Update

After claims that "Mary" of the VA would call me back on Thursday, 19 Jan 2012.  Since the woman refused to provide any contact info, I expected I would not hear back.  On Jan 18, 2012 I sent a note to Senator John McCain that Congressman Charlie Gonzalez was involved in retaliation on my claim.  I notified the Congressman that the Disabled American Veterans Office at the Frank Tejada Clinic did not have access for the handicapped.  I had a letter from the Congressman Charlie Gonzalez claiming I would have an answer in about 2 weeks from Sept 23, 2011.  After filing the complaint about the DAV with the Congressman's office he would not respond to inquiries!  2 Days after notifying Senator John McCain about my claim, I received a letter from Congressman Charlie Gonzalez's office saying my claim is about finished and should have an answer in about 3 weeks.  He also states he will now keep on top of it...
Do you think Congressman Gonzalez is taking care of veterans?  you decide

Social Security Increase

  So let's see here.  If Social Security is increased due to inflation, then Disabled Veterans, Active and Retired Military are all subjected to the same inflation rates.  Is it safe to assume we too can expect a raise?  Wish I could have found another word for assume... but it seemed to be appropriate.

Contact with Congressman Gonzales' Office 10/19/2011

  I have spoken with a supervisor about my pending VA claim.  The individual was very polite and willing to listen and help.
  I expressed concerns as to why is it I have been told for several months that my claim is ready to go to the board for evaluation.  My C&P evaluations were done back in June.  Ironically, after filing a complaint against the VA and DAV for lack of adequate access/seating at Frank Tejada Clinic for the disabled suddenly the VA decides they need more medical records.  Coincidence?   I'm now being informed that the suspense date is 6 November 2011 for the records request.  I should hear back from the Congressman's Office by mid-November.
  Also mentioned a face-to-face meeting with the Congressman and I haven't received a response back.  She stated she would look into the situation and get back with me.
  In an attempt to get some attention placed on this unacceptable backlog situation with the VA, I have placed comments on Disabled American Veterans, Gov Mitt Romney, and Gov Rick Perry Facebook pages.  My comments contain no profanity and simply ask if they are aware of the excessive backlog with the VA and what can be done.  My concerns are deleted almost immediately!  So much for caring about your constituents and Freedom of Speech huh? 
  Here is the correspondence I sent requesting a meeting with the Congressman and the response I've gotten so far:

Thanks for the response.  I have a couple of concerns with your response.  First, can you be a little more specific on the date/time frame I will be hearing back?  Secondly, you mentioned "possible" appointment with the Congressman.  What exactly do you mean by that?

Thanks,

Chris Siemssen
--- On Wed, 10/19/11, Torres, Sophie <Sophie.Torres@mail.house.gov> wrote:

From: Torres, Sophie <Sophie.Torres@mail.house.gov>
Subject: RE: Request for a Face to Face meeting
To: "'Chris Siemssen'" <chris_siemssen@yahoo.com>
Cc: "pamela_siemssen@yahoo.com" <pamela_siemssen@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 11:18 AM

Dear Mr. Siemssen,

Thank you for your request.  I will be in touch at a later date with for information regarding your possible meeting with Congressman Gonzalez.

 

In the meantime please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. 

 

Best,

Sophie    

 

From: Chris Siemssen [mailto:chris_siemssen@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, October 14, 2011 4:30 PM
To: Torres, Sophie
Cc: pamela_siemssen@yahoo.com
Subject: Request for a Face to Face meeting

 

Dear Sophie,   I am a disabled veteran that has a claim that has been pending with the VA since Jan 09.  I have attempted to work with your offices since October 2010 trying to get a decision made on my claim for increase.  I recently received a letter from your offices stating that I would have a VA Member Contact me directly within 2 weeks with a decision on my claim.  That has not happened.  Therefore, I would like a face to face meeting with Mr. Gonzales to discuss the status of my claim and what can be done to get it completed/processed.

 Will keep this going and updated as events warrant. 

House and Senate Affairs Committee Notification of Issue

Sent to House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on 10/18/2011
Message Subject: Excessive Backlog on Claims in Houston
Message Text:
Honorable Members of the Veteran Affairs Committee: Can someone please explain to me why the Veterans Affairs Offices in Houston, Texas have over a 3 year backlog? What is being done to get this resolved? I have a claim that has been pending since Jan 09. When I call for status all I hear is "there are many more ahead of you." I have tried contacting Congressman Charles Gonzales' office and am being told the VA is not returning the congressman's representatives calls so there is nothing that can be done. Who is the VA responsible to? In this country criminals have more rights than veterans. A criminal has a right to a speedy trial...I would appreciate a response on this issue.

The following letter is a response to a request sent to my congressman, the Honorable Charles A. Gonzalez asking for assistance with my request for increase from the Veterans Administration that has been pending since Jan 2009.  Please note that his letter was dated September 23, 2011.  As of October 14th, 2011; 3 weeks have come and gone and no contact from the VA or Mr. Gonzalez's office in regards to my claim.  Contacted Congressman's local office and asked to speak to the supervisor of the individual I had been working with.  Conviently, they were in a meeting.  I have also sent an e-mail request to sophie.torres@mail.house.gov to request a face to face meeting with my congressional leader, Mr. Gonzalez to make him aware of my dilema.

  I will attempt to keep this updated as events warrant.

October 15, 2011

Saw a commercial by Gene Simmons supporting the Wounded Warrior Project.  I have sent them an e-mail requesting assistance in getting my 3 year old claim with the VA resolved.
If you see commercials from Gene Simmons and the Wounder Warrior Project proceed with caution. Their slogan is "the greatest casualty is being forgotten." I have sent them an e-mail outlining my plight. I am a Wounder Warrior and believe it is fair to say that if the Veterans Administration can not respond to a claim with in 3 years, I have been forgotten! I have made a blog to start documenting all of the actions taken and people I've contacted trying to get this issue resolved.