Here We go Again!- Government Shutdown

I have heard the elephant creeping around the room, but haven't heard anybody point it out, so here goes.

Government shutdown and IDES. How will this impact it?

First it is may well slow everything down on the military side. The house is going to send a bill forward today to ensure troops get paid, but it doesn't address the administrative side of the military. There may well be an impact and/or delay in PEB processing. And, it may also result in all new IDES entry to be delayed if those workers are considered non mission essential. I am speculating here, but there may be significant delays in PEBs; we will have to see how this plays out.

As far as the VA, I just read an article that indicates all medical services will be funded, but new and appeal ratings will not happen until this issue is solved. The reason for this is veteran benefits and services are appropriated one year in advance, but their operational budget is not. So again, all the admin stuff stops.

What this means is no ratings and adding to an already huge backlog. The article mentioned no processing of loan applications. I am again speculating when I say I think it will stop voc rehab claims, as well as GI bill stuff. It is going to be bad.

On the good side, Social Security and unemployment will not be impacted.

What is the word on the street? Please try and post links to your source whenever possible.

http://news.yahoo.com/shutdown-impact-tourists-homebuyers-hit-quickly-213542750--politics.html

Joe

 

[AmyGallay]

This is my first post. I have been a lurker in the distance ever since I started this process. Quick background: I broke my back and had a full disc herniation at L5-S1 that 'on the MRI looked like it severed my spinal cord.' Also suffered radiculapthy damage down my left leg prior to the surgery. I am no missing part of my lower spine because they had to actually remove chunks of my vertebrae to remove the herniation and then grind down the peaks where the fractures were.


My question is this. I just signed my 199 on monday at 0900. Unfortunately, my PEBLO lost my counseling forum. I had to go in today (01OCT13) and redo the entire counseling form (not that big of a deal). I am now waiting on my dates. Will this government slimdown (I guess it is the term that is being used now) affect me receiving my dates?


When I receive my dates, I will post my entire timeline and will help others if I can.

Thank you.

From what I've read, separations will not be affected. It may delay your orders, due to monies needed for travel, severance, or pension processing. But it won't be canceled.

 

[JP88]

Fair enough, and much appreciated Jason Perry and Amy Gallay for the 'insanely' quick response, haha =D

In my free time in the next couple days I will put that timeline together...since we do not know how long this 'crisis' will last.

Thank you!

 

[Warrior644]

Hey ya'll. I'm with the VA in the DES program, what was briefed to us is that the claims assistants, raters, decision review officers, and other personnel who are directly involved in processing claims are excepted personnel. As such we will be continuing to work while the gov is shut down, albeit without pay until a budget is passed.

What was also said is that some MSC's may be furloughed as some of them are part of public contact, a VA division which is not excepted for purposes of the shutdown.

I have no idea what the DoD side will be able to get done right now though. Pay was authorized for the uniformed services overnight but all DoD civilians are in the same budget limbo as the rest of the civilian Federal workforce. Some may be furloughed, some may not, I just don't know.

Great news! Thanks!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[Warrior644]

I just went over and laid eyes on my PEBLO. He stated that here (Fort Leonard Wood) they have been told to keep working for now. I asked about Seattle PEB, and he stated that they were on a skeleton staff but still processing what they could. Bob

Appreciate the update about the Seattle PEB; still good news!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[SentryFE_10]

Well I was suppose to get my orders Monday but all Action Officers are furloughed so there is no one to cut orders. This is on the Air Force side. Hope no one else is in the same situation as me.

 

[Frank4747]

Does anyone have any insight on the Navy/USMC PEB side of the house? Just wondering if cases are stilll being pushed through, my case was sent out on 9/20 and expecting something soon, thanks.

 

[beverlsc]

So I am at the tail end of this long process and today was supposed to be my final out date. When I went to the building on Ft Carson for my final out appointment the door was locked. All of the workers except the finance section had been furloghed. No one had any information about what im supposed to do now. I was planning on driving home tomorrow but now I don't know if I can or not. I also moved out of base housing today so looks like I'll be paying for a hotel room until the government sorts this crap out.

 

[Warrior644]

So I am at the tail end of this long process and today was supposed to be my final out date. When I went to the building on Ft Carson for my final out appointment the door was locked. All of the workers except the finance section had been furloghed. No one had any information about what im supposed to do now. I was planning on driving home tomorrow but now I don't know if I can or not. I also moved out of base housing today so looks like I'll be paying for a hotel room until the government sorts this crap out.

Hmm, due to no fault of your own, you may be able to file for reimbursement of lodging expenses?

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[jozzz123]

Hmm, my family shall be directly behind your family; maybe we can build a bigger sign together for advertisement purposes; a sad day is potentially forthcoming indeed!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

Hey Bro, Warrior644, I know you have been waiting for a long time to get what is rightfully yours. I heard on FOX NEWS this morning, that until the Government shut down is over, no one will be getting their finalized ratings from the VA. That includes pending claims to be finalized, or even if you want a reconsideration, or adding on to a claim that has already been finalized. Thank God I got my finalized ratings packet on the 30th of September. I sure hope and am praying that they will end this shut down soon, very soon.

 

[jozzz123]

So I am at the tail end of this long process and today was supposed to be my final out date. When I went to the building on Ft Carson for my final out appointment the door was locked. All of the workers except the finance section had been furloghed. No one had any information about what im supposed to do now. I was planning on driving home tomorrow but now I don't know if I can or not. I also moved out of base housing today so looks like I'll be paying for a hotel room until the government sorts this crap out.

My suggestion would be to go tell your 1SG they have to have a way out. and you have a family. I will be praying for you and you family. And maybe you can submit a fom for reimbursement like Warrior644 said

 

[AmyGallay]

Be careful. Especially about leaving the local area. If you did not Final out, you are still assigned to your Unit. You may have to report tomorrow to someone so you don't get in trouble. I would think they would cover your billeting for special circumstances. Even if that department is closed, there should be a MPF Commander who can let you know how to proceed. I'd call your supervisor, or NCOIC.

 

[grizz13]

I completely agree with Amy's advice! Please call your unit and let them know what is up!

 

[Combat Eng]

Hey Bro, Warrior644, I know you have been waiting for a long time to get what is rightfully yours. I heard on FOX NEWS this morning, that until the Government shut down is over, no one will be getting their finalized ratings from the VA. That includes pending claims to be finalized, or even if you want a reconsideration, or adding on to a claim that has already been finalized. Thank God I got my finalized ratings packet on the 30th of September. I sure hope and am praying that they will end this shut down soon, very soon.

Hey Bro, Warrior644, I know you have been waiting for a long time to get what is rightfully yours. I heard on FOX NEWS this morning, that until the Government shut down is over, no one will be getting their finalized ratings from the VA. That includes pending claims to be finalized, or even if you want a reconsideration, or adding on to a claim that has already been finalized. Thank God I got my finalized ratings packet on the 30th of September. I sure hope and am praying that they will end this shut down soon, very soon.

The Va isn't effected by the shutdown as of yet

 

[Warrior644]

Hey Bro, Warrior644, I know you have been waiting for a long time to get what is rightfully yours. I heard on FOX NEWS this morning, that until the Government shut down is over, no one will be getting their finalized ratings from the VA. That includes pending claims to be finalized, or even if you want a reconsideration, or adding on to a claim that has already been finalized. Thank God I got my finalized ratings packet on the 30th of September. I sure hope and am praying that they will end this shut down soon, very soon.

Indeed, my brother; it may seem to be the case!

To that extent, it's only a matter of time and time is abundantly available these days!

Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."

Best Wishes!

 

[ranger2992]

Hey Bro, Warrior644, I know you have been waiting for a long time to get what is rightfully yours. I heard on FOX NEWS this morning, that until the Government shut down is over, no one will be getting their finalized ratings from the VA. That includes pending claims to be finalized, or even if you want a reconsideration, or adding on to a claim that has already been finalized. Thank God I got my finalized ratings packet on the 30th of September. I sure hope and am praying that they will end this shut down soon, very soon.

Please refer to the VA contingency plan I posted on the second page of this thread. The VA is continuing to rate. They do show a staffing cut, but it is not as bad as you would think. Things may slow down, but they will not stop.

 

[medic604]

So if I were to request a formal board when i get my 199, will they send me up to madigan or not now? @Jason Perry .which is what i called your number to ask you about. also do you require a deposit or could i pay you after i get all my ratings and stuff? or should i just stick with a JAG?

 

[jozzz123]

The Va isn't effected by the shutdown as of yet

It is here in AZ

 

[jozzz123]

Please refer to the VA contingency plan I posted on the second page of this thread. The VA is continuing to rate. They do show a staffing cut, but it is not as bad as you would think. Things may slow down, but they will not stop.

On FOX NEWS 10/02/2013 during morning show, they had a speaker there from the VA, and yes, there will be no more
movement on cases for final ratings, that is until this ridiculous shut down ends, but if you already have final ratings, you will still get paid, as for now anyway.

 

[Firefightergal30]

Will the MEB office be affected?

 

[jozzz123]

Will the MEB office be affected?

no, but after it is completed and everything is signed and sent up to be assessed and final ratings done, that wont happen. there's no tellin how long this shutdown will be