SERVING
Those That
SERVED
Questions & Answers
INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question carefully. If you are able to answer question appropriately use the form below the question to respond. Your name will not appear on the public answer page. Only your initials and date of your response will be visible.
Q584: It’s been over 3 years since I filed for a PTSD appeal and back pay. Why does it take so long to make a decision? I served a year in Vietnam, please help. Thanks.
If you have a question about benefits, compensation, pension or VA related issues please submit here.
Use Form Below To Respond
A1: Number ONE you are not the ONLY one filing an appeal. There are thousands of appeals in front of yours. There are ONLY 7 Veterans Federal Appeal Judges that listen to every case and they are ALL in Washington D.C......Seven Federal Judges for ALL of the Claims appeals from ALL 50 states, territories, and trusteeships, etc. They are swamped and have been for years. In a nutshell here is what an appeal goes through and it might sound like B.S. but here it is:
1. File a Notice of Disagreement.
2. WAIT 2 YEARS.
3. VA issues a Statement of Case.
4. Veteran has 60 days to file a VA Form 9 (APPEAL).
5. WAIT 2 MORE YEARS.
6. VA certifies Appeal to the BVA (Board of Veterans Appeals).
7. WAIT 2 MORE YEARS.
8. BVA schedules hearing.
9. Wait 2-9 months for hearing.
So after waiting for 6-9 years for answer, it's either going to be approved or disapproved. ONLY about 35% of appeals are approved at the BVA by the judges. The other 65% are denied and you are still where you originally started.
I say the best thing to do is DON'T Appeal and just submit NEW EVIDENCE, NEW EVIDENCE, NEW EVIDENCE at the Regional Office.
Good Luck and be PERSISTENT! (RA) 11/25/20
A2: Before February 2019, appeals that were filed are taking 5 years to be heard before the board. You can submit a request on VA Form 21-4138 and ask for a virtual hearing which is a lot faster. (GR) 11/25/20