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.