In what is increasingly becoming a struggle to get the VA’s attention when they really should be working your claim (or profess to be actively doing so), my attorney has finally given me the “secret handshake”. I am now one of ordained. In just a day or less, I can make my presence known to the gentleman(men) actively engaged in adducing the M-21 crystal ball on my behalf.
The secret to this will soon be moot in 2020 when VA converts over to the new VBCS or Veterans Bar Code System. It will be paperless and utilize a bar code scanner for your C-files. It was deemed unwise by the hierarchy to try to switch the whole VBMS paper system over to one that didn’t still require 20/20 visual acuity to read the name on the CD boxes. Old dogs, new tricks. You understand. Besides, this might make some of their jobs superfluous so it was deemed technically impossible to mate up a bar code label to a clear CD disc container due to the bright reflection and the refractive error rate of the reader. A solution from the VA’s Central Office-Wide Virtual Suggestion Box (VACO-WVSB) to use an opaque container was found impractical because it would be impossible to determine if a CD was, in fact, inside the container as CDs are known to come in all manner of different weights.
In the interim, while we wait for this modern miracle to be invented and to arrive at ROs everywhere, lawyers have discovered how to penetrate the major ROs and get answers in a relatively short time. Using any standard VA form, be it a 8940, a 21-22a, a Form 9 (these work well), or the new 21-0958 (excellent bait), the VA’s mail room is bypassed. You’re going into the Command Post where the faxes come in. 0958 NODs and Form 9s are perishable items. DBQs are often an excellent choice, too, because they have to check each one to triage it. If your claim is out on the floor being actively worked by a decision of the Court(s) above, they know your last name and probably have your last 4 memorized that week.
If someone peels it off the teletype and announces a “What the hey? Why didn’t he use a 21-4138? Send this over to Bob. VACOLS says it’s his claim.” then the message goes instantly to the MAN. Of course, by 2020, you’ll be able to flash your ID on the touch screen, scan in your personalized bar code and leave a message for the gentleman(men) to return your query.” A vast improvement indeed.
Have Gun, Will Travel
Wire OAK1DRO in 2020
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
This is the most Fubar’d agency in history. I just got my SOC after a nearly three yr wait for a DRO. The “expert” didnt even use the correct regulations when denying my claim. Doesnt matter what evidence you have or the technology at the VBA, if you get a piss poor “expert” working on your claim youre screwed.
Absolutely correct. I have often wondered exactly what form of medical training that they should have when making such decisions. Would it not be more efficient to have raters who knew exactly what cytopenia, peritonitis etc. meant. It is so easy for them to affect other peoples lives whilst reading the stock prices. I just feel that in order to do the job correctly they should be better trained and also broken down into groups which handle the most common ailments until they are found to be proficient and then doosey-do to the next anatomical part to begin anew. It is called on the job training or some GS rating.
They sent me my Appeal Certification to my old and wrong address. The RO is next to the VAMC so the last time I had a Dr appt.; I went into the benefit office where they give you your ID cards. The dude said I needed to contact the RO directly, but no he had no clue what the phone number was to do that. So I went over there and stood in front of the magic window behind which the tomb of all VA knowledge is kept. I said that I wanted to change my address. The answer was to take a seat over yonder at the group “W” bench. A few minutes later I was invited to go into the small interrogation room with no view, a table and two chairs. The VA dude pulled out a form 21-4138 and proceeded to write my address on it. I had to sign and date it of course. Kain’t tell how long it will actually take to change my address though.
Why would the person rating your claim give two s _ _ _ ts about whether or not you know his name? You could not contact his butt anyway. The RO is not anything if not inept at what the real picture is about. If you file an 8940, a 21-22a, a Form 9 or the new 21-0958 how does that translate into finding out what his name is? Not sure I am completely understanding the post but then again it is due to SC issues.
When a claim comes back down from the BVA or CAVC via the BVA, they have to rate you pronto. “They” means VARO . “They” (the raters) know YOUR (Randy’s) name because they are working the claim to the exclusion of all others. Your attorney often finds it difficult to get in touch with “they” so he resorts to putting a message (with YOUR name and SSN) on a 0958 or a Form 9 so they will spot YOUR NAME. When the rater sees the message with YOUR attorney’s name and telephone number scribbled on the Form 9 stating he is desirous of communicating with said rater, then “they” call the attorney back to talk. Sorry that was confusing.
So I should FAX the form 9 to the varo and ask them why my form to add my mother as a dependent as been there for 18 months and I have heard nothing?
That’s what Law Bob says but only if they are actively working your claim. With the current backlog, VA usually has one rater assigned at each RO for doing dependency issues. I’m getting reports out of Salt Lake of 18 months for a decision unless it’s hardship. Remember VA’s motto. Justice delayed is not Justice denied….
It’s beyond a hardship issue….every penny of my disability income goes to pay mom’s dementia assisted living facility care…I cannot physically take care of her.