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Q642: I just learned that my VSO recommended that my current rating of 70% for PTSD be downgraded. The office secretary told me he thought my rating was too high. I thought his job was to submit my paperwork for benefits, not recommend a reduction in benefits? Can anyone explain to me why he would do this? Pissed in Pensacola!
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A1: I don't know why a VSO would do that, now here is one way it could have happened. You ask for an upgrade in the PTSD, disability rating and I advise against that cause there is a possibility that the examiner can say your condition has improved and the VA will reduce your rating that way but there is no VSO that I know of would do that and if that is the case I would replace that VSO with another one. (GR) 1/13/21
A2: Cause he's a f***ing lifer. (JC) 1/13/21
A3: Fire Him, Get A Good VFW or Disabled Veteran Rep. That's a disgrace of his office. Is there something personal involved with his decision to downgrade your rating? (FU) 1/13/21
A4: Get a different VSO. His job is to help you. (KK) 1/13/21
A5: 1st the VSO is not aF...Lifer..get a grip..Now for my answer..I am being treated the same way. The VA is and down graded me 10% of each day just because they can. The regs stated there must be improvement in said condition before it can happen...Hahahaha..They are doing it any how. (DR) 1/13/21
A6: Do you know for a fact that the Service Officer submitted paperwork to the VA? If he did, call 1-800-827-1000 and tell them to cancel that claim/request. (AG) 1/14/21
A7: I am not sure of the circumstances surrounding your case, but what I do when I file a claim for the veteran on something he is service connected for is to have him sign a form that explains the 20 year rule. I also tell the veteran, when you file a claim, the VA can do one of three things, they can increase your rating, leave your rating the same, or reduce you based on the medical evidence and the results of your C&P. Basically, the 20 year rule states that if you have held an individual rating for 20 years on a specific disability, the VA cannot reduce you unless there was fraud involved. We always inform the veteran before we do anything for them. Our job is inform the vet so they are not harmed. (DS) 1/14/21
A8: Have a C&P exam. A VSO is not a medical doctor. He or she cannot determine your rating. Get a lawyer, contact Disabled Veterans, American Legion to help handle the fight. (TP) 1/14/21