Although the VA has recently claimed to have caught up with a massive backlog of disability claims, taking the wait time down from 357 days in 2013 down to 95 days this past August, many frustrated veterans are still having trouble obtaining any kind of determination.
In the case of one Northern Nevada man, a 30-year career Air Force veteran from North Las Vegas, his claim for spinal, shoulder, and neck injuries, as well as a heart condition, still has not been resolved after filing for benefits nearly one year ago. To add insult to injury, he has received three separate letters in the mail informing him that his request for compensation is still being processed, signed by a VA Benefits Administration Service Center Manager that retired nearly two years ago. The VA has commented that this error was due to a glitch, but many veterans feel that these types of oversights hardly inspire confidence in a system that is notorious for failing them.
While the VA office in Reno has seen a decrease in their backlog in initial claims, the past year has seen a significant increase in appeals, indicating that many claims were not correctly handled in the first place. Some fear that the increase in appeals could cause another backlog problem. It is not uncommon for veterans to be caught up in the appeals process for years, causing them to go without their hard-earned and much-needed benefits.
Dealing with the VA can be a lengthy, difficult, and frustrating process. Allow Shook & Stone to help you navigate through the process and make your experience as painless as possible. With our representation, you can increase your chances of receiving the benefits you are entitled to in a timelier manner by ensuring that all aspects of your case are filed correctly and include comprehensive documentation.
Struggling with the VA? Call Shook & Stone Today
Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much in the service of their country, and deserve to receive care when they need it. If you are a veteran and are struggling to obtain benefits through the VA, Shook & Stone may be able to help. Our Las Vegas veterans disability lawyers have decades of experience protecting the rights of disabled individuals and can help you achieve success with your claim or appeal.
To get started with a free consultation, call our offices today at (702) 996-6066.
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