I read this and agree, But i cannot help but look into history. There seem to be alot of people complaining that stuff does not happen fast enough, that there is a gap between service and VA benefits;
First off, the VA is working HARD. The VA is a TREMENDOUS organization that is kicking butt to make sure you and me are taken care off; The backlog is not a joke, but neither is the incoming cases and vietnam vets and what not; The VA provides education, compensation, employment services, disability services, and rehabilitation services to you, me, and Sergeant Snuffy...That being said, they deserve ALOT more credit than alot of people on this site want to give them because "OhEmGeee...its taking FOREVER...."
Secondly, I, and the other more seasoned people on this site understand that frustration, anxiety, and the feeling of being helpless is very real! We know that you feel frustrated and alone, but there has to be a line drawn in the sand where enough is enough.
Thirdly, the IDES process completes VA compensation in approx. 12 months (dont know the most recent numbers, but lets use this as i know its getting shorter and shorter....mine took about 10 months.) Out of those 12 months, WORST case scenario, only 4 of them are without VA income (and in that case the DoD is still paying.......)
Long story short, you are 4 months with reduced income VERSUS 12-24 months off the old system. It is NIGHT AND DAY difference. Its easy to miss the point that the va is doing a great job when all you know is the new system, I was honored and gratefull enough to be in the IDES process; A process that the VA implemented to speed up the process.
Now I am going to get off of my high horse.