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Q255: I’ve gone through five VSOs in 10 years trying to get VA disability compensation for diabetes, high blood pressure, combat scars, and PTSD. Every VSO I had was incompetent and unobtainable. They would never answer their phones, they would lose my paperwork, they never responded to email, and when I went to see them in their offices, I would always told they were in training or some other made up story. I figure I should just do my claim myself. Does anyone know if representing yourself can be successful? What percentage of veterans fighting for disability compensation actually represent themselves?
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A1: Being a Service Officer for 10 years the percentage of getting disability without assistance is very low. I can't tell you how many times a Veteran has come to see me and said I?d tried this myself and don't know which way to go or how to. I straightened out their claim and submit the proper form and bingo their claim gets settled in 3-6 months. Answer this email and I will see what can be done. (GR) 10/1/19
A2: It is a racket . VA pushes you toward getting an attorney approved by the VA . Attorney gets half of your back pay. (SH) 10/1/19
A3: I can't answer for why your VSO's were "unobtainable", but I can tell you that as a SO, I do NOT keep ANY of your paperwork. I'm not allowed to keep it due to privacy issues. Also keep in mind that most VSO's have many Vets that they help and simply cannot drop everything to help a certain ONE. Having said that, yes -you can file a claim on your own. I wouldn't advise it because there are many little things that can cause your claim to be rejected, thus causing you further delay. Many Vets attempt a claim on their own but don't know all the ins-and-outs of filing and actually short change themselves. So, yes they MAY be getting disability -but maybe not all they are entitled to. SO's (particularly DAV SO's) are familiar (or at least SHOULD be) with the VA system - they know what forms must be submitted, and how. It's up to you, but if you have a legitimate complaint about a SO, I would elevate the situation to their department level. Perhaps then you could get some assistance - or even try another agency. (KD) 10/1/19
A4: Go to the DAV before trying yourself, they fight as hard for you as anybody. (TF) 10/1/19
A5: I would recommend getting an attorney who is knowledgeable with veteran's claims and handles veterans claims. By law, they are allowed to to take 20 to 30 percent and no more than that ONLY if they win your claim for you. I've had Hill & Ponton for attorneys to handle my claims. They've won 2 claims for me and even set up an online interview with a psychiatrist for my PTSD claim which they won for me. They took 20% for representing me when I won my claim. Yes, it does suck to give them the 20% they charge ONLY when I won my claims but it sure as hell was worth it because it took all the stress off me with them handling my PTSD claim & being on the VA hamster wheel for years when I was doing my claim on my own. Best of luck my brother. 1st Cav Airmobile, Bong Son, 1968. (BD) 10/1/19
A6: I can't speak to the Service Officer issue but I did my own and used due diligence and have been awarded 70%. Go online to search and download 38 CFR Book C, Schedule for Rating Disabilities.
Find the disability that you are applying for and make sure that you use the "buzz" words in the CFR to properly describe your disability symptoms. (FO) 10/2/19