How long for response?

[jgamble]

We sent our paper work in On April 6th of this year.  How long can we expect to have to wait for a response?  Our elder law attorneys office mailed in the entire completed paperwork. Should I be recieving updates form the VA in regards to the process? SHould I call and check on the status? Since my dad is over 80 should I contact our congressman to expedited the process?  Thank you so much for your help.

[vetadmin]

It is not uncommom to not hear anything before 90 days, and that is to include just their acknowledgement of receiving the application.

A letter asking for expediting the application due to age should have been included in the packet, and hopefully the attorney included that request.

You do not ask for a Senator's involvement unless their has been no decison within a reasonable amount of time.  At this point, it would not be appropriate.

I know the waiting is challenging, but this is not a fast process.

[VSR]

For pension cases (since almost everyone is elderly) cases are generally only expedited for 90 year olds or older.

If the application was submitted completely, it shouldn't take much longer to be completed.  The average completion time for original claims for veterans is less than 90 days.

[DennyJD]

I submitted my 80 year old father-in-law's application on 1/31/11. I received notice they received it in about 4 days. I received the rejection letter on 2/11/11.

[vetadmin]

Denny,

What was the reason given for the denial?

[DennyJD]

Hi, yes there was a reason. Please see the thread

http://www.veteranaid.org/forums/index.php/topic,1433.0.html

I added to the initial content as one response gave me cause to reconsider appealing now. Please read and give me your thoughts. Greatly appreciated....

Denny