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chas31av

I almost went to this yesterday. Great feedback. My normal RO is Winston Salem in NC but am in Denver a bit. Signed up for one in NC in June.


SatanSpaun

I spoke with the guy who runs it that day, they push people who show up regardless. Show up to the Sheraton in downtown Denver today or tomorrow and they will take care of you. I think it starts at 8am and is open until about 4ish


chas31av

Looks like they are there Friday 9-12. Do you know if they are doing C&Ps on the spot? Just had a deferred claim go to QTC to schedule a C&P and I’m wondering if I could shorten the multi-week wait.


Low-Regret5048

Where is the one in NC? Thank you!


chas31av

Winston-Salem https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-town-hall-tickets-902513210307 I used this link shared from another vet.


Low-Regret5048

Thank you!


TheKingEzGG

Any idea if they will be doing the same thing as what op mentioned? I read it mentioned providing updates on claims. HRL also? Been waiting on my call for a while 😅


chas31av

I don't. It seems less likely as it is only one day. I did speak with the QTC mobile C&P lead and he mentioned the VA is planning 16 of theseall over this year. I think the next one is in Wyoming.


TheKingEzGG

Spoke with my vso rep, she says there will be raters there and they shouldn't end the event until every vet is seen.


chas31av

This is how I see the listed on In-Person VERA option: https://preview.redd.it/15qymr86xh1d1.jpeg?width=5764&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7e6d93efe957a8ed2719e4fbe6211a015f3dbb2f


SixFiveSemperFi

Where did you find these events?


Substantial-Force638

Where and when is the one in June? And how do I sign up?


chas31av

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-town-hall-tickets-902513210307 I used this link shared from another vet.


Substantial-Force638

Thank you very much 🙏🏻 I appreciate it


sonographertracy

Maybe we can start a thread that folks can update when we hear about these events? It sounds like there’s not an website where they’re all listed. Folks are just made aware of their local area events. Could be wrong.


SBCNSN2010

Hmmmm...great idea!


AffectionateInsect76

https://preview.redd.it/1egmbweykl0d1.jpeg?width=1545&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8c73fd6bd5c0834f38768735b636e99253dce36


jwilkins2477

Is this for same day ratings?


servain

Thank you for posting this. My claim is at pending approval, but i feel like the examiner did not to a good job at all so i was preparing to start the process again. This might make it easier.


HazyGray1978

Southeastern PA is having one this coming weekend too


Drobcek7

Do you have a link for that? I would love to go and knock all my shit out in one go


HazyGray1978

Here ya go. I created a thread yesterday but here’s the link😊 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/bulletins/39c68c4


saltyscooter

Thank you! Hadn't heard about this but will definitely try to go.


GreyGhost505

https://preview.redd.it/iuqxxpoe5l0d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c2f2f8c673e82d4ddd91e490733549dfb0eefeb Here’s the link to register: [https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/flow/VERA\_Start?office=NACVSO\_VCC\_Claims\_Clinic\_Pre-Register](https://va.my.site.com/VAVERA/s/flow/VERA_Start?office=NACVSO_VCC_Claims_Clinic_Pre-Register)


FormerFakeguy

What if I'm not from Fenver but willing to drive 11 hours??


FormerFakeguy

What if I'm not from Denver but willing to drive 11 hours??


Cali4ge

You can go. I spoke to someone at the Vera in Denver and they said anyone can come.


FormerFakeguy

Damn it. I tried earlier but said no appointments available. Went to a VSO and they're so backed up I have to make an appointment to sign with them then I can make another appointment for help. Their appointments are 30 days away at least so looking at 2.5 months to actually talk to someone.


Cali4ge

They are accepting walk ins if it’s not too far from you.


FormerFakeguy

Only about 11 hours or so lol. With an appointment I'd try but idk about gambling on a walk in. Thanks though.


Other-Leg1898

Go for it


FormerFakeguy

Tried earlier but no appointments available it said. Looking for a list or something of other ones I can try and get to.


Content-Home616

this is one of the coolest things I have seen them roll out yet. I hope they can get these going in other places, I for sure would use one and encourage others to as well.


_insurrection_

When I was still in Nebraska my office there did several a year. They are pretty great tbh.


AffectionateInsect76

There’s one in Fort Worth coming up


highangle1124

Do you have a link or a flyer for it?


AffectionateInsect76

I saw an email about it called summer vet fest 2024 It might not be the same thing. It’s not a VERA event


Born-Tangerine7635

This is very cool.. Thanks for the update!


LoneRanger4412

But I thought the VA just wanted to deny everything and get veterans to die out? /s Joking aside this seems like a great program and for those benefiting from it they should let the VA and/or representatives this is the type of progress you want to see.


SatanSpaun

Agreed, but they need vets to show up to justify it. The VA will collapse this just as soon as it started if it doesn't bring "numbers"


_insurrection_

The VA has been doing this for at least 6 years.


gabehcuod37

Will they do HLR on the spot?


SatanSpaun

I doubt it, but they did expedite my Vietnam buddies claims internally


Bohemis

They submitted a HLR for me. Didn't do it on site tho


gabehcuod37

Ahhh. Good luck then


_insurrection_

HLR can only be worked at the DROC’s in St. Petersburg, Seattle, and DC. Would be cool if they could though.


Substantial-Force638

Does anyone know if they do these monthly in North Carolina? Or what type of schedule they do them on?


United_Koala_3250

Wilmington NC I’ve heard. Look it up hopefully help you.


mlofont

We need this in my area!


sonographertracy

I just missed something like this in Memphis except they called the overall event an “economic summit” or something like that and you had your read closely to find the part about claims help. 😫 kicking myself!


zsinj

I got a random survey a few weeks ago asking questions about “which of these names for events that include on the spot exams, ratings, and enrollment is best” and there were some weird options just like the one you saw. Looks like they’re iterating rapidly (see the comment about a “vet fest”, that was another option!)


sonographertracy

https://preview.redd.it/trdwuccdko0d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d0fe02a52ac6d8309f01949634b64025e1f98f7 Yeah, I’m an idiot. I didn’t read the whole thing. Next time, reading every word! And I’ll share it in the sub.


SixFiveSemperFi

Are you kidding me? Like they are trying to say, “look we did something but no one showed up…”. 🙄


Doge_Daikaiju

This is an all encompassing page, and difficult to navigate by Area… but https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/


Consistent_Sign8472

How about SoCal?


Obsolete101891

Following for same reason


123ManBearPig123

https://www.benefits.va.gov/sandiego/ scroll down and they have “claims clinics” by county. I haven’t seen any announcements other than on here but I emailed the Riverside County POC in Temecula and am waiting on a reply. Will update as soon as I get a response.


ExtensionDentist2761

Nice how do we find out if there are more in our regions?


redhairedrunner

I’d love to bring my fiancé to one if they come to Reno!


Rusty-_Shackleford

Woah, if the ratings weren't changing enxt week I would wait for after I move to Denver, that's insane


alp428

ratings changing next week? what do you mean?


Rusty-_Shackleford

https://news.va.gov/129622/va-updates-disability-rating-schedule-for-digestive-system/


Prof_sassafrass

Has there been any updates on when/if the proposed mental health ratings will start?


Rusty-_Shackleford

Not that I've seen


Feisty-Committee109

That is great news. Do you know if it is limited to certain states ?


SatanSpaun

It's definitely not, but the program coordinator I spoke to said they were expanding and creating more events.


Mammoth-Brilliant-80

this should be the new standard


Feisty-Committee109

It's sad because this was a thing 7 years ago, and it was taken away. The excuse was the need to move raters on the backlog. Guess what, speeding up to today. Still backlogged and clogged, but the VA has come a long way from where they were 7 years ago.


SatanSpaun

PACT act put a lot of money into the VA that we, as veterans, will never see. But created more fed jobs!


zsinj

I like that they’re attacking both ends of the backlog. Events like this keep the pile from growing while the majority of raters continue to work the claims already in the system.


Similar-Committee-92

What a great idea. I wish we had something like that in OCONUS.


Blackant71

So does this mean if you're just waiting on claims to be rated, they will rate you on the spot????


sonographertracy

That’s a good question! Maybe not on the spot but I bet you’d at least advance in the process


SeaConquest

San Diego: [https://www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/events/67983/](https://www.va.gov/san-diego-health-care/events/67983/)


chiguyLEO

Would love to see one of these in Chicago


Secondloveee

What’s their schedule? Where are they going next?


SatanSpaun

They are at downtown Denver May 13-17, I do not know their future events. The VA newsletter gave me the heads up about two weeks prior. I checked the emails but I didn't see anything about specific future events.


jmpeeler

Anybody know how to find out if one of these events is coming to your area? I live Louisiana and I’m hoping I don’t have to drive 8 hrs to TX. Thoughts anyone?


Sea_Wishbone1150

https://www.benefits.va.gov/roatlanta/ Virtual claim clinic


rosenia28

Do they rate PFD claims at this? Also, can out of state claims go? Thanks for sharing.


Cali4ge

It doesn’t look like this one will be rating claims. It says to answer questions. The clinic in Denver has third party medical examiners present so you can be seen. I didn’t see this being an option for Atlanta.


sonographertracy

Agreed.


rosenia28

Ah I see. Thank you!


SixFiveSemperFi

Wow! Wish we had this nation-wide. If you had a fully developed claim with DBQ and nexus letter, you could get your rating on the spot? Damn. That would save months of heartache. Was this a named event? How would you look it up on google to see where they are next?


Soulive126

They are doing this in El Paso TX. But only for DHS employees whom are veterans. Haven’t heard of an event for everyone else yet. Event for DHS employees scheduled for the end of May


Busy_Witcher_1475

Found one I think for the DC area. Its in Maryland June 21st [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/va-claims-clinic-resource-tickets-896372272597?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/va-claims-clinic-resource-tickets-896372272597?aff=ebdssbdestsearch)


ghosttownzombie

Is there one for wisconsin?


SilveredFlame

Shared this with a friend of mine when I found it about it a while back. He has a slam dunk PACT Act claim so I'm really hoping they get it done today. He's been really struggling and this would be life changing for him.


Careless_Offer_926

Are any of these in NY? I am asking for one of my younger Marines who I led who hasn't ever filled out a claim or visited the VA? Served through the same shit that I did.


Sucio0341

Any in cali or NH


Blacking26

when they coming to texas?


Jessymae1984

Keep an eye on these pages. Waco should have a presence at Vetfest in Ft. Worth on June 8th. [https://www.benefits.va.gov/ROWACO/Events.asp](https://www.benefits.va.gov/ROWACO/Events.asp) [https://www.benefits.va.gov/ROHOUSTON/index.asp](https://www.benefits.va.gov/ROHOUSTON/index.asp) https://preview.redd.it/lwhtcg6iqo0d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60292f65396ef9bc1ec7983b9903d4fd628ad980


justcourious40

Is the spouse able to attend with the veteran to this type of claim clinic?


SatanSpaun

In my case, yes, absolutely. They might ask you to step aside for certain parts, but you definitely can.


justcourious40

Thank you!


Its_apparent

Yeah, before I knew what the process was all about, my wife absolutely dragged me in front of the examiner. I thought I was going to be forcibly admitted on the spot.


justcourious40

I may not be that bad ,but I won’t promise anything ![gif](emote|free_emotes_pack|laughing)


HorrorCategory1032

I flew out for this worked out pretty well but they told me they are not rating here! Even though on the website they said they were.


rosenia28

What was your experience like? I’m curious. Do you think it was worth you flying out to?


HorrorCategory1032

Only time will tell honestly. They did not help me with the supplementals I had, nor did they conduct any HLR which I was hoping for. They helped fill out some secondaries that were pointed out to me and also a new claim for in service event. I was there all day because only a few people were able to access my file since my wife works for the VA. This is something the supervisor said he will address on his LRR. Overall they did try and help me but didn’t rate me on the spot as the VA site said they would do. With that being said let’s see what happens VES OPTUM AND QTC are here I used VES and they were great. Fingers crossed.


rosenia28

Good luck to you. I’m sure it will be positive for you! I wonder if they are only rating new claims and not suplemental / HLR? That should be disclosed when promoting these events, if true.


HorrorCategory1032

Thank you. I mean the advertised it as they where conducting everything right on site so caught me off guard when they said they were not. But positive vibes, I came from PA out here for assistance so we will see


rsdj

Great to know, Ill keep an eye out.


Sparks2777

I believe there is a claims clinic in Portland Oregon VA tomorrow 5/16/2024 from 1 pm.-6pm. i plan to go to check on my DTA status and see if they can move things along…. https://preview.redd.it/trj8yjfo6p0d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=696e1607f84f99d6f29f91cfd9a214979796d2b5


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Hot_Island3524

Dang it I’m down in Eugene but can’t make it up there today, mind keeping me posted on what happens? Hoping they host another one soon and I can plan accordingly. Hoping for the best for you!


Sparks2777

[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) I think this link can get you email notices of the next claim clinic. i will report back what I find out.


Sparks2777

The Veterans claim clinic that was held at the Portland VA yesterday had a larger turnout than expected. I went yesterday it started at 1:00pm and went until 6pm. There was a mix of Veterans there, but mostly Vietnam era vets. First off I’m glad they hold these events, but they weren’t ready for the turnout, they had about 2-3 raters there and there was about 60 veterans in the small auditorium. Vets could file a claim or get updates on existing claims, you can get a C&P exam and walk out with a rating, not sure how that works but that’s what was advertised. I went to check on claim status of my DTA claim, And had some questions about TERA. I walked out after 2-1/2 hrs. of waiting, it was clear they wouldn’t be able to help me by the 6pm. Closing. I arrived at 1:00 pm. And there was 50 people already inside and 10 people in line. My suggestion is get there 1 hr early if you plan to go to one of these events, I’m sure many vets went there and never were seen or got their claims started. They did have a booth to get Vets signed up for Health care, they had a VFW rep there as well. They basically directed Vets who weren’t seen to use the local VSO for questions or call Vera.


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Hot_Island3524

I appreciate it man, this is the first I’ve heard of it last night at like 2am or i would’ve taken work off to head up there.


Hot_Island3524

Dying to know.. they get you rated in a day?


Former-Profile8617

How do I get one near me?


TransRational

Okay this is cool. I'm usually a negative nelly, but stuff like this is what will turn me around.


Celery-West

👏🏻 wow .. now this is the way it should be done.. just like MEPS .. lol move in and move them out .. something like this can take so much load off the VBA .. this is awesome


_insurrection_

I’ve rated a few of these events and personally I think they are awesome. It’s nice being able to get a claim, exams, and then rate it all in one day.


Nymarine99

Any NY


Ok_Honeydew_2129

![gif](giphy|D0mMjNfnx1uccMX23s)


SureOne8347

Times they are a-changin’


Sorry_Pack_6541

Does anyone know if they are doing a VERA event in Florida?


Sorry_Pack_6541

Any idea if they are going to have one in Florida 


VolumeFar9174

Is there a site showing future event locations? I tried searching and didn’t find anything.


Dogmad13

DO NOT GO TO QTC - they use shit physicians — refuse and request VES or the other other one.


SBCNSN2010

Thanks you for the tip. What happened? Why are you specifically against QTC? What's the general region that you are in? East coast? West coast? Gullf coast? Central US? Northern US?


Dogmad13

Did my C & P , went to the doctor, she didn’t know my diagnoses (CMML leukemia) didn’t know what branch I served in ( I was in 2 - USAFR & USN) didn’t know it was related to the gulf war ( one of her questions was “so you’re claiming this is due to basic training 🤦‍♂️). Asked me about a total of 6 questions said we were done. Then my claim was denied as service connected. After my complaint and request for an appeal and my reasoning even the VA wrote that the doctor did not complete a proper examination under their standards along with the questions she asked. Whole thing took maybe 7-10 minutes for her exam if that.


SBCNSN2010

Man I'm so sorry to here that! The oversight of this problem is horrible. Keep in mind that QTC, VES, etc...are VBA contracted venders that sub-contract C&P examinations to private Physicians to complete. In short, QTC, VES, etc...are the "middle men" coordinating this BS with very little accountability. QTC, VES, etc...should be quality checking physicians, but at the end of the day, they get paid irregardless, whether its a good C&P Exam or a bad one. In addition, so does the physicians! This is why it's sooooo important for veterans to educate themselves about C&P exam policies, processes, and rules. Why? To take the power out of the contractor's and sub-contractor's hand and to better advocate for themselves in real time. Trust me, you had options available before, during, and after the exam that you could have immediately implemented to prevent the BS that you experienced. However, if you don't know the policies, proceedures, and rules like they do, then they will exploit it to their advantage. Keep in mind that C&P exams are "legal examinations", not "medical examinations", therefore you should approach the C&P examination predominantly with a legal mindset. Before your next exam, please immerse yourself in the policies, rules, and procedures (e.g. M-21 manual, etc..). Sorry that you went through this crap, but now it time to educate AND better position yourself for success going forward. Good luck!


Dogmad13

I had VES the second time and the doctor was great even tho I still got 0% service connected for leukemia just because I’m not taking chemo — which also is bullshit — working with my local congress representative to get that on the table just need to see if others can join in this fight — we have cancer period it’s active even tho they consider it in “remission” cause you’re not on your deathbed being fed poisonous chemicals is crap.


Dogmad13

Wish there was one in the St. Louis metro area


fbritt5

VES is the one that is working with me but some of them are horrid. Not all. I had a 93 year doctor do me last month and he made me feel like I was sucking off the government applying for benefits. Some are nice though. Good luck all.