Length of time it takes VA to contact you about claim

[Bill C]

On Dec 7th 2011, I mailed in my dad's A&A claim to the VA regional office by certified mail. I got the receipt back about a week later verifying the VA received it. Does the VA usually contact you to let you know they are processing your claim or do they just let you know when they reach a yes/no decision?

[pennyb]

Expect a long wait with very little communication unless they need more info.  Be happy if you get it done in 3 months, but I'm at 4 1/2 and waiting.  After about 90 days you can call the office and find out status, hopefully. Good luck!

[maralina1]

I would call 30 days after sending application. You can ask if application was received and at what stage of processing it is at. My Dad's application  was sent May 10th  and approved July 30th. I don't think it hurts to  call every 2 weeks to check, that's what we did. Good luck.

[Bill C]

Thanks for the replies

[jabney8]

I filed in September and made my first call in November.  I called again this week and was told my mother had to make the call.  She suffers from dementia and obviously can't make the call but then I called today as if I were her and surprise surprise, they questioned me because I suffer (my mom) suffers from dementia and lives in assisted living so they were somewhat surprised at her call.  In other words, it would appear that they never expected to hear from her at all.  The most information I got was that it was "still in its initial stage" and that an "inquiry" would be filed because it has been quite awhile since it was filed.

[vetadmin]

If you did not include a VA form 21-0845 Approved 3rd Party in her application, you need to fill one out, have her sign it, and mail it Return Receipt.  That will allow the VA to discuss the application with you.

[Peace]

Good luck with the Inquiry.  I filed an Inquiry on Dec 20.  Was told I would receive reply in 5 business days.  I called on Dec 30 and again today, Jan 6 and I am still waiting for a reply to the Inquiry.  Sorry to be so discouraging.