progress of A&A application

[caregiver48]

hi
i filed for my mom who is a surviving spouse.  she is 93 years old. i mailed her application on august 17  certified mail.  i received return receipt on august 22.
i called the va and they told me it was established in the system august 24 and is in the developmental phase.  i called a week later and i was told it was before rating board.  my question is what is this and how long does it stay in this phase.  i was told by one va rep that i should hear something in 2 weeks and by another rep later on it could take up to 71 days but that it shouldnt because my mom application is really moving fast through the system.  is this good news? could my mom be getting a decision soon.  in my cover letter i did ask them to expedite application because of her age.  let the prayers go up for a speedy decision.

[vetadmin]

Yes, the application seems to be moving through the system quickly.  In large part I am sure of your letter.

You are way ahead of the curve here, so try to hang on.

[Caroliso]

caregiver, I believe the ratings board is where the final decision is made on the application.  it doesn't get sent there until a VA staff member has verified that the application is complete.  how quickly a decision is made I imagine depends on when they meet, and how many applications they have to review.  when my dad's application was at the ratings board level it was a couple of weeks later that I heard back on a decision.