One little problem...

[pennyb]

I received a call  from Philadelphia Center this AM about my mom's application for A & A (sent 9/1).  The lady was very nice and complimented me on organizing everything so well.  I did use the sticky tabs and numbered each page with index on cover letter. She stated I had everything I needed but... VA needs a cause of death.  It was not on FL Death Certificate.  Evidently all states do not require it to be put on. Note to applicants - check for this. So, after several phone calls I ended up in Vital Statistics for the state and they will send me a new copy showing cause of death ($26 later).  I ordered two. I can probably fax it as she gave me the number in Phil. but will call first . She said everything would  be sent for rating when this info is received. 

I think this is wonderful news as far as the time goes and one little problem that was not too bad to solve. Hope this helps someone else.

[vetadmin]

I am surprised by the request on cause of death as this is the first I have heard of this.  If the claim was for "compensation" it would make sense for the VA to want to know if it was service-related, but for Pension, it should not matter.  The good news is the timeframe in which you are seeing, and that you got someone nice willing to help.  Let's hope this is an indicator of how this process will go for you.

[romalynn]

A widow that I helped earlier this year, was asked to send in her dead husband's medical records.  I responded and said what would you need these for, we are not asking for any type of compensation money for service related on her husband, just war time service.  She got her claim finished and awarded.

Amazing to me the stupid things that they do to slow down paying these veterans and widows the money they are entitled to get.

[vetadmin]

Amazing indeed, and glad you knew not to send them.

[pennyb]

Received the new death certificate on Thurs with cause of death on it- less then a week from ordering - and mailed it certified, sig. confirm, to Phil.  We're so close now I didn't want to trust a fax, so hopefully it will now be sent to rating as I was told before.  I'll keep everyone posted.  My mom just celebrated her 91st birthday and while her health is good, she does have dementia.