Fellas/Ladies-
More of the same, but I want to share my details on reimbursement. I won't even begin to b*&^h about how ****ed I am that they are going to take 10 months when they told me they would only take the length of training before I filed my paperwork. I'll save that for my US Rep when I feel like wasting more of my life away.
I am an AD guy who attended CPT in October (highly recommended, btw) with a Guard guy. Our claim was filed on October 17, 2011. I was initially told 6-8 weeks to get reimbursed. Well, it's February now, I've spent over 14 hours on the phone, on hold, and multiple days waiting for my "call-back appointments" and was finally told it was with the processors and the only way I could communicate with them is by the GI BILL website "ask a question" function. Here is my response:
Dear Big Poppa Pump (name changed to protect my identity)
Anything relating to Flight Training is delegated to a special processing team where their processing times are said to be on average, 60 to 90 days. When they review an application, if there is something they need, they would then mail you a letter if your application was completed incorrectly. This did not happen because they had not reviewed the application and other documents submitted. At this time, it is still assigned to them to be processed. Although they show this information having been received October 17, 2011, we do not have any way of expediting a claim processed by that department. After reviewing everything, they would appear to have all the necessary documents to work the claim. At this time, we do not have any further time frame to give you for when this may be completed, as you can tell, they are behind on their estimated processing time. You can check back with us periodically, but this is all we can suggest at this time.
Thank you for contacting the VA.
GS/2767
Muskogee RPO
Beautiful... "as you can tell they are behind" Ah hell, it's not like I bought a car, got married, separated from AD, and am trying to close on a house or anything. $7,300 is pocket change! Yes, it was in that order, and throwing humor/sarcasm into the situation helps me laugh and keep my sanity.
Long story short, was it worth it? Yes, I got the job. Do I understand why all the Vets are ****ed at the VA? Hell yes