Seattle Regional VA Timelines:

[Warrior644]

Just signed my DA199. I'm happy and grateful 70% DoD/ 90% VA. Better than expected. Was told I should come down on TRANSPROC in 1-3 days.

Quick recap
26-NOV 2012 - P3 Profile
8-APR 2013 - PCS from OCONUS to WTB
16-APR 2013 - MEB Begins
19-APR - Met w/ MEB Physician
22-MAY - 1st QTC
28-MAY- 2nd QTC
10-JUL - Review NARSUM
15-JUL - Signed NARSUM
19-JUL - PEB Unfit MEMO
25-JUL - Add'l QTC Appt requested by VA
30-OCT - VA Ratings Complete
18-NOV - Received and signed DA 199

Trying to expedite the rest ...

All right, indeed congratulations!

Now you can enjoy your forthcoming military disability retirement, and future endeavors with your family for sure!

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

Best Wishes!

 

[MoMorg]

If your ebenefits goes from Pending back to Prep the likely scenario is that the rater had some errors in the prepared paperwork that needed correction. The Pending Decision portion is QC for the Rater. I don't want to venture what the error rate is, but I think they are at 93% average over 12 months for finalized claims. I would venture that the first pass error rate is much higher. Now when a packet gets kicked back to the rater, one doesn't really know the steps involved. Is it priority, does it go to a secondary rater, etc...

For me my packet sat at Prep for about a week and then went to pending and then gathering (request sep docs) the same day.

 

[Tom Riddle 22]

Brett Nutter - What were your ratings? TDRl/PDRL if you would be so kind to share with us.

I am still waiting on the Army to "download," the VA paperwork so I am still not sure on my ratings. I am assuming at least 70% from Army and crossing fingers for 80-90% from VA. I should be TDRL with my PTSD and MDD. Hopefully I will have an answer soon, PEBLO said it has taken as little as 24 hours and as long as 2 months. All I know is my DD-214 has been orded.

 

[MoMorg]

That's why you plan based off worse can scenario, take advantage of going to school while in IDES, take advantage of having time to build up a resume, IDES can take a year majority of the time, then that's what you base your planning on! Looking for employment while still on active duty them be straight with the employer and school them on the process

Get it contact with your bases SFAC and have a sit down with a counselor who get numerous emails daily from employers looking for VETS and are more n more understanding of the IDES process

You also get terminal leave which give you the opportunity to get paid while at home I which that time can be used putting those resumes to use!!


Stay active and the time will go by smooth

Do doubt plan for the worst, but most employers, especially HR departments, have no interest in devoting time and resources to someone that is not available. Also for post military education, i.e. University, applications need to be processed well in advance. Without a date, is it far to say you may get out anywhere from May to December? There are service members who rely on the GI bill housing allowance to supplement their disability while they go to school. What happens if they are accepted in the fall, but because the Army can't adapt and prioritize, without pulling teeth, end up failing the soldier and the get out in say October, when all along they thought they'd be out by July. So now they are stuck.

However, once a soldier is on TRANSPOC, the 90 days limit is this unbreakable requirement that requires an exception.

When I arrived at the WTB I was told 12-18 months by some. Pretty much wild ass guesses that was based on people arriving for surgeries and recoveries and what not. I will be about 8 months when I go on terminal leave.

I understand your focus on patience, but at the same time this behavior defends the system's failures. If everyone accepts it for what it is, then there is no hope that it will get on track. I have been actively challenging the system failures and researching policy to present various solutions. Also my proactivity, has uncovered options that are never presented to most people. One of things I used to tell my team leaders (HUMINT collectors) is that commanders don't know what they don't know until they know it. If we opt not to collect a certain thread of intelligence because it is deemed irrelevant, then the commander will make decisions off of information that is known. We are doing a disservice to our Commander because they don't have the full picture (good, bad, and ugly). It is no different in this process. If everyone just shuts up and colors then senior decision makers are briefed with a skewed picture of satisfaction. However, the more people that raise issues that is ground in policy and regulation (i.e. failure to meet published timelines) and the real impact it has on a soldier, then you will see action.

One time brought up it is an anomaly, twice a nuisance, three times collusion, four times it's a grave problem.

 

[MoMorg]

I am still waiting on the Army to "download," the VA paperwork so I am still not sure on my ratings. I am assuming at least 70% from Army and crossing fingers for 80-90% from VA. I should be TDRL with my PTSD and MDD. Hopefully I will have an answer soon, PEBLO said it has taken as little as 24 hours and as long as 2 months. All I know is my DD-214 has been orded.

When your ebenefits goes back to gathering evidence (requesting sep docs) then your ratings should be in VTA. Now it does take some time for the PEB to get everything and start their portion to build your 199. However, if you have a good relationship with a PEBLO or MSC (hint, very important) they can look in VTA and see the proposed ratings. I have been told they aren't supposed to and the DA199 is the official document, but I have not seen a policy that prohibits a soldier getting this information.

 

[Combat Eng]

Do doubt plan for the worst, but most employers, especially HR departments, have no interest in devoting time and resources to someone that is not available. Also for post military education, i.e. University, applications need to be processed well in advance. Without a date, is it far to say you may get out anywhere from May to December? There are service members who rely on the GI bill housing allowance to supplement their disability while they go to school. What happens if they are accepted in the fall, but because the Army can't adapt and prioritize, without pulling teeth, end up failing the soldier and the get out in say October, when all along they thought they'd be out by July. So now they are stuck.

However, once a soldier is on TRANSPOC, the 90 days limit is this unbreakable requirement that requires an exception.

When I arrived at the WTB I was told 12-18 months by some. Pretty much wild ass guesses that was based on people arriving for surgeries and recoveries and what not. I will be about 8 months when I go on terminal leave.

I understand your focus on patience, but at the same time this behavior defends the system's failures. If everyone accepts it for what it is, then there is no hope that it will get on track. I have been actively challenging the system failures and researching policy to present various solutions. Also my proactivity, has uncovered options that are never presented to most people. One of things I used to tell my team leaders (HUMINT collectors) is that commanders don't know what they don't know until they know it. If we opt not to collect a certain thread of intelligence because it is deemed irrelevant, then the commander will make decisions off of information that is known. We are doing a disservice to our Commander because they don't have the full picture (good, bad, and ugly). It is no different in this process. If everyone just shuts up and colors then senior decision makers are briefed with a skewed picture of satisfaction. However, the more people that raise issues that is ground in policy and regulation (i.e. failure to meet published timelines) and the real impact it has on a soldier, then you will see action.

One time brought up it is an anomaly, twice a nuisance, three times collusion, four times it's a grave problem.

We can agree to disagree all day, I've been through the process already, and went through WTB, so I know how proactive one needs and should be

Not only can you go to school while in WTB to pass time you can also do internships which will and can set you up for a job post retirement

I'm not defending the system but trust me you rather be in the system now rather than in it when it was LEGACY

Also would you rather go through IDES where you get paid while getting rating or would you rather be a VET and wait a year or 2 while just getting by

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

 

[Combat Eng]

When your ebenefits goes back to gathering evidence (requesting sep docs) then your ratings should be in VTA. Now it does take some time for the PEB to get everything and start their portion to build your 199. However, if you have a good relationship with a PEBLO or MSC (hint, very important) they can look in VTA and see the proposed ratings. I have been told they aren't supposed to and the DA199 is the official document, but I have not seen a policy that prohibits a soldier getting this information.

Best to get a DAV rep then you can get your ratings without having to deal with PEBLO

 

[cmjames84]

Best to get a DAV rep then you can get your ratings without having to deal with PEBLO

VERY TRUE! I called the DAV office today after all of the changes on my ebennies and apparently my ratings are done... dod: 40, va: 90. I got PTSD - 70 (condition was on the unfit memo), Right shoulder - 20 (condition was on the unfit memo), Left shoulder - 20 (condition was on the unfit memo), Lumbar DDD - 20, Left sciatic - 10, Right Sciatic - 10. They screwed up my DOD rating because they obviously didn't add in the PTSD with my unfit shoulders...

 

[thunderchuck]

We can agree to disagree all day, I've been through the process already, and went through WTB, so I know how proactive one needs and should be

Not only can you go to school while in WTB to pass time you can also do internships which will and can set you up for a job post retirement

I'm not defending the system but trust me you rather be in the system now rather than in it when it was LEGACY

Also would you rather go through IDES where you get paid while getting rating or would you rather be a VET and wait a year or 2 while just getting by

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

While you both make good points, I agree with MoMorg that this system is highly unfavorable to he servicemember and while yes, it is better than past systems, that doesn't make up for it's shortfalls.

For one, some of us aren't in WTUs, and our unit's have higher priorities than catering to the injured and broken. I still have a job to do in my unit, so going to school or getting an internship isn't open to me.

I've already passed on two good job opportunities because of the uncertainty around my availability. It's not as easy as just waiting until you go on terminal leave to find a job. I don't plan on staying in the area where I am stationed so I am expected to move my family, find a job and house, and resume my life with whatever amount of days of leave I have saved up? Ideally, you want your new job to overlap with your terminal leave so that you don't have a huge pay gap. We all know that it takes time to get your first paycheck at a new job.

On top of all this, there is the emotional and mental stress of being in limbo, waiting on ratings, or just not knowing whether you'll hit the 30% threshhold for retirement. There's also the stress of being in your unit and being somewhat of an outsider because you are just seen as the guy who is getting out.

It's one thing to be patient with a system that just takes long for the right reasons, but trying to be patient with a system that is inconsistent, full of beauracratic red tape, incompetant and/or dishonest civilians, and ever-changing time standards is just nonsense. On top of that, nobody is held accountable for anything. They just apologize and tell you to shut and keep coloring.

 

[Combat Eng]

While you both make good points, I agree with MoMorg that this system is highly unfavorable to he servicemember and while yes, it is better than past systems, that doesn't make up for it's shortfalls.

For one, some of us aren't in WTUs, and our unit's have higher priorities than catering to the injured and broken. I still have a job to do in my unit, so going to school or getting an internship isn't open to me.

I've already passed on two good job opportunities because of the uncertainty around my availability. It's not as easy as just waiting until you go on terminal leave to find a job. I don't plan on staying in the area where I am stationed so I am expected to move my family, find a job and house, and resume my life with whatever amount of days of leave I have saved up? Ideally, you want your new job to overlap with your terminal leave so that you don't have a huge pay gap. We all know that it takes time to get your first paycheck at a new job.

On top of all this, there is the emotional and mental stress of being in limbo, waiting on ratings, or just not knowing whether you'll hit the 30% threshhold for retirement. There's also the stress of being in your unit and being somewhat of an outsider because you are just seen as the guy who is getting out.

It's one thing to be patient with a system that just takes long for the right reasons, but trying to be patient with a system that is inconsistent, full of beauracratic red tape, incompetant and/or dishonest civilians, and ever-changing time standards is just nonsense. On top of that, nobody is held accountable for anything. They just apologize and tell you to shut and keep coloring.

You can't blame the system for a shitty COC

Once again your told the process can take a year, we all didn't wish we got hurt and end up having to deal with the process but when you face it adapt and deal with it

Yes everybody can't get into a WTB, and I hate it for some who have to go through it while still in a regular unit but if your unit is giving you trouble then 9 times out of ten your unit was shitty to before you got sent to MEB and was on profile.

 

[thunderchuck]

You can't blame the system for a shitty COC

Once again your told the process can take a year, we all didn't wish we got hurt and end up having to deal with the process but when you face it adapt and deal with it

Yes everybody can't get into a WTB, and I hate it for some who have to go through it while still in a regular unit but if your unit is giving you trouble then 9 times out of ten your unit was shitty to before you got sent to MEB and was on profile.

You're missing my point. That's the problem- "the process can take a year". That's not a standard or timeline, it's a big fat guess that does nobody any good other than serving as lubrication for the coming friction up you know where. I know people who have gotten through this system, from start to finish, in less than 100 days. I also know of folks who have been stuck for two plus years. There is no rhyme or reason to this. That is the problem.

Oh and I never said I had a shitty chain of command. My chain of command and unit have been great to me. However, they have priorities, and unfortunately IDES isn't at the top of that list- it shouldn't be. That's not saying they don't do their job, but what can your unit affect once your claim goes to the black hole that is the Veterans Administration? Absolutely nothing.

I have no desire to go the WTU and waste away, either.

 

[Combat Eng]

You're missing my point. That's the problem- "the process can take a year". That's not a standard or timeline, it's a big fat guess that does nobody any good other than serving as lubrication for the coming friction up you know where. I know people who have gotten through this system, from start to finish, in less than 100 days. I also know of folks who have been stuck for two plus years. There is no rhyme or reason to this. That is the problem.

Oh and I never said I had a shitty chain of command. My chain of command and unit have been great to me. However, they have priorities, and unfortunately IDES isn't at the top of that list- it shouldn't be. That's not saying they don't do their job, but what can your unit affect once your claim goes to the black hole that is the Veterans Administration? Absolutely nothing.

I have no desire to go the WTU and waste away, either.

This conversation would be a bunch of back and forth

If you rather wait a year no paycheck as a VET by all means go head


Good Lick!!

 

[thunderchuck]

This conversation would be a bunch of back and forth

If you rather wait a year no paycheck as a VET by all means go head


Good Lick!!

No, I'd rather the DoD say "This servicemember needs evaluated for medical retention. You have XX days to either medically separate him or determine him fit for duty." Then, when timelines are not met, you hold people accountable.

 

[MoMorg]

This conversation would be a bunch of back and forth

If you rather wait a year no paycheck as a VET by all means go head


Good Lick!!

It seems you assume that everyone will be unemployed when they get out. There are people ready to move forward and are not looking at the VA disability as their only source of income. I do not know your situation, but from what I've read, it was far better for you to go through IDES knowing that your VA Benefits would follow shortly after getting out.

In my case, I am not reliant on my VA benefits and my DoD retirement will provide me a stopgap for any reduction in income a new job may provide.

However, your situation is yours alone. Many others have different experiences. I always try to caveat my replies, by stating what it was for me.

This does not mean we should ignore the Army's failure to meet their standards. Army leaders want the wounded warriors to adhere to standards while going through this process, but what about when the process, in of itself, fails to meet its own standards. There are few efforts to adapt to the situation on the ground by the Army, rather it is this belief that we need to suck it up and just keep waiting. I think we all are used to that. However, as a warrior in transition our mission and the mission of the WTU is to prepare for our transition to civilian life and successful reintegration. For those with severe disabilities that preclude them from working, then it makes sense to keep them in the system as long as needed to make sure their benefits kick in ASAP after transition. However, what about the many who take to heart the prep for work/prep for education and are attempting to plan and execute their mission.

If the military provided a clear and definable separation date, that was not coupled to the process then people can plan for that transition. If I was told June 2014 would be my retirement date, even if I am done with the PEB by January, then I can plan for work or plan for education. Sometimes it takes many months to find the right job or get into the right degree program. But to tell us that we just need to keep waiting and continue to do all the things they mandate, even if you've completed that task is disingenuous to the mission. Because as soon as you accept your findings, the clock is ticking and they are all too adherent to meeting the 90day mission requirement to separate.

If you do not see that as a problem needing to be addressed, then there really is no need to discuss it. However, my intent is to provide as much information about policy and regulations and to make it very clear and apparent whenever a standard isn't met.

 

[Tom Riddle 22]

VERY TRUE! I called the DAV office today after all of the changes on my ebennies and apparently my ratings are done... dod: 40, va: 90. I got PTSD - 70 (condition was on the unfit memo), Right shoulder - 20 (condition was on the unfit memo), Left shoulder - 20 (condition was on the unfit memo), Lumbar DDD - 20, Left sciatic - 10, Right Sciatic - 10. They screwed up my DOD rating because they obviously didn't add in the PTSD with my unfit shoulders...

I just called my DAV office and was told they can do nothing until the PEBLO and MEB know.

 

[Combat Eng]

I just called my DAV office and was told they can do nothing until the PEBLO and MEB know.

No they don't, he/she didn't wanna tell you

 

[Tom Riddle 22]

Should I try to ask other reps or wait? My paperwork was completed yesterday, PEBLO said it could take between 24 hours and 2 months for the Army to get.

 

[Combat Eng]

It seems you assume that everyone will be unemployed when they get out. There are people ready to move forward and are not looking at the VA disability as their only source of income. I do not know your situation, but from what I've read, it was far better for you to go through IDES knowing that your VA Benefits would follow shortly after getting out.

In my case, I am not reliant on my VA benefits and my DoD retirement will provide me a stopgap for any reduction in income a new job may provide.

However, your situation is yours alone. Many others have different experiences. I always try to caveat my replies, by stating what it was for me.

This does not mean we should ignore the Army's failure to meet their standards. Army leaders want the wounded warriors to adhere to standards while going through this process, but what about when the process, in of itself, fails to meet its own standards. There are few efforts to adapt to the situation on the ground by the Army, rather it is this belief that we need to suck it up and just keep waiting. I think we all are used to that. However, as a warrior in transition our mission and the mission of the WTU is to prepare for our transition to civilian life and successful reintegration. For those with severe disabilities that preclude them from working, then it makes sense to keep them in the system as long as needed to make sure their benefits kick in ASAP after transition. However, what about the many who take to heart the prep for work/prep for education and are attempting to plan and execute their mission.

If the military provided a clear and definable separation date, that was not coupled to the process then people can plan for that transition. If I was told June 2014 would be my retirement date, even if I am done with the PEB by January, then I can plan for work or plan for education. Sometimes it takes many months to find the right job or get into the right degree program. But to tell us that we just need to keep waiting and continue to do all the things they mandate, even if you've completed that task is disingenuous to the mission. Because as soon as you accept your findings, the clock is ticking and they are all too adherent to meeting the 90day mission requirement to separate.

If you do not see that as a problem needing to be addressed, then there really is no need to discuss it. However, my intent is to provide as much information about policy and regulations and to make it very clear and apparent whenever a standard isn't met.

I don't assume anything, I base of experience, and the are a higher percentage separated through IDES and go straight to filing unemployment and relying on VA income, some of which who have no other choice because of the harsh transition back to civilian life on top of their disability, and then look back and say hey I regret complaining about waiting while getting a paycheck and not planning accordingly!

And no I didn't get my VA soon after getting out, I waited 5 months post retirement before I got VA pay but I planned accordingly and was able to get by while I waited

ONce again agree I disagree, I'm off the topic

GoodLuck

 

[thunderchuck]

Should I try to ask other reps or wait? My paperwork was completed yesterday, PEBLO said it could take between 24 hours and 2 months for the Army to get.

Seems like you got through this faster than normal, Brett. Did you do anything special?

 

[Tom Riddle 22]

Seems like you got through this faster than normal, Brett. Did you do anything special?

I waited an extra four years before the Army took me seriously? Haha sorry had to say that, no I didn' do anything special. I was injured long ago and at Ft. Hood they told me I was fine, drink water, drive on. When I arrived at Ft. Wainwright within a month I was unable to do a single push up, got an MRI and the Dr's freaked out as to why I had not had surgery, when four months ago I was told I was fine. I really hope my speed is setting a new precedence for the VA, but with overtime being cut off until January we will have to see.