I learned some years ago that if you get boged down or get the cold shoulder a little kick in the behind from your senator or congesman goes a long way. If you can get there interest things happen fast.

I once cut the stall to a weekend doing this. VA couldn't find enough information, couldn't verify my medical situation, and were not sure. My senator gave them a four day oportunity to get their problems worked out - they did it all in three days.
The big thing is "DO NOT GIVE UP AND DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER".