Question:

I was successful on several appeals from the Board of Veterans Appeals. I was then scheduled for exams regarding those granted appeals. I was told that I would see any monetary benefits owed to me within 1 to 2 months. I still have not received any benefits from the awards as yet. Can you tell me if there is a reason I don't have the money yet? Should I be more patient after all these years of waiting so far?  What exactly would you recommend?

Jim's Reply:

Three or four years ago your VA was touting progress that was being made in reducing the backlog of veterans disability claims and appeals. Then it became apparent that not all was well. The BVA was suddenly months and even years behind and the VBA was starting to lag a bit.
 

Then COVID struck. The VA did remarkably well to process anything at all so they get some credit. The NPRC...the place where all paper records are kept has been closed for months and all other normal processes have slowed considerably.
 

Nonetheless, claims and appeals are being processed even though they may be months and months behind schedule. I don't have anything much other than you'll have to continue to be patient. There is another option...call the White House Hotline at (855) 948-2311 and see if they can get it unstuck for you. Good luck.