I had to call the 800# yesterday to change my direct depost and since I had them on the phone I asked about my appeal on my back. I asked for an increase almost 2 years ago, was denied and appealed within a month. The appeal was filed last March, they have had a bunch of paperwork supporting my claim for months! What do they mean saying that my claim is still under development? All they have to do is look at the evidence and make a decision......

The fact that you talked to someone does not mean they knew what they were telling you. I suggest that you do an IRIS Inquiry into the status of your appeal.I am confused as to in Development as it is an Appeal and not a new claim.

Useless response I found on IRIS' FAQ section:

Inquiry
How can I check on the status of my pending disability claim?
Can I check status online?

Answer
To determine the status of a pending claim, you can call 1-800-827-1000 and follow the recorded instructions. Currently, there is no other on-line access to claim information.

Update: I think I found it:
1. Go to iris.va.gov
2. On the left, click on "Ask a question"
3. Left side: Choose "Status of Claim"
4. Right side: Chose "Compensation and Pension Benefits" (or whatever is appropriate)
5. Click "Next"
6. Fill out the form and submit.

That is what I meant....I am confused also!

When the VA says a claim is in development it means it is sitting in a pile waiting to be put in another pile. It also means they are not ready to rate it. What kind of appeal did you ask for?

I applied for an increase on my back. I am currently rated at 20% for muscle strain. I have been in pain, a lot of pain all the time for years. Shooting pain down my legs, weakness, etc. I went in and had a C&P, the doctor (I use that term very loosely) was an ass. Wrote up that I only have a little range of motion loss.....when I have had range of motion tests at other places they show a lot more loss. So my claim for increase was denied....right before it was denied I had an MRI. It should a bunch of herniated discs, bulging discs and a few other things. We appealed and submitted the MRI, range of movement and an IMO to be reevaluated. That was almost a year ago.....Going on two years from when I originally opened the claim.

Sorry should have said we filed a NOD.....

rdnkjeeper,
Is what you've done is file a NOD and submitted
additional evidence ?
carlie

Yes, sorry.....talk in circles sometimes.

Did you ask for a DRO Hearing or a reconsideration? When you file the NOD you will get a letter asking what kind of appeal you want. They will ask if you want a DRO or if you want to go directly to the BVA. I advise asking for a DRO Hearing. You can still go to the BVA if you lose at the DRO.