1. New York Times March 30 2016 - Report Finds Sharp Increase in Veterans Denied V.A. Benefits
2. Fox News April 16 2016 VA accused of shredding documents needed for veterans' claims
3. Military Times April 13 2016 - VA increases pressure on appeals reform: 'We’re failing veterans'
Is it hopeless for our U.S. Military Veterans?
I share the articles, not to say that applying for benefits that you have earned or that you or family member has earned is hopeless, but to tell you "NOT TO FACE THE VA ALONE". There is help for you when it comes to applying for these benefits.
Title 35 of the U.S. Code, if printed out the title is about 8 inches thick printed double sided on 8.5 x 11 sheets and this title is what all of your VA benefits are written in.
What is an Accredited Veteran Service Officer?
An accredited veteran service officer is one who is accredited by a National organization, like the American Legion, DAV, VFW, or other veteran service organization. If you go to a county office they should be accredited by one of these organizations or the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. The local person receives initial training and continuing education to stay on top of the ever changing systems at the VA.
What does an Accredited Veteran Service Officer do for you?
1. When you use a reputable VSO they will have you fill out a "power of attorney" so the organization they are accredited through can represent them to the VA. It allows them to answer questions and ask for status updates to the VA on your behalf.
2. Because of their training and the support system they have access to they will ask all of the questions necessary to ensure you are applying for all of the benefits you maybe entitle to.
3. Their work will be reviewed by another person who has an office near the VA Office to make sure all of the "i's" are dotted and the "t's" are crossed. This is important because if there is a mistake the VA will put it aside and move to the next case. It delays the process.
4. They will help to make the claim a "FULLY DEVELOPED CLAIM" a FDC. A FDC is a submitted claim that has all of the material the VA needs to make a decision. Claims have been decided in as little as 45 days when submitted as a FDC. There is no guarantee that your claim will be decided in 45 days but experience has shown that FDC's are reviewed and decided quicker than non FDC claims.
5. The VSO becomes your contact with the VA. When you want a status update, call the VSO office.
6. The VA is not there to ensure you are applying for all of the benefits you might be entitled too. A VSO is trained to ask the right questions.
If you use a VSO the cost to the veteran or the veterans family is $0. Membership in the organization is NOT required to use their services.
How does a veteran find a local veteran service officer?
In Michigan, go to this link and pick your county:
http://www.michiganveterans.com/Home/Benefit-Counselors
In other states, contact the State headquarters of the American Legion, or other Veteran Service Organization and ask them. Your state or county might have a department of veterans affairs, contact them to find one near you.
Other reasons why....
If the claim is denied you have a team ready to go to appeal the decision and if need be the organization will appeal all the way to Washington, D.C. at no cost to the veteran.
Note: If an attorney is sought for help in the end they can ask for up to 1/3 of any compensation back pay awarded to the Veteran.
Don't Face the VA Alone.
