I was able to get in contact with my advocate today. His demeanor was different than previous phone calls. He listened to what I had to say and didn’t talk over me, which I’ve noticed in the past. I made it very clear that my level of frustration was directed towards him and not the service organization in which he works for. However, he is the face and ensures the validity of that group as my advocate. From what I understand he is newly hired and still learning the processes. I refuse to make any excuses for him. I was very clear that my disappointment and degraded sense of trust was in part due to his handling of my case thus far. During the discussion he asked if I was a VA employee. I actually stuttered at the notion. I did tell him that in no way was I an employee. He said he asked because sometimes the VA can curtail cases when VA employees submit claims. I didn’t take this statement serious and just assume he knows this from personal experience. I just thought it was odd to say the least. In a way it was irrelevant to my frustration and current situation.
We continued our conversation and I made it clear that I did not seek out the VA for information. They sought me out and the status of my claim was brought up in the conversation due to the fact that I the same person who was responding to a different inquiry is the same person who maintains my record for seriously injured veterans in New Hampshire. There is n agreement that veterans must adhere to when they involve an service organization. I have complied fully and made sure of it.
I got the sense that he heard me loud and clear. He assured me that he is innocent of any wrong doing. He is suppose to contact me again and upon request from myself, verify the precise and exact status of my case. Is it in adjudication, yet to be processed, etc.
It should not be up to any wounded warrior to EVER push to get an honest and clear answer of their claims. Some people, including myself rely heavily on the care and benefit that is DUE to them on behalf of the VA. So if an organization represents a veteran there can be no room for misinterpretation.
I really hate to lose confidence in this organization because they represent a group of veterans that have a special connection from their combat experience.
More to come….
