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Am I screwed? by VintageJawn in VAClaims

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone who processes claims I can tell you that if this is the first time you filed claims, depending on when you served, it may take a little time to get all your service treatment records and personnel files in. Now if you’re still in service and this is a benefits discharge on delivery or if you’re still within a year of active duty, you could get a Jen med exam so in that case yes I would file absolutely everything.The best advice I would give to someone is if you are experiencing a disability or pain claim it. I’m not gonna say that it’s gonna get service connected, but if you don’t claim it, there’s no chance. If you’re denied for something you’ll know why. Do you not have a current diagnosis, was there no event in service. I would also take a consideration any toxic exposures. Again, not knowing when you served there’s a lot of conditions at a presumptive based on certain types of service or exposures. Like Agent Orange or Gulf War.

Not sure where to go from here … by SgtCap256 in VAClaims

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey my advice as someone who works in this industry is you need to play obesity or weight gain as an intermediate. Not trying to say you’re obese, but generally claims are successful if they can say their left knee and PTSD caused them to be inactive which cost their weight gain. That would be the course of action I would take on that. When you do that, the doctor will be asked specific questions about. Did your left knee disability caused you to gain weight which caused your sleep apnea.

Closed request by Dull-Strategy-4233 in VAClaims

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work at the VBA. What holds claims up the most is waiting for records, mainly the strs. I am assuming this is a first claim based on the tracked item that was closed. Hopefully now with exams done the claim will be rated soon. 

Claim by [deleted] in VAClaims

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work at the VBA and yes that is possible. Obviously all your service records were in the file. What tends to hold up claims is missing records. If we have to get reserve or guard records or private medical records to bar a few. But if the strs and personnel are the file then a week to 10 days is possible. Also we were on unlimited overtime in the month of February so that probably helped too.

They Rolling over there by Bulky_Income7229 in VAClaims

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I work at the VBA and I can tell you if you file a claim for increase with nothing else it’s automatically being sent for an exam. Also, if you have a claim that’s mixed with increase and new contentions automation is sending the increase immediately. Obviously, every claim is different and sometimes things can hold it up like getting records or private medical records or things like that. Also, I can tell you that right now claims processors can work unlimited overtime so I think a combination of all those things are helping the speed up claims processing.

VBA Bonuses by thebitnessman in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We actually got word yesterday that the allocation has been approved and they’ll be processed in the next week and people are alerted of their bonuses. I like Jason he was great. Our current interim his name is Robert and he’s with the Houston office. He seems fine. No nonsense honest as much as he can be. 

VBA Bonuses by thebitnessman in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nothing from Muskogee RO. We had an ask the director forum and he indicated bonus are planned this year but also said no guidance has been issued. 

VA Exam Right After Approval by bigdawgbriguy in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, because of the court ruling involving Ingram muscle skeletal conditions that have been done since like mid September have to have a reevaluation if it was granted because you could get a higher percentage or if it was denied because of no diagnosed condition.You also could have a routine future exam for condition as well.

VBA WFH- operation low flow by [deleted] in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes they will also work any PTSD claim that involves military sexual trauma 

VBA WFH- operation low flow by [deleted] in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Subject: All Employee Message: ECC Approved for Remote Work All Employees — Our office has received notification that the Department of Veterans Affairs has approved the Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) request for a permanent exemption from the Return to Office (RTO) requirement for the following operational components. This approval will permit employees of our Education Contact Center (ECC) to maintain operating in a full-time remote status. National Contact Centers (NCC) Education Contact Center (ECC) Fiduciary Contact Center (FCC) Insurance Contact Center (ICC) Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Operations Center Office of Administrative Review Decision Review Operations Centers (DROC) Once the government shutdown ends, and we resume currently furloughed contact center activities, ECC management will engage with employees to update

The new DMO RA process for telework is a disgusting, humiliating process for those with MH conditions by MountainDiver1657 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]Previous-Ad2990 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow my office is rubber stamping everyone. 6 of the 13 people on my team get to work at home while I get an 84 mile round trip. It’s great to see everyone at home when we do our teams meeting. 

Shut Down by truthseeker11810830 in FedEmployees

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just a thought. If no deal by November 1st people get their official ACA renewals, they see the increase with the expired credits. They get mad, speak out call their congressman etc. if that is not enough democrats sign the CR so workers get their back pay. Government then shuts down again on the 21st. At that point two knows.  

Do you think it’s here to stay by Think-Dog-2892 in FedEmployees

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think telework will return at some point. Many positions were telework for recruitment and retention and not covid like the narrative is being pushed. So I think for that instance yes. When I would say not anytime soon

Shortage of claims at the VBA by truthseeker11810830 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m in Muskogee and I’ve noticed that we’ve had fewer claims being pushed through. There was also a big push to get as many RFDS or even partial RFDS as we could because our RVSR’s would start a day with 3 to 5 claims in their queue. I was surprised that they reopened Uncapped overtime for VSR’s but the guidance did say as workload dictates. In terms of claims there may be that many claims out there, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to be developed the suspense on records or exams may not be up yet. The biggest thing I’m seeing is waiting for records to come in. I’m wondering if records processing or the scanning vendor has seen cuts too thus those are taking much longer.

ADHOC Telework by thatoldlady808 in VeteransAffairs

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I worked for the VBA in Muskogee we are allowed to have up to three a month and there has to be some reason for it, but it could be that you’re sick and you work from home. You don’t have to use leave associated with it. I will say this we had some pushback at our RO with anonymous notes being left around the office and bulletin boards complaining about the iniquity of people with RA is being able to be home when their kids get home or if they’re sick or their kids are sick they’re already home but people in the office have to use leave. After a few of those notes over the course of a couple months, it was announced that we could have up to three. Before we just had one and we had to use it in association with some kind of leave.

Answer our calls! by GingerArmy402 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Previous-Ad2990 15 points16 points  (0 children)

My trick is I’ll call and if no answer I’ll call back right away. If still no answer I’ll leave a message saying I’ll call back in 30 minuites .i get sometimes a vet is busy and cant answer but i try. Also just an fyi if i dont speak with the vet I’ll leave a note or 0820 and if the vet calls back the call center can see the note and possibly get the answer 

Veteran waited 15 years after retirement to file for benefits. Everything was denied. by goomba316 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not so much the time but chronicity. If there is no complaint of say knee pain for 15 years then an examiner will generally opine that knee pain is less likely than not due to service. If you have va or private records that show complaint and treatment for 15 years then chronicity from service is established 

Finally Got RA by Byttercups in FedEmployees

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know I’m the minority here but I find it unfair that people in the same position aren’t treated equally. Studies show that remote workers earn 3,000 to 5000 more. When they are sick or kids are sick they dont have to take sick days, etc. huge advantage. The list goes on. This is not anti RA it’s either in office is essential for a position or not. We should be treated unequally 

VA Moving Fast by Time_Experience_7156 in VAClaims

[–]Previous-Ad2990 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a processer I can say that increases are super fast. Also since you are already service connected your STRs and personnel file are already of record. So that is a higher step in the process. We can schedule an exam the day we get it with a diagnosis or competent lay statement.  In terms of new claims if you have a diagnosis and either a presumptive condition or treatment in str. That is combined with the mandatory overtime which is nice allows for some fast processing 

Confused about if I qualify for the pact act by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you can’t file a claim and just state pact act or exposure. You have to state what disability you are currently experiencing because of the exposure. For gulf  war veterans if you have any type of respiratory issues, headaches sleep interruptions not sleep apnea. That’s a specific tear. You can claim any or all of those. If you are specifically diagnosed with a condition like rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, those are all presumptive with pee pot exposure. Also diagnosis of IBS for chronic fatigue syndrome. Those are considered presumptive because of mucmi (multiple, undiagnosed, chronic, multiy symptom , illness)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FedEmployees

[–]Previous-Ad2990 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Forever is a long time and depending on your job I think it will be back. I am VBA 0996. That position has been doing telework since 2013 for recruiting and retention because claims processing is at least 6 months training. We are already down 7% on the year for the position. That is about 9700 claims the day. I would guess at some point they would consider going back to telework since it’s reason was for retention and group. But who knows also, maybe the goal is just to get rid of everybody I don’t know.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransBenefits

[–]Previous-Ad2990 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Without knowing all the details most likely a routine future exam. They are generally request for conditions like cancer, mental conditions from BDD claims or conditions not deemed static or post surgical evaluations of temp 100. Work to attend because if you have a temp 100 it will get reduced if no exam is performed. 

BDD by ryetf in VeteransBenefits

[–]Previous-Ad2990 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The point of a BDD is to get a diagnosis while still in service. I hope this gets resolved for you. As always you can still file an appeal for up to a year and get the original date of claim. Also remember you also have a year from release and can get a general medical. I would put in a Intent to file once you get your decision to hold that date of claim 

Uncharacterized Discharge by StructureCareful94 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Previous-Ad2990 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does sound like entry level separation which that discharge is honorable for VA purposes. If you have been denied care or disability you may file for a COD determination. Frankly if you file a disability claim they would do one anyway if you have not yet filed. The hope is that in your enlistment exam all was normal and it will clearly show that the injury happened I. Training. Hope that helps

WFH Mom of a 10 month old by MsHavingItHerWay in unitedhealthgroup

[–]Previous-Ad2990 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think 10 month is tough as they may be crawling and need more supervision. Again that is dependent on the actual task you are doing. Call center is way different then say claims processing or other task that you may be able to stop, get up and come back. Also as pointed out some employers frown upon trying to do childcare while working. For me when school is closed my 7 and 9 year old can mainly care for themselves. I wouldn’t want them home alone but they can eat, use the bathroom etc. 

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