Similar Claim different Outcome so far

[maralina1]

Forgot to add this info: The letter we received requesting more info said " More info is needed to adjust the amount of your reward." Listed with enclosures sent were form 21=4138, form 21-8416, VSO Information, VCAA form, What the evidence must show-NSC live pension,What the evidence must show-SMP.

Do you think claim was approved and they are deciding on reward amount? What doed NSC live pension mean?

[maralina1]

UPDATE: When my mother called the VA pension line today she was told pension was in review in the rating board and they would send a letter if more info was needed. If not, decisiion would be made within 16 days.

She called the regular VA line later today to double check that info.

She was told claim was settled and award letter was sent out today!!!!!!

Does this mean claim was approved? Does it mean that the info I sent as caregiver was ok'd?

The only other medcal expenses are for medicare part b and rx's (I was told in this forum they aren't considered).

[VSR]

Calling is an option for claims workers at the VA.  The problem is that the Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) of 2000 states that VA cannot deny a claim for non-submission of evidence unless that evidence has been formally requested by mail.  If a claims worker calls a claimant and asks for something and waits a week or two for the docs to show up and they don't come, then it was essentially a waste of time and they will have to write the letter anyway.

The VCAA is both a blessing and a curse.  It creates a barrier between VA employees and claimants, but it also makes sure that VA always requests documents formally before denying claims for non-submission.

[maralina1]

We faxed that all on Tuesday. I am saying we called the VA today. The pension line said info was being reviewed by rating board.They would send letter if more info was needed. If not, claim would be decided in 16 days.

The regular 800# said claim was settled and reward letter was sent out today. 

[maralina1]

Does anyone know what day monthly checks are deposited? We are nervous because we were told claim was settled and award letter was sent out on Friday. We don't know if claim was approved or denied.

[maralina1]

Is there any way to find outcome of claim is before letter arrives? We were told on Friday that claim was settled and award letter sent. We haven't received anything yet. Does it mean claim was approved if award letter was sent? 

[dahueter]

This sounds very familiar to my parents situation.  My Mom submitted all of the information through the va office in late May.  About two weeks later she received a letter stating that they received the claim.  About two weeks later they received a phone call from Pennsylvania with a few questions. Then this week they received a letter stating the Va didn't consider any of the medical items that we line itemed out and we need to complete form 8146. And that we coUld only put down expenses from June 2011 .
We got an answer quickly, but have to fill out another form and submit. They were awarded $20 a month. 
My question is, should they take the $20 and still submit form 8146? Will they adjust anything or is this what we can expect? And why are they making us fill out additional forms?

[maralina1]

What expenses did your mother claim? Is she in an ALF or does she have an in home caregiver?

[dahueter]

We were told to put down all medical, dental and vision expenses.  She put down their Medicare supplement premiums, copays for drugs, payments for drugs that are not covered by Part D, payments for diapers, glasses,etc. 
My parents do not live in an ALF.  She is the caregiver to my Dad who has Alzheimer's.
Do we need to do something different?

[maralina1]

I don't know. I was curious when you told me our claims were similiar. Someone else needs to address this question please.