How long does one wait?

[kimmyk]

My father, the veteran, mailed his "intention to claim" on Sept 6, 2011.  On Oct 10, 2011 the completed application was sent return receipt to the VA.  On Nov 3, 2011 the VA sent him a letter asking for more information and that information was returned to the VA on Nov 23, 2011.  On Dec 8, 2011 he received a letter stating "sorry for the delay and we are working on your claim".  I have called the VA on three separate occasion and received three separate answers. First, "all I can tell you is it's good news", second "well your father's medical status has been approved but we are still working on the claim and he is in a tentative status right now" and third, if you don't hear answer by March 3, 2012 please feel free to call us".  So my question is, do you just wait it out or what? How long does a vet have to wait to get an answer? They also told me "feel free to call anytime for any changes in his status".  Any suggestions?  Also, can you tell me if the VA needs to know if the caregivers have changed?  My father had to let one of his caregivers go and hired a different one.  I know before they asked for the names of the caregivers. Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks for all of your help. Kim 

[vetadmin]

Kim,

4 months is really not that long to be waiting on a decision, although getting three different answers would be frustrating.

I would continue to call every couple of weeks, and if you don't have a ruling in the next 90 days, I would involve your Dad's state senator or congressperson.

I know it's not easy waiting it out....sorry

[kimmyk]

Can you please tell me if the VA needs to know when caregivers have changed?  My father had to let one of his caregivers go and he had to hired a different one.  I know before they asked for the names of the caregivers. This would be for income tax purposes. Any information would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks for all of your help. Kim 

[vetadmin]

Kim,

If it is just private care coming into the home and he is paying the same amount, no.  He will need to provide the information on the previous caretaker at some point, but do not need to notify the VA at this time.

[kimmyk]

Thank you for your response.