At least you're at a half way point.  MY DD form 214 and NGB 22 show I have 20 years 5 months and 29 days but the government says I only have 19 year 11 months and 27 day or that I am 3 days short of a retirement and that I get none. 10 years was active duty and 10 years was army national gaurd.  I've fought them in court for 17 years and the Government finally decided that Retirements have a statute of Limitation of 2 years and the Government is not responsible after 2 years.   So the Governments delays for your claim are understandable.

9 months and at the halfway point wow!

It is the Veterans Administration "central" claims facility. The caller identified himself (didn't catch the name due to background noise on both ends) and also provided enough info to convince me it was the VA since I have a claim in process. Primary reason for the call was a status check to explain that the claim was at the halfway point (9 months) and being forwarded to my regional office for the remainder of the process and how and who I should contact if I have further questions.

Called and said his name was Charlie from the Veterans Administration.  He wanted me to answer questions so that he can confirm the information he has is correct.  I refused because I don't know who he is and could not verify.

It's the VA Claims department.

It's the VA.