Treatment FAQ

why does it takes so long to get into the va for medical treatment

by Mr. Jeffry Padberg Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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There are several factors that can impact how long it takes the VA to process your claim, including: Initial claims typically take longer because a Claims Assistant at the VA must request your Service Treatment Records (STRs) and your personnel file. The total number of disability conditions you’ve filed for.

Full Answer

Why is my VA claim taking so long?

Jan 03, 2020 · But when you dig a little deeper, you can easily find reasons as to why the VA can be so slow. Take a look at these 3 reasons why your claim decision may not be immediate. Table of Contents. Reason 1: Lack of medical evidence or too much medical evidence. Types of evidence that will help speed up your claim:

Is it safe to go to a VA clinic for treatment?

Nov 06, 2020 · VA health care eligibility factors: VA health care eligibility is based on many issues, including active duty military service, type of military discharge, service-connected disabilities, medical conditions incurred while in the service, location of service, and more.You can be eligible based on your service dates, deployments you served on, or other criteria.

Can you receive VA health care?

Answer (1 of 2): * In my experience, wait times at the VA can vary considerably, and for several reasons. * Taking my previous home VA in Phoenix, Arizona for one example: The warm winter weather in Arizona attracts thousands of veterans from colder climates. During summer months, I …

What happens if you don't give the VA enough medical evidence?

Jan 03, 2022 · After the filing of an NOD, a veteran’s VA disability claim moves to the VA regional office’s appeals section, and will now be handled by a Decision Review Officer or DRO. According to VA statistics, the wait time from the filing of an NOD (Notice of Disagreement) to receiving a DRO decision is 12-18 months.

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Why is the VA taking so long?

The VA estimates that it takes 94 days to process an application. In reality, claims are taking much longer due to a continued backlog related to COVID-19 and other factors.Jan 18, 2022

Why does it take the VA so long to make a decision?

The problem with trying to more quickly close out disability claims is that more mistakes are made on the initial Rating Decisions, and thus more veterans are going to want or need to file an appeal. Thus, the backlog of cases simply shifts from the initial claim level to the appellate level.Jan 3, 2022

Why does the VA take so long on appointments?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the VA has scheduled about 3 million fewer appointments than in early 2020. VA hospitals and facilities are not going to be able to handle the influx of veterans who've been waiting for appointments.Jul 13, 2020

How long does VA processing take?

Factors That Can Affect the Time it Takes to Begin Receiving VA Disability Benefits. The VA estimates that it takes them 94 days to review a VA disability application.

How can I speed up my VA claim?

Veterans can file a Priority Processing Request using VA Form 20-10207 to ask VA to address their claim in a more expedient manner. In order to be eligible, veterans must submit documentation, if not already on file, indicating that they meet one of the following criteria: Experiencing extreme financial hardship.

How far back does VA disability back pay go?

This is within the 1-year mark, so his date of eligibility for VA Disability Back Pay is his date of separation. It takes another 9 months before the VA's Rating Decision is reached. Ben will receive VA Disability Back Pay for the entire 18 months between his date of separation and the VA's rating decision.

How long does it take to get VA Unemployability?

4-7 years
The VA may take 4-10 months to issue an initial decision. If you are awarded TDIU benefits, congratulations, you won't have to go through the appeals process. This part of the VA Individual Unemployability timeline can easily take 4-7 years. Seriously, 4-7 years.Jun 2, 2018

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The five-year rule states that the VA can't reduce a veteran's disability that's been in place for five years, unless the condition improved overtime on a sustained basis. The veteran will likely need to present medical evidence to prove the material improvement of their condition.Apr 7, 2022

How backlogged is the VA?

The VA currently has around 260,000 claims in its backlog right now, a significant increase compared to approximately 70,000 backlogged cases the agency had before the start of the pandemic. “Despite COVID, we're processing these claims faster than ever before in VA's history …Jan 18, 2022

How do you know if your VA claim was approved?

You can check the status of your VA claim, appeal, or decision review on VA.gov. You'll need to sign in first with DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me. If you don't have any of these accounts, you can get one now. If you need help, please call us at 800-827-1000.Dec 21, 2020

How long does it take a VA judge to make a decision?

The Veterans Benefits Administration usually takes 12-18 months to review new appeals and decide whether to grant some or all of the appeal. When you request a review from a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans' Appeals, it could take 5-7 years for you to get a decision.Mar 26, 2021

How long does a VA decision review take?

How long does it take VA to make a decision? Our goal for completing Higher-Level Reviews is an average of 125 days.Mar 22, 2022

How to Establish Eligibility For VA Medical Benefits

VA health care eligibility is based upon active duty military service in the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marines (duri...

VA Health Care Eligibility Questionnaire

Let’s start by looking at some basic eligibility requirements, based on the VA health care eligibility questionnaire:1. Are any of these statements...

Applying For VA Health Care Benefits

Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefi...

Required Supporting Documentation

You can reduce the application processing time by providing information about your service when you apply. This includes documentation such as your...

VA Health Care Enrollment

Applying with for 10-10EZ and providing all relevant information will generally enroll you into the VA medical care system. Most veterans will auto...

Does the VA make the right decision?

The VA does not always make the right decision, and the appeals process is a way veterans can contest the denial or unfavorable rating. Both the higher-level review and appeal will add time to your claim, and the appeal can add years to it.

Why is VA so slow?

Take a look at these 3 reasons why your claim decision may not be immediate. Reason 1: Lack of medical evidence or too much medical evidence.

What happens if a VA claim is denied?

The decision could be from awarding you your claim percentage to denial. If your claim is denied, you can file for a higher-level review. The VA does not always make the right decision, and the appeals process is a way veterans can contest the denial or unfavorable rating.

What is VA claims insider?

VA Claims insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veteran s with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Independent Medical Opinions & Nexus Statements (Medical Nexus Letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.

What is standard claim VA?

The Standard Claim is when you file and the VA will develop most of your request. They will contact any federal government agencies that could have your records and retrieve them. The VA would also contact and private agencies that provided medical care to you and have records.

Can you get VA health care if you are on active duty?

Members of the National Guard and Reserves may be eligible for VA health care benefits if they were called to active duty on a Federal Executive Order (this generally excludes active duty for training purposes). Other groups of servicemembers may also be eligible for VA medical care.

Can you get VA medical care based on income?

This is generally the case for veterans who qualify for VA medical care based on their income or other information that can change from year to year. Other veterans may be eligible based on returning from a combat zone within the last five years.

How to update VA health insurance?

Once you have established your eligibility for VA health care benefits, you will need to fill out Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR to apply for benefits. These forms are also used to update your current information if anything has changed. There are several ways you can fill out or update the 10-10EZ: online, by phone, by mail, or in-person at a VA medical facility. Here is the info you need: 1 Online: Visit this link and fill out the form. 2 Phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST. A VA rep will send you a completed form via mail. You will need to verify and sign the form, then return it to the VA. 3 Mail: Complete Form 10-10EZ or Form 10-10EZR and mail it to Health Eligibility Center, 2957 Clairmont Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30329-1647. 4 In person: Visit any VA Medical Center or clinic. Here is the VA Directory.

What are the eligibility factors for VA health care?

VA health care eligibility factors: VA health care eligibility is based on many issues, including active duty military service, type of military discharge, service-connected disabilities, medical conditions incurred while in the service, location of service, and more. You can be eligible based on your service dates, deployments you served on, ...

Can veterans use VA medical centers?

Veterans with a service-connected disability rating can use VA medical centers, but health care benefits aren’t only limited to those individuals. Let’s dispel some of the myths about VA health care eligibility, see who is eligible, and learn how you can apply for VA health care benefits.

Do you need a service connected disability rating to be eligible for VA health care?

Misconceptions about VA health care eligibility: It is not a requirement to have served in combat or in a war zone. You do not need a service-connected disability rating. You did not need to be injured or wounded while in the service.

Initial VA disability claim filing timeline

To better understand factors that go into a lengthy appeal process, let’s first overview what happens with original VA disability claims.

The politics of pending claims

VA disability claims are handled in sequential order – oldest claims are handled before newer claims, and the VA has reported massive backlogs in pending claims.

How long does the process of a VA disability appeal take?

We will be honest here – VA disability appeals sometimes take years to complete. Unsuccessful appeals take less time to process because they are often denied for technical, fixable reasons. Successful appeals are those that are carefully planned and meticulously documented, and they do tend to take longer to reach a successful conclusion.

Two tracks for VA Disability Appeals

There has been a recent change in how appeals are processed, creating a two-track procedure. For decisions issued February 19, 2019 or after, a new process has been implemented, whereas earlier decisions follow a “legacy” appeal track.

Six Weeks to Process Medical Marijuana Applications

According to reporting done in the Free Lance Star out of Fredericksburg, wait times were around six weeks as of mid-June this year. That was already more than the initial 30 days announced by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

A Bogged Down Marijuana Card Application System, For Now

Why all the delays? It seems the system may be currently overwhelmed and understaffed. There are an approximate 30,000+ medical marijuana applications in the system right now with only three workers currently processing applications.

Why the Wait for Legal Access is Worth It

Although wait times may be long right now, they are well worth it, overall. Turning to alternatives on the black market are not the best options. Why?

Medical Marijuana is a Healthier and Safer Option

Cannabis purchased with a medical marijuana card through an official Virginia dispensary also gives you a healthier and safer product. First off, from the medical perspective, you are accessing a prescribed cannabis product that can better address your needs and symptoms.

Tips for Speeding Things Up

How can you make your wait time a little shorter? Here are a few tips you can use to get that medical marijuana card to you a bit faster.

Go Online

Going back and forth to a brick and mortar location to deal with your application takes time. Going to a doctor for your prescription takes time. With wait times already taking a bit, why not go digital? Applying for your card online is the best way to make the application process as efficient as possible.

Relief You Can Trust

At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

What Factors Impact How Long a VA Claim Takes?

There are several factors that can impact how long it takes the VA to process your claim, including:

What Evidence Do I Need to Submit to Get My VA Disability Claim Approved?

To get your VA claim approved, you need to prove three essential elements:

What is the VA Disability Claim Timeline?

If you submit a VA Fully Developed Claim (FDC) in 2022—meaning—all the evidence is uploaded in support of your claim, you’ll likely get a claim decision in 90-120 days (3-4 months) from submission to award.

What is the VA Fully Developed Claim Timeline 2022?

If you file a Fully Developed Claim online, which we highly recommend, the VA will follow an 8 step process to review and rate your claim:

How Long Does a VA Disability Claim Take?

If you submit a Fully Developed Claim (FDC)—meaning—all the evidence is uploaded in support of your claim, you’ll likely get a VA rating decision in 3-4 months from start to finish.

What is the Timeline From C&P Exam to Decision 2022?

In 2022, you can expect to receive a VA rating decision within 4 to 6 weeks after your last C&P exam.

Want to Work With a VA DISABILITY CLAIM EXPERT?

At VA Claims Insider, we help fellow Veterans celebrate LIFE CHANGE by getting them the VA disability rating and compensation YOU DESERVE by law.

Why is the VA process so easy?

One reason the process was easier is because VA is using Referral Coordination Teams (RCTs). RCTs simplify the process when a Veteran’s health care provider refers them to another provider, whether in VA or in the community.

Does the Mission Act increase VA care?

With the MISSION Act, VA has also increased opportunities for Veterans to receive community care when VA facilities are too far away, have longer wait-times, and don’t have the care services Veterans need, or other circumstances.

Is VA referral easier than ever?

VA health care referrals are getting easier than ever for Veterans. During Army Veteran Joy Ilem’s recent visit to the Washington, D.C. VA medical center, her primary care provider referred her to a specialist in the community for her annual mammogram.

Can veterans ask for a PACT?

Veterans can ask their provider or PACT team for more information. They can expect these three changes when the teams are in place at their location: More information about available options for appointments, including face-to-face care, virtual care options or even a telephone appointment if that’s appropriate.

How many VA video visits will there be in 2020?

VA’s use of video visits increased by more than 1,700% within fiscal year 2020. Video visits accounted for 160,000 video visits to homes in a single week. “In-person care is absolutely the right way for a provider to meet with a patient for many health concerns.

How many VA visits were made in fiscal 20?

With increased safety measures to minimize exposure to COVID-19, VA completed more than 66 million Veteran visits in fiscal 20, including in-person appointments, telephone and video visits.

Can veterans count on VA?

Veterans can continue to count on VA to provide the highest-quality care. Referral Coordination Teams will help make it easier and faster to schedule appointments with specialists. When Veterans have a choice where and how to receive their care, we want them to choose VA.

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