO USE THE VA. Further, you also don’t qualify because of your civilian employment.
I am now 54 years old, and fully retired from both my military and civilian employer. And because I was a reservist when I retired from the military, I do not get any benefits until I reach age 60. Is there any way to find out the following:
Am I eligible for VA Health Care coverage from the time my military retirement kicks in until I begin recieving social security? I have heard rumors that I am eligible from age 60 til Social Security kicks in. I cannot get anyone to answer this question. I did have a VA representative, Duncan Ratliffe and Brenda Thurmond, but I guess they can’t answer my questions either.
Anyway, was just looking for some kind of information but no one seems to know.
Very Respectfully,
Michael S. LaRoche
Dear Michael LaRoche,
As a Retired Reservist, you will be eligible for TriCare of Life upon reaching the age of 60 and will also have to apply for Medicare at 65 (when on TriCare for Life). VA information for Reservists can be found here: https://benefits.va.gov/GUARDRESERVE/traditional-tech.asp.
Reservists may establish “service connection” for “Line of Duty” injuries, when documented, or other periods of active duty. It does require clear documentation to create a nexus for service connection. Rules have changed about income and other civilian employment, recommend you work with a VSO that is familiar with processing claims for Reservists.
Hi. I don’t have a clue, but do know that in 1989 I had one of those C&P exams where I complained of memory disorders, migraines, and “feeling spacey”. I told them that a neurological work-up had been started while on AD but never been completed. I was given a 10% “non-compensable” rating for 2 AD knee injuries. They never told me to appeal or find a. Veteran’s Service Officer, or that I could use the VA. So 15 years later I was diagnosed with a neurological condition which really should have had me medically retired from the Army, so now, 20 years later, I am at 40%. Go to the Legion, or the DAV, and find a VSO. Mine is now helping me with an upgraded %. No, I was never in combat, but not by my own choice. Females were not allowed in combat zones when I was AD. Hey, even the “bean counters” are needed, even if the don’t see combat. But we also don’t get the “I was in Iraq “ ribbon to look cool on their uniforms either.
14 months and still waiting for my appeal to be reviewed. That’s a disgrace not only to me but to all veterans!
It’s too difficult and I am barely hanging on.
Now, do C-file requests online…
I have been waiting on a decision on my appeal for several month now. The BVA blames their slothfulness on the pandemic.
I have been waiting for 19 years to get my claim done with.
It has taken me 20 years to get my benefits. I had to hire attorneys to fight for me because they denied me every single.
They submitted the same evidence I submitted multiple times which is perplexing to me.
I just got denied again and now have to appeal. I will be doing it alone again because I can’t afford to pay more attorneys.
The people doing the blanks denials should be held criminally liable. Veterans are dying while they sit comfortably behind their desks getting their nice paychecks.
We need to start with the top administrator and clean house
“THE VA, SINCE 1030,GIVING VETERANS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO DIE FOR THEIR COUNTRY “
It’s shameful and disgraceful the way that veterans are treated in this country. All veterans gave some. Some veterans gave all. It’s shameful when veterans needs the help of this government, they are kicked in the butt.
The government does not care. Why even create the VA to begin with. It is a simple matter of issue of an ID card that allows us to go to any doctor, any hospital for our care and the VA pay for it. But then they would not be able to screw over us as they do now and have been doing since Day 1, whenever that was.
I have been fighting the VA for almost two years for an emergent surgery my dad had in Nov of 2020 due to a stroke. I have submitted claims myself as well as an Advocate at the VA where my dad sees his PC. He submitted it twice, now we are receiving collection notices because the VA has denied one claim but processed and paid the other. There reason is because they received the ER visit claim separate from the ambulance claim therefore they can’t figure out how to connect the two services. I have had no success if finding anyone who can help… any ideas where to go from here?
I am afraid of the VA.
I disagree with all of these complainers. I have been going to the VA for 15 years. I have had nothing but the best care. Doctors listen and nurses are polite. When I have had an issue it was quickly dealt with. The people at the VA have ALWAYS thanked me for my service. I salute them.
The VA itself may give you good care because there are human beings who are doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals that do care about patients. What everybody on this site are complaining of I is a LACK of CARE been given by the bureaucrats who run the VA.
All lip service. All of it. I got out the military I’m 2005. Last I checked, it’s 2022. You give your life for your country, and the country take its time to give its service to you. Gathering evidence, yeah right!
Maybe, I should’ve said I’m gathering evidence to serve.
Yes, I did reach out and received a canned response like usual. I love my country, but not care for its treatment of me.
I wonder how long does it take to get an initial decIsion on a claim. I am being told that the VA took all the Blue Water Claims and moved them to Cleveland Ohio. So noW rather than being processed in a district or state, it is now in one big pile on someones desk. To make matters worse now they say 2 years later it is “COVID” which is as phony as the man in the White House. I think this iS done for one reason only…SCREW THE VETERAN……….
I have been fighting with the VA for many years.i have health issues related to my service both on active duty as well as my time in the reserves. retired after twenty years as a aviation electrician E-6. Filled for PTSD denied numerous times. Left active duty January 74. I was told that I had something wrong with me. I said that I new that. I found out after leaving the Navy that my thyroid was bad. Filled for that but I don’t think anything will come out of it. It’s been my opinion that we’re just a bunch of service members that they are hoping that we will die so that we don’t get what we have coming to us.
I* have been denied for about ten years now for hurting my back onboard the USS Forrestal. I have an MRI and records. They have denied over and over and over again. They treat my back injury but will not accept my claim. One hearing in St. Petersburg the judge said I should have no problem receiving compensation but weeks later In received another denial letter. Something is really wrong with this system. I did a lot of work the day I injured my back and was put on bed rest and then NAS Jacksonville Reginal Medical Center for about two months, then convillesant leave for 16 days. Medical hold for two weeks then light duty before returning to my ship. I have all my documents that were presented and the MRI disc.
What step can I take now that I have received this email with the hope that I can receive proper compensation.
Edwin Santiago
Try a veterans service officer. They are not paid by the VA and they are there to help you. They do work very hard to help get you the benefits that you have earned. Alternatively, you might try using one of those disability benefit attorneys. They will charge you 40% of your first check, but it might be better than waiting 20 years fighting on your own.
I assume that all the people that helped the USPS fail and continues to have to be bailed out went to work for Veterans Affairs. Now they are screwing up the VA System because just like our mail was delivered across town and not at our address, so are our claims. My appeal has been pending since 2020, and when my Congressman wrote a letter to request the status, the VA sent a letter back to him stating I had no appeal filed or pending. I went on my account at VA.gov and did a screen-shot and sent it to them and they responded back that they would send it to customer service. The lady from customer service called me back and wanted more information, and I told her that the former postal service workers are running the VA into the ground. This lady started crying, and cried over the phone for 10 minutes. When she stopped crying, I asked her what was wrong and she stated that she come over to the VA from the USPS. I stated, now you see what I mean. We all know that the USPS hire less intelligent people, and now they are working for the VA and handling our claims. I am about to hire an attorney to take the VA to court for lying to a U.S. Congressman. They should be made accountable. All the updates and easy steps and fast processing the VA claim are nothing but lies. If we lie, we go to jail. If the VA lie, we suffer and no on does the checks and balances. The VA have all the documents they need from me and more, but have not logged into my file to review it since 2020. They want to blame it on worker shortage and that is not true. I just wish the VA quit printing all the bull-sht to make us believe they are getting better. Rather than call meetings about the next bull-sht they are going to print, they should use that time to process our claims and appeals.
Richard Dillon I read your email about how you are fearful of the VA and their rating as well as their medical support. I must say I am humbled by what you say. I believe the VA is doing the best they can with what they have to help us as Veterans and Surviving Family Members. Yes, I agree they (VA) could do better and I believe one of their goals for improving is to continue to help us Veterans with the utmost respect and expediency….some representatives are better than others.
My first question to you is; Have you filed a Written Claim for Compensation and Pension (C&P) or other disabilities? If not, there lies the problem. If you are being seen by a VA Doctor, they might annotate your conditions in your VA Medical Records, however, they are not responsible for submitting your conditions as Claim on your Behalf or independently. The VA and not the Medical Authority (Doctors) are the only ones that can determine your Disability Rating. For them to evaluate you at 100% is not an easy task and it is my experience they (VA) do consider all documents we as individuals submit in our claims. Some read the whole claim while I believe others in the VA don’t read the whole packet. When they don’t read the whole packet there is lots of room for errors. Also, if you don’t understand the VA Math used to evaluate us, I can gladly help. Your plea reads to me like you have some very significant medical issues that have not been properly claimed and adjudicated. I am not an attorney….I’m just another Veteran trying to help a Brother in Arms get through this complex process.
If your Medical Issues are significant enough to qualify you for a rating of 100% you can talk to a local VSO, VFW, or DAV seeking their help. There is no cost to you for this discussion. If you have filed claims, it’s time to get them done.
If you have claims and you not getting any help from the VA Representative, give them a call at the number listed in the va.gov website. If that talk fails, contact an attorney in your area that works VA Disability Claims. First step is to talk to the VA, then file your claim or claims. You can file multiple claims by USPS or Online at the EBenefits section or va.gov. If you have exhausted these two processes, it’s time to talk to an attorney….obtw, you can get most attorney’s to work your case at no cost to you unless they win your case/claim. You are still responsible to file your claim. It is not my intent to attack you as I believe you are one of many suffering through the ‘red-tape’ of this cumbersome system of helping Veterans. There thousands if not millions of us struggling with the system. I am a Vietnam Veteran, Veteran of Service in South Korea where I sprayed the Rainbow Agents (Including Agent Orange), Veteran of Desert Shield and Storm, and like you was not happy with the help the VA thought they were providing. After 15-20 years of battling with them online and on the phone, I still feel as if I’m struggling to help myself or other Veterans to get through this process….as one Author wrote in his titled ‘Waiting on an Army to Die’ You and I as well as many older Veterans are dying off at drastic rates and most that die will not get their deserved benefits or any benefits for their dependent husbands and wives. Don’t give up the fight. Respectfully Gary McGuire
I know I am 100% disability elegible…PTSD not the 60% granted but at age 77+, I don’t have 10 years to waite or un limited time and energy to spend.
the system is just too big + cumberson,,,built by + for politicians + bureaucrats
It would be great to just get a disability rating or a reason to appeal. I filed a claim over a year ago, all the information was in the VA’s hands last July 6 and am still waiting. After calling my congressman in late April, got a call from the VA in early May saying they were sorry for the delay and would be working on it the following Monday and I should hear in a week or so. Did say at least I should be getting a big check. Now it is a month later and absolutely nothing. I will believe it when they show me the money. Was exposed to agent orange and had prostrate cancer, all of which automatically warrants a 100% disability. To me it is all a lot of PR about how great they are doing and new benefits etc. to please the congressmen, but nothing has changed.
Yes same for me , I have a service connected disability with 0 percent how can that be ! 3 years to say the damage to my finger was only 3 mm not the required 6 mm, go figure! Yes there is always someone worst off ! I get it ? I gave the best years of my youth , I’m proud to have volunteered for this country!
I agree with all.. the VA do suck and it will take another 100 patients to die in their care for any changes.. so I’m sucking it up and try my best to stay away from them
I agree, the VA is garbage. How does a person with 20 years of service and combat tours to Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom receive only a 10% disability rating?
Back in ’87, I had just retired and told VA is great. Had a terrible pain on abdomen so went there at 7 AM. Finally seen at 2 PM fter I had already passed whatever it was so seen for about 5 minutes so no pain told to go home. Good thing I started working for a company that offered medical care among others so paid for it so I could go to almost any doctor and be seen quickly after and appointment or in an emergency. Only went to VA to process my disability claims which after many, many months and given lots of running around finally got it approved. Have never been back to VA for any care. Have Medicare and TriCare for Life so medical care is not a problem now.
I had had good experiences with attending the emergency room and with my primary care physician. I follow-up process with the Primary Care Physician needs to be streamlined and more timely.
The C&P process needs to be reconsidered for returning to the VA Health Center instead of outside practitioners – too many cancellations. In addition, the timeliness of the RATING decision needs to be improved. Most importantly, military personnel in conjunction with civilians should be involved in those rating decisions, not civilians alone, if this is occurring at this time.
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Thanks to the VA and providers for their service and care!
My appeal has been kicked around “gathering evidence ” SINCE SEPTEMBER 2020!!!!!
EVEN MY VSO HAS NO CLUE WHATS GOING ON…
And frankly, my case and what was done to me during my decade of service are so egregious and incriminating I’m almost certain there’s some foul play at work…
I’ve had files disappear, whole medical records missing, name misspellings and the whole 9 yards.
You guys really gotta get it together.
I was an Air Force pilot and had two tours at U-Tapao AFB, Thailand. I submitted all the Air Force paperwork required by the VA documenting my service in Thailand 18 months ago and so far I have heard nothing. I call the VA every other month and I am told that the VA is still investigating my claim. My claim is that I was exposed to Agent Orange and now I have Multiple Myeloma. The VA has not even contacted my doctor in 18 months. However ……. that is not even necessary now because the VA has stated in their official publication (Agent Orange Exposure/Veterans Affairs) , which I also submitted to the VA with my Air Force documentation, that since I was at U-Tapao AFB at the times specified in their publication that Multiple Myeloma is a presumptive condition as a result of my exposure to Agent Orange. The VA admits that my Multiple Myeloma is probably due to my Agent Orange Orange exposure and yet they do nothing. I told my latest contact at the VA, after he said that the VA was still gathering information after 18 months that if you wait a few years, I’ll be dead. I’m 75 years old now.
The VA has had my appeal for 1 year and 2 months and counting. I don’t understand the problem. Mean while, I’m in pain and no one is helping. My back hurts so bad. It hurt during desert storm too, but I was not going to the doctor overseas. Came home and it just gradually got worst, now it is excruciating and the appeal office can care less. This new system is not working either.
THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN GET THE VA TO CHANGE THERE MIND WHEN YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT ( I HAD A VA LAWYER AND SHE WAITED ON MY CLAIM FOR SLEEP APNIA AND TOLD ME 6MONTHS LATER I HAD NO CASE BECAUSE I DIDE NOT GIVE NOTICE WHILE I WAS IN THE SERVICE AT THEAT TIME 1965 THEY DID DOT KNOW WHAT SLEEP APNIA WAS SO HOW COULD I KNOW THAT I HAD IT IN THE SERVICE …. ANOTHER TIME I COMPLAINED ABOUT PTSD AND THEY TRYED TO LOWER ME AND AFTER 8 MONTHS OR SO THEY DECITED TO LEAVE MY PERCENTAGE ALONE(TRYING TO SCARE ME TO STOP INCREASING MY DISABILITY)
I have a lung problem bad knees and getting older and harder to walk around. I served two years on an ocean going tug with two tours off Vietnam. Handled the ships paint supply and fumes as well as the asbestos that the ships were full of. We even dropped off army barges in some Vietnam rivers where all of te jungle was killed off. Fumes from the ships engines did not help either. I stopped going to those clinic visits because I got tired of the bull that is spread . As veterans we would get better help if we lived in a country around Russia or China. We have so much money corruption in Washington that our mistakes were serving and not being smart enough to falsify and report daily incidents. Look at the crap in Washington with all those clowns representing the people and tell me that I am wrong. Those suckers up there have no worries living off veterans blood. Do not worry about me or mine the only other crap I will except from the good old USA is a green spot to show my wife and my name.
You could enlist the assistance of your VSO. If you don’t know who it is you can contact your local Town Hall. I believe every town/city has one assigned to your community. My VSO helped receive the disability assessment for MST received in the Air Force as a Vietnam-era veteran. Ask you patient advocate at your local VA hospital for assistance. Did you know that there is free legal assistance from the VA to assist with disability claim.
I hope that I assisted you,
Vietnam-era medic, SSgt.
Veterans, especially the enlisted ones from the 1970’s-80’s, earned under the minimum wage for half their careers, now must try to knock some sense into the empty-headed woke VA civilian employees, that all seem to earn more than $100k per year and only care about their paid time off and their sick days pay. Just like Joe Biden, everything this government does turns to sht, all costing trillions each year.
Solve: 2+2=5
Retired after 20 years in 1995 started my claim has been in appeals since 2008, Board sends it back to local VA to do better exam, Doctors do not do what appeal board wants and we go into a loop, Went to court and the American Legion had private law firm review and court agreed with private lawyer so again sent back for exam so round and round we go, To me seems like VA will keep sending it back and forth till I either die or give up. I guess this is how VA says thanks for your 20 years of service
This is excellent news. I hope it works.
Reading these comments I don’t feel so alone. I am currently rated 70%. I feel like my current claim was rejected for reasons that have to indicate that they didn’t even read my claim. I slipped off of a truck in the mid 80’s and went down head first. I broke my elbo and damaged my shoulder protecting my head from the fall. This claim was documented with more than a dozen affidavits and signed off by a full bird as service connected. They had these documents. I will try your online appeal process, but I suspect that this will just be another obstacle for VA to get around.
I am a Vietnam veteran and my claims were denied all the way and it took many years. They my have an online appeal process to make it easier to appeal but you will get the same “rubber stamp” result – DENIED.
VA C&P Personnel, and lo I have had many, do not to seem to understand the Blue Water Navy Act. I had resubmitted my claim in August 2019 because my ship was in the wrong-colored water the first time, I submitted in 2008!
I was just denied everything the second time around! I was even denied that the USS America (CVA66)! was even in the Tonkin Gulf. I have exhausted all my resources and requests for paperwork I never even knew I had.
Thank you for letting this O’l Devil Doc vent. Any responses are appreciated.
HMC, FMF, USMC
I pray for those of you who were directly in contact with Dioxin [Agent Orange].
If you were aboard America when she was within recognized waters AND you have a current diagnosis that is half the battle. If you submitted your claim(s) without a Veterans Service Officer or other trained advocate you should go knock on that door now.
In addition to establishing a nexus or link to your qualifying service and a current diagnosis there are some other required elements of a claim. VA now requires what they call a Fully Developed Claim, or FDC. If a claim is incomplete or lacks necessary evidence to support the claim it will be kicked back.
If an FDC is denied you often will have options, depending on why it was denied.
One thing many veterans overlook or do not realize is permitted are lay statements or “buddy letters”. VA is now REQUIRED to give a credible lay statement equal weight to all other evidence submitted….these are powerful tools. Photos from a deployment, letters home to mom or a sweetheart talking about X, Y or Z (present for a crash on deck, sent NGFS, whatever) that has a relation to the condition you are claiming are very valuable. Letters from your spouse or children detailing conditions or behaviors (dad always complains about his back or the ringing in his ears or sleep disturbances or depression, could never hold a job due to his anger issues) are powerful supplements to a claim (when relevant).
A big difference between using a VSO or a lawyer is the accredited VSO is probably better trained in veteran specific matters and the Veterans Service Officer will never charge for their services like a lawyer will.
Welcome Home
Why does it take so long to get a decision on your appeal. I submitted my appeal November 2020 and to date still no answer.
VA creates an illusion of support and transparency by encouraging veterans to self file claims, appeals, etc. They have been encouraging veterans to self file for years and all it accomplishes is higher rates of denial.
Compensation claims, NOD’s, requests for Higher Level Review, Appeals and other filings are not designed to be user friendly…period. Yes, some veterans successfully navigate the processes but they are a minority of those who attempt to.
Professional Veterans Service Officers who are credentialed/Accredited by the Dept of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel are trained in these areas. Accredited Veterans Service Officers ARE NOT VA employees so there is no conflict in advocation purely for the best interests of the veteran, spouse, widow(er), dependents or survivors of the veteran.
It is shameful that VA intentionally directs veterans into a recognized challenging process knowing that the chances of a positive outcome are significantly reduced compared to those using the services of an Accredited Veterans Service Officer.
My word means squat here, but the data fully supports that a veteran is 7-9 times more likely to have an application for claim approved (granted) and the rating granted will be higher using the services of an Accredited Veterans Service Officer.
There are simply too many rules, regs, policies, guidance, CAVC decisions and more that complicate the process.
Furthermore, these professional advocates can more readily identify other eligibilities that veterans/claimants likely would not understand or even know to look for. Secondary conditions, nexus to service, SMC and dozens of potentially important things that are buried in the complex world of USC 38 CFR. Even an investment in time and effort to research how to file a claim, etc can be derailed if guidance is not drawn from the most current versions of bulletins, fast letters and other guidance that effects adjudication of these cases.
The Accredited Veterans Service Officers almost always are employees of either your county Veterans Service Agency or your states Division of Veterans Affairs/Services. As government employees there is never a fee, commission, charge, expenses or anything else paid…we work for you.
VA saves vast sums of money through this unethical misdirection of services. Encouraging veterans to self file is a losing proposition for the veteran/claimant…
Good luck.
Just wanted to add:
VA is in many ways an extraordinary organization. It’s easy to complain but I also recognize that miracles happen there every day. That said, as an institution there are too many policy and management level folks within VA who really should go find work somewhere else. For every committed, compassionate, hard working VA employee there is another who drags down the organization and has a negative influence on the mission…to care for the veteran.
Aside from my initial post, if I could advice veterans to do one thing it is to be an educated patient and self advocate. Never hesitate to ask questions and never accept an unacceptable answer.
You owe it to yourself and your family and VA owes you no less.
Can I appeal a Veteran Care Giver denial on this website too? I am confused on how to do this.
I’m 1.5 years, my VA doc has agreed that I am housebound, yet the website shows they are still awaiting more info from me. I have uploaded all doc’s, attended all required exams. I need the increased funds, along with the SMC that will come with it.
What else must I do? They have “put all my claims together” but have done nothing to move it forward.
This is not the way people like us who served our country and are now requiring regular care and are in wheelchairs because of service connected injuries should be treated.
Shame on you, VA. Shame.
SP4 Keith A. Moreland, US Army 1978-1981
I don’t want to talk to anyone else, I just want my claim completed. This is ridiculous.
What is taking so long to process claims??
File on line . Are you kidding me?
How about reducing appeals wait from two years or more. Doing an appeal online only puts you in line quicker
It’s not cute how trolls use Vietnam era as an excuse of why things are so bad today. “I hear you I’m from the Vietnam era”. Feels like the government saying “Did you expect us to learn from our mistakes?”!
I couldn’t file my appeal because of Covid and the time expired. What are my options
I’ve had an appeal waiting for the board for a year and a half. It appears from the comments that I still have a long wait ahead still. Very sad
The VA claime, appeal, service connected disabilities and whole process sucks. There must be some robot computer gathering evidence because there is no way that after you do all the proper paperwork and attend your VA scheduled C&P exam that they are still gathering evidence six months later.
The problem to me is that the top VA officials are not 20 years or more active duty veterans whos primary MOS was HR or personal management or DFAS personal. How can some civilian understand what a veteran is going through. The VA SUCKS and after all of these site changes and mobile apps to check for updates nothing has changed.
Amd yes I served on active duty for 20 years and Honorably retired as a Sergeant First Class
Been waiting a year this July, for my claim. Can’t figure out what’s wrong, usually get approved or denied few months.
Duane
I agree with you 100%! I submitted my claim in March of 2021! It was a fully developed claim for presumed disability. I had my C&P MANY
months ago. I have ONE entry on my online record in August of 2021 which stated they were “gathering evidence”! I have “reached out” on
three different occasions, both online at https://ask.va.gov/ and via landline. It’s always the same: because of this or because of that. In other
words, it’s the same old song and dance.
These same VA officials keep coming out with all these supposedly, beneficial programs for Veterans but they sit idly by while the disability
submissions keep piling up! This whole process SUCKS!
There is no plausible reason that a fully developed, presumed disability claim should take this long….don’t waste your time talking to ANYbody
at https://ask.va.gov/. It’s a total exercise in futility.
I am a Vietnam, combat veteran, which means I am getting old(er) with each passing day and I think the VA is just hoping that all of us of that
era already have a leg in the grave and if they wait just a little while longer we will all die off and they can file the submission in the circular file!
I even wrote a letter to my state’s U.S. Senator. That got just about the same response; none.
All I ever receive is a whole lot of online propaganda about how wonderful the VA is and not a word about how my claim is progressing.
I wish all of you that are in the same boat, and there are a LOT of us, the best of luck in your claims processing progress. You’re going to need it!
I totally understand. It took the VA 4 months to deny my claim and coming close to 3 years for a hearing that I didn’t ask for. I called the number on the website to check on my appeal, spoke to a young man who said you’re lucky you don’t have a hearing because of how long it takes. Next thing I know the website said I requested a hearing and I’ve been waiting for 2 years since then.
Amen Brother
Before covert do.Hockens at the VA phoinex said l needed back surgery . But now he refused to do anything and resign from being my doctor. The VA has failed me and maybe outher veterans!
Dear Richard Dillion,
We are sorry to hear the VA is not meeting your expectations for care. Please reach out to us at https://ask.va.gov/ to allow VA to start a conversation with you, so we can assist with your healthcare needs?
Been waiting for 3 years on an appeal…had major back surgery in the delay for what was appealed…have submitted request for change to virtual Telehearing…crickets…..
57,545 veterans are in front of my appeal since 2018. And the number never goes down, ever. I was told in January the appeal decision would be done in 60 days. Do you want to know why veterans don’t trust the VA? Because nothing you say ever is truthful.
Lol your funny
I’m sorry to hear all that you are dealing with and how much sadness it causes you. Maybe you can hire a VA disability lawyer to help you with the VA. They will do all of the legwork for you.
Hire???$$$
VA disability lawyer?. That a total joke. My son in law was a vet. Went to Va. Some doctors were good some were disrespectful! He died at 62. Kidneys failed, cancer, cpo! But when he was dying the VA had no beds for him. Ended up in a crap hospital. They send him home to die. All doctors in this hospital were from India. They have no respect for American veterans. The medicine was crap. I hope someone who is a true American help our veterans because I know joe Biden won’t. Trying to take their medical benefits away. Not looking for money just what our veterans deserve.
Your PC told you to go to ER because its a quick way yo be immediate seen by a medical specialist, especially if your medical cindition is grave. Lastly, you sound like you dont know what you are doing like the majority of vets. Claims are legal cases that require legal evidence, including an IMO.
The main issue is the appeals process is taking over two years to complete.
I served 3 tours in 4 years in Vietnam and was finally after many many years awarded a 70% disability which was ok even though it took so long.
Then I was ordered to Tomah Wisconsin Veterans Hospital for REEVALUATION. I did as ordered and was awarded with a 50% Reduction in benifits by a young dr barely old enough to vote. Do I have a chance for reevaluation again? Since that reeval. Ive had numerous agent orange related illnesses. Not to mention the mental strife involved.
Ive tried for thirty years with every new person telling me not to worry what the last person did, they can absolutely help me…only to be ghosted by them. Even the Veterans Center in the town I live in is a joke. After eight months I asked to take my records back…he never looked at them or did anything with them. He was a total waste. I might try this but Im sure I will just be disappointed again for the 12th time.
I hear you I’m from the Vietnam era I was in the 82nd airborne enlisted for years ive been fighting the VA for 8 years got both hips and both knee’s replaced and back surgery twice open heart surgery with a quadruple bypass waiting on my 3rd appeal so yeah I hear you
This sounds great to be able to make a request to disagree with a VA decision on line. Hopefully BVA will also speed up the process. I have two requests for a hearing with BVA, one is going on 3 years, the other 2 years.
God Bless you sir. You are in agony and you want to be heard, so, others will not suffer the same fate as you, commendable.
VA personnel need to bed dismissed. I was in the 82nd. I have back issues. Disc problems. Pinched nerves. Legs numb. Knee pains. And other issues caused by jumping. Im proud of what I did for my country. But Representatives Congressman legislators politicians president everyone talks the big bull specially on Election time. But no one really cares no one truly cares it is extremely sad. The best country in the world treating its soldiers like crap.
Its about time the BVA came to the 21st century. Preparing a paper package to mail is a burden. But it did accept my faxes of supplemental info but I had to wait 2 weeks to call to verify receipt. Even with online filing, it is still a good practice to verify receipt.
Btw, I checked on the status of my appeals. The BVA’s response seemed to suggest my appeals have only been pending for 2 years!
They are stil working on claims from 2018. I wish they would get to my claim. 4 years is long enough.
I’m writing because I just don’t what else to do with trying to get 100% I’m very certain it’s been at least 10 years or more. Though out this time my health has been declining rapidly to the point of having a stroke and not having the quality of life if want to call it the I had before. I had I stint inserted into my corotided artery wich failed and I have the documents to prove this and if need be sapena the Dr that operated on my brain during my stroke. I’m afraid to go to the VA now I’ve tried and tried . But to be perfectly honest when your P.C. tells you time after time just go to the emergency room. I thought Dr took an othe to take of people? My experience with the VA and the system has failed me . I’m not looking for any monetary value I just like some good health care and have a Dr listen to me instead of sending some place else . I’ve done a lot of research on stroke victims and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not long for this world and that’s ok but I just want to have someone hear me so maybe the next veteran will not have to endure everyday struggles just to put there pants on the things most people do without effort. I can’t even hold my beautiful granddaughter. I’m just hoping that whoever reads this has a soul and a heart because I’ve not seen much of this when dealing with the VA.
Praying for you and only God knows how long you are on this earth not the fact that you had a stroke. What is your percentage now? There is a hardship form that you can fill out for your claim and will get priority.
This is really sad to hear. As a fellow veteran who is also waiting, the VA and our leaders need to do a hard reality check. Veterans served their country with honor and valor and they get scraps.
I feel for you. Just know how lucky you are to have had kids. The military took out my reproductive organs so Im all by myself for the rest of my life I hope you can get help.
I’ve been for three years now for my appeal through the courts for my knees after there dr. said I my knees are bad. Trying to say it was prior to the military. I’m sorry but when you join I thought you are 100% fit which I was 8 years in one tour and 13B still waiting. I even went through DAV but they said it’s waiting on the court docket. Very disappointing how they care.