Went to Seattle VA primary care in Seattle. Was told I am qualified for PTSD. However, much to my surprise the doctor went on to say the Benefits claim evaluation is separate from the Medical and that I need to pursue that with the VFW where the Benefits has been outsourced. Will followup Tuesday.
Good to hear. Get the name of that Doctor and I hope he made that annotation in your file. That is very high quality probative when their own doctors are giving you that information and diagnosis.
The way the U.S. VA benefits claim process works is the VA has outsourced the processing to selective support groups such as the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In Seattle there is a paid central group at the state building but also a couple of volunteer supported branches so you don’t have to go into town. In my case, the neighborhood DAV helped me with all the forms then faxed the forms to the central group who entered the claim into the system. They will also will keep me updated on the status and if an appeal is necessary the VA lawyers will process it. They said it will take 4-6 weeks to receive rating feedback.
said it will take 4-6 weeks! I had to fight them for 6 or 7 years and all the way to Washington DC. My MOS while in Viet Nam was 11B20 Grunt (6.5 months) and 67N20 Door Gunner (5.5 months). I damm sure earned my CIB. Then after that VA fight had to fight the SSI for another couple of years. Pat I think we passed in the airport. We headed back here on the morning of the 23. If you pass through SFO stop by the USO lounge. They are first class and 100% free, just show your ID.
Thanks Jim, it appears they have improved the claims process, at least I hope they did. I am going back to the DAV tomorrow to get help signing into the online tracking system. Do you use that system? I flew direct Hong Kong to Seattle non stop. Take care.
No I do not, didn't even know it existed. We used PAL's non-stop MNL to SFO 12 hours and than 2 hours to sea-tac on Alaska. Good luck with you claim.
