Seattle Regional VA Timelines:
- Thread starter SGT Nova
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Welcome to the PEB Forum!
From a DoD IDES regulatory processing requirement, fortunately or unfortunately (dependent upon one's viewpoint), the DoD must adopt the DoVA D-RAS rating(s) for each PEB-referred unfitting condition(s).
That said, the MEB already performed their review and adjudication then forwarded your DoD IDES case file to the IPEB for their initial review. At the conclusion of the IPEB and the formation of their results/determination, your DoD IDES case file was forwarded to the DoVA D-RAS. To that extent, you are currently awaiting IPEB findings inclusive of DoD and DoVA proposed ratings, correct?
In reference to your specific inquiry, the DoD must adopt the DoVA D-RAS rating for your one PEB-referred unfitting condition. Now, if you disagree with the forthcoming IPEB findings inclusive of DoD and DoVA proposed ratings, it's in your best interest to demand an formal PEB (FPEB) hearing with or without a personal appearance, and/or elect to submit a VARR request.
In addition with an attendance at the FPEB, it's your official opportunity, with the assistance of legal counsel, to present evidence, testimony, witness statements, and documentation in support of your DoD IDES case.
To that extent, an appointed Judge Advocate General Corps (JAGC) attorney, or counsel of your own choosing (a civilian attorney or representative from a National Service Organization such as Disabled American Veterans) can represent you at the FPEB. If you choose to have a non-appointed representative, it will be at no expense to the U.S. Government.
Once scheduled for a FPEB, a judge advocate or a Department of the Army civilian attorney from the Office of Soldiers' PEB Counsel (SPEBC) will contact you. These officers are not assigned to the PEB; they serve as independent military counsel. The military counsel must consult with you at least one day before your FPEB hearing. This is an opportunity to go over your case and discuss any last-minute questions.
By the way, I truly appreciate your kindly insightful comment, and hope that I can continue to potentially provide creditable information to the members of the PEB Forum.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
Welcome to the PEB Forum!
The DoD IDES MEB/PEB process begins whenever your medical providers determine that your ability to continue military service is questionable due to a physical or mental impairment. To that extent, the Secretary of the Army (similar for the other branches of Military service) is charged with assuring the fitness of Soldiers, and separating or retiring those who become unfit to continue military service because of physical disability.
The DoVA provides compensation to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that occurred or were aggravated during active military service. The Fully Developed Claims (FDC) program is an optional new initiative that offers Veterans, Service members (not in DoD IDES process) and survivors faster decisions from DoVA on compensation, pension, and survivor benefit claims.
Moreover, Veterans, Service members (not in DoD IDES process) and survivors can simply submit all required records and documentation at the time they make their DoVA claim and certify that they have no further evidence. The DoVA can then review and process the VA claim more quickly.
In reference to DoVA claims, there are many types of VA claims for disability compensation. For example, if you are filing a DoVA claim for the very first time, you have an original claim. That said, a reopened claim means you have new and material evidence and you want the DoVA to reconsider a VA claim it once denied. Plus, there are also new claims, secondary claims, and special claims.
By filing an FDC, Veterans, Service members (not in DoD IDES process) and survivors take charge of their DoVA claim by providing all the evidence at once. By then certifying that there is no more evidence, the DoVA can potentially issue a decision faster.
To that extent, Veterans may file an FDC for disability compensation for the following reasons:
- An injury, disability, or condition believed to have occurred or been aggravated by military service.
- A condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-related condition.
- The BDD program is available nationwide to all Service members (not in DoD IDES process) on full-time active duty, including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard.
- Service members who do not meet the BDD criteria or have 1 to 59 days remaining in service should submit a Quick start claim on eBenefits.va.gov website.
Once you initiate a FDC, you will have up to one year to complete it. If the DoVA approve your VA claim, you'll be paid back to the day you initiated your DoVA claim.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
Hi all. I am curious about a couple things. According to what I have read, the VA has reduced the number of claims they have in inventory to below what they had in 2011. If that is the case, Why is it taking longer than before?
@ebrown shouldnt it be pretty straight forward though? if they have the eCFR and they go "oh a=a, b=b". idk it just bugs me that its probly a whole bunch of GS-9s or high sitting on their collective asses. Cause if the VA has 10,000 plus claims people, how many are working on the IDES cases? and the IDES cases arent even that much of the back log
IDES has its own set of raters that only handle IDES claims, the time that it takes a rater to complete a IDEs claim compared to, the time that they complete veteran claims is fast!
We talking the 4-5 months at the longest for IDES compared to 1-2 years for Veteran Claims, even if you throw in the time it takes to finalize a IDES claim once the SM is retired/separated it's still faster than Veteran Claims so we're lucky!! But yes we all are very impatient..Specially SM who has a uncaring unit
@Combat Eng they have had mine since 10 march2013
@Medic and combat eng....mine was sent on May 9th and accepted on the 21st.....I began this process on Feb 7th only 2 days after another soldier in my unit. I have 14 years active and 19 total with reserve time and did not want to be Med Boarded but was told I couldn't beat it. Unlike the other soldier in my unit, I didn't file for an appeal. I just didn't want to waste any more of my time if I am going to be forced out. I would rather just try to find a new job and work on a new retirement. Well, needless to say, this other soldier, even with his appeal is now clearing....and my packet sits un-touched in Seattle. I questioned the person on the 1800# about the 1st in 1st out policy and he explained that some people's claims have more conditions than others, and that might be whats taking mine so long. I explained to him that while I don't know the extent of the other soldiers injuries, 40/90 rating including mental health is more than what my claim is. He couldn't explain, but sent up a request for information to Seattle which he said they had 10 business days to respond.....Its been over 25 now and no response. Thank you Seattle VA......strong work!
In my opinion, the processing of a DoVA disability claim, whether IDES-based or Veteran-based should be completed as thoroughly efficient and accurate as feasible; else, error-filled DoVA disability claims will continue to be re-introduced (e.g. appeals) into the entire DoVA D-RAS process then generate even more extended waiting times.
Unfortunately, the decision to produce and receive a well adjudicated DoVA disability compensation claim upon its completion isn’t far beyond the expectations of the military service member and/or military veteran.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
Unfortunately, the decision to produce and receive a well adjudicated DoVA disability compensation claim upon its completion isn’t far beyond the expectations of the military service member and/or military veteran.
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
Welcome to the PEB Forum!
Congratulations on recent receipt of your IPEB findings inclusive of DoD 30% and DoVA 60% proposed ratings!
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
You are welcome!
Wow! PDRL, good deal! 
To that extent, it maybe seems that the multitude TDRL finding determinations are probably as a result of a behavioral health PEB-referred unfitting medical condition (e.g., PTSD, etc).
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
Brother get yourself a DAVA rep just look up DAVA on the web and talk to them the can see whats going on once they have a power of attorney from you it helped me, my packet was there for over 6 months!!!
Good deal, indeed!
Wow, you are nearly a military veteran at this point in time! Outstanding; just enjoy life!
Thus, I quite often comment that "possessing well-informed knowledge is truly a powerful equalizer."
Best Wishes!
What was your timeline?
I am in the same stage as you waiting to be called I guess when my out message shows up... Hope they hurry up because I leave for Hawaii on the 19th and I am getting on that plane either way lol
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