Anyone else waiting on VA claims for years?

Military Law Discussions
1

I’ve been dealing with this VA claim for almost 10 years now. Back in 1983, I was working at a missile site in Wyoming and had my left ear drum blown out. I had surgery in Iowa City and they said it couldn’t be fixed. I’ve been waiting on my VA rating for so long, I’m getting told I’m still ‘on the docket,’ but it’s been like 5 years now. Anyone else going through this? It’s so frustrating…

2

Man, that sounds awful. I’m in a similar boat. Been waiting on my claim for years too. It’s like they just forget about us.

3

Winter said:
Man, that sounds awful. I’m in a similar boat. Been waiting on my claim for years too. It’s like they just forget about us.

Right? It feels like they’re just pushing us to the back. I have all my documents in, but it’s still just ‘waiting’. It’s been way too long.

4

Winter said:
Man, that sounds awful. I’m in a similar boat. Been waiting on my claim for years too. It’s like they just forget about us.

I feel you both. It’s a huge backlog, and they never give you real answers. Have you tried calling to ask about expediting it?

5

@Fox
Yeah, they said they can’t do much unless I’m about to die. So… that’s reassuring…

6

That’s crazy. The system is so slow! I had to file a second appeal too. It’s just a long process, but hang in there.

7

Stormy said:
That’s crazy. The system is so slow! I had to file a second appeal too. It’s just a long process, but hang in there.

This is actually my second appeal too. They told me if it’s denied again, I’ll need a lawyer to fight it.

8

Wow, 10 years? That’s insane. I think it helps to have all the latest medical stuff in your file. Have you submitted everything from your surgery?

9

Micah said:
Wow, 10 years? That’s insane. I think it helps to have all the latest medical stuff in your file. Have you submitted everything from your surgery?

Yeah, I’ve got all the paperwork from Iowa City, just waiting for them to do something with it.

10

It might be worth asking for a higher-level review or escalation if you get another denial. Have you looked into that?

11

Briar said:
It might be worth asking for a higher-level review or escalation if you get another denial. Have you looked into that?

I haven’t yet. I’ve been told it could take even longer, but I might have to try it if I get denied again.

12

It’s a nightmare dealing with the VA, but you’re not alone. Keep pushing for it. You deserve the help. Have you asked about any options for faster processing due to your condition?

13

Lior said:
It’s a nightmare dealing with the VA, but you’re not alone. Keep pushing for it. You deserve the help. Have you asked about any options for faster processing due to your condition?

I’ve asked, but they told me I just have to wait unless something major happens. So frustrating…