VA Information

[jdoc]

You can also go to the DAV rep.

Jerry

[Stano]

Originally Posted by jdoc

You can also go to the DAV rep.

Jerry

Is the DAV and the Dep. of Veterans Affairs different agencies? Can one override the other?

Stano

[jdoc]

Stano, yes they are different. DAV, is Disabled American Veterans. Sometimes they have a office in VA facilities. Or you can look them up on the internet and see if there is a DAV Rep. in your area. Yes, you can pick either one to handle your claim. With all the scrutiny that the VA is going through right, I would go with the DAV.

Jerry

[Stano]

Originally Posted by jdoc

Stano, yes they are different. DAV, is Disabled American Veterans. Sometimes they have a office in VA facilities. Or you can look them up on the internet and see if there is a DAV Rep. in your area. Yes, you can pick either one to handle your claim. With all the scrutiny that the VA is going through right, I would go with the DAV.

Jerry

Is there a membership fee/charge to join the DAV ?

Stano

[gfs1943]

Originally Posted by Stano

Is there a membership fee/charge to join the DAV ?

Stano

If you join the DAV, there is a membership fee. However, the DAV will help any veteran with a disability claim. You do not have to join DAV.

I'm not a joiner of organizations, but after DAV filed a claim for me and got my disability upgraded, I did pay the lifetime membership fee. I feel that membership fee will help the DAV continue their good work helping veterans.

[Stano]

Originally Posted by gfs1943

If you join the DAV, there is a membership fee. However, the DAV will help any veteran with a disability claim. You do not have to join DAV.

I'm not a joiner of organizations, but after DAV filed a claim for me and got my disability upgraded, I did pay the lifetime membership fee. I feel that membership fee will help the DAV continue their good work helping veterans.

Thanks for the info! I called our local DAV office and set up an appointment. Wish me luck!

Stano

[jpharley]

Spouse used DAV. Provided a power of attorney and a copy of medical record. Spouse was lucky as it only took about 6 months back in 2004.

[Stano]

What is your take on hiring a lawyer that specializes in VA benefits?

Stano

[justlou]

There are so many veterans organization that are successful with helping vets with claims, I can't image paying an attorney to do what they will do for little or no charge.

[Stano]

Originally Posted by justlou

There are so many veterans organization that are successful with helping vets with claims, I can't image paying an attorney to do what they will do for little or no charge.

Not really getting much help here in Michigan! Anyone else here deal with the Veterans office's here in Michigan?

Stano

[AKGriz460]

There are a lot of resources available online for those who are willing to research things. It appears the VA is (slowly) beginning to process claims more quickly. The Army now has the IDES program, and before an injured Soldier is discharged they have already been through the VA process and any disability payments start immediately. It's still pretty challenging for those who have been out a while or who (through no fault of their own) didn't "ride" sick call and thus have few if any records.

I personally am a little "soured" on Veteran's Service Organization representatives, although some can be an excellent source of information. We know our own situations better than a VSO Rep, and if your medical file is thicker than the NYC phone books do you really expect the VSO to thoroughly know everything about your case? Most Vets are intelligent enough to file their own claim, but if you've got a really complicated case, a VA approved attorney can help.

Here are some links I've found helpful--research thoroughly and you'll probably find the answer to your question(s):
eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations
Veterans Benefits Administration Home
VA Disability Claims (General) Forum

AKGriz460
_______________________
USA, Retired (1973-2014)
OEF 2002-2004, OIF 2005, 2009-2010

[Bob Vaughn]

I have a friend who was a desk jockey in the Air Force. He got out with no disability and yet he runs to the VA for every snot nose thing that happens to him. It is one of the reasons that the lines at the VA is so long. When I contacted them they told me I would go on a list and in 6 weeks or so I would be put on a list for a consultation to see if I could use the VA because they had so many people needing help and so few doctors.......

[Stano]

Originally Posted by AKGriz460

There are a lot of resources available online for those who are willing to research things. It appears the VA is (slowly) beginning to process claims more quickly. The Army now has the IDES program, and before an injured Soldier is discharged they have already been through the VA process and any disability payments start immediately. It's still pretty challenging for those who have been out a while or who (through no fault of their own) didn't "ride" sick call and thus have few if any records.

I personally am a little "soured" on Veteran's Service Organization representatives, although some can be an excellent source of information. We know our own situations better than a VSO Rep, and if your medical file is thicker than the NYC phone books do you really expect the VSO to thoroughly know everything about your case? Most Vets are intelligent enough to file their own claim, but if you've got a really complicated case, a VA approved attorney can help.

Here are some links I've found helpful--research thoroughly and you'll probably find the answer to your question(s):
eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations
Veterans Benefits Administration Home
VA Disability Claims (General) Forum

AKGriz460
_______________________
USA, Retired (1973-2014)
OEF 2002-2004, OIF 2005, 2009-2010

I went through a Service Organization to get my 10% disability 2 years ago. I want to reapply to try to get at least 30%. All these VA Forms are a little complicated for me. So maybe a veteran attorney would be the best way to go forward?

Stano

[Stano]

Originally Posted by jdoc

Stano, yes they are different. DAV, is Disabled American Veterans. Sometimes they have a office in VA facilities. Or you can look them up on the internet and see if there is a DAV Rep. in your area. Yes, you can pick either one to handle your claim. With all the scrutiny that the VA is going through right, I would go with the DAV.

Jerry

Jerry thanks for the above info! I'm working with a DAV rep now.

Stano