Please Help with Contact Info

[devildog4321]

Hi everyone,

I have been going thorugh the nightmare of the new IDES system over the past 6 months. Needless to say i have no problem harrassing everyone every step of the way so my package doesnt just "sit" on someones desk without any action being taken. That being said I have finally arrived at the last part of the process. My Package has gone through the military side for unfit decision and has been forwarded to the DRAS (disability rating activity site). My question is what is the location and contact info for these sites?!?!

I've looked all over the internet and cant find anything. I have a scheduled phone appt with the VA on friday but that is a little too long for my taste and i would rather call them sooner to find out what is going on. If someone already has the phone numbers and locations for where Navy/Marine Corps cases are handled that would be great. Thanks

SSgt Gettin Out

 

[cards18]

Good evening SSgt,

You can dial 1-800-827-1000 option 1, 1, 0 and if you can handle a wait time of 30-50 minutes, the operator will be able to tell you which location your package is in. That being said, directly calling the location, if you were successful in doing so might actually delay your package, as they would have to grab your file (providing that they just don't give you an expected processing time) and take it out of the processing procedure to give you a status update.

Also, if you have CAC access you can register for a premium account on Ebenefits which somewhat tracks your package, at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal (Note it will be offline this Sunday).

 

[Justrluk]

I'm not sure if you're referring to your application for VA benefits, but if this is the package you're trying to track via eBenefits, it doesn't' quite work the way a FEDEX package does; there's no set linear process. Your particular package may bounce around through development to review back to development, etc. until the rater feels he/she has everything they need to make the best decision they can. The best I can offer is to get a VSO that has access to the systems the VA uses. eBenefits is updated manually by the VARO through which your package is being processed. Some VAROs update regularly, some don't. I'm not trying to bring you down, but hopefully managing expectations.

Also, if you go to the VA site, you can use IRIS to send a (kind of) text message to those working on your package. Their responses may create more questions than answers, but at least you'll make contact.

Lastly, the 800-number may or may not be accurate depending on who you talk to. Over the past several years of contacting the VA, I've had both good and bad reps answer the phone. The best I can tell you is to check monthly via eBenefits and find a hobby to keep you occupied. When you see status that "Requires Attention", take action. Answer all the letters that request any further information, even if you've already provided the same info. Trying to follow the VA process daily will make you nothing but frustrated. Get a rep and let him/her do this for you. I've had great results with the state reps at the VARO (Atlanta) for a VARO that is notorious for taking months (that can turn into years) to process simple requests.