Change your Representative POA

[Carl the Engineer]

All,

I am currenty represented by the VFW, and was quite happy with them since I started this journey in 2008.

My buddy is represented by the American Legion and he is quite happy with them.

Now, what differs is, he has and is in contact with his rep from the American Legion and I have never heard peep one from my rep or have seen any correspondence either.  I am life members of both org, not that it matters, or should.

Anyway, when I got my last claim(s) back, I did not get a warm and fuzzy feeling that there had been any effort to exploit what the C&P examiner had wrote in the exam.  Even though the rater had asked the examiner to opine on the arthritis (x-ray) right ankle and the examiner did say it was from my plantar fasiitis and that it was from my service, there was no mention in my rating.  I understand that I did not claim the right ankle arthritis, but if they were not going to consider it, then why did the rater ask (reffered twice) the examiner to opine about it, and that she did and in the affirmative.

Also, I did claim left ankle pain secondary and was given a service connection secondary to my right foot for left ankle achilles tendon at 0%.  I wear (prescribed) a brace on my left ankle for stability.  Anyway, I do not see how that is not a 10% just because of pain?

I'm not in a hurry, but I am going to appeal the 0% on the left ankle for pain and do a new claim for the arthritis in my right ankle.

Back to my main question, would I be better to switch to the American Legion or go solo from now on.  Not sure I'm smart enough for that.

And what access do you get by going it alone that is different than when you are being represented by a organization.  Specifics would be nice to know.

Stay warm, spring is coming,

Hamslice     

[wingnut73]

I ditched the DAV for that same reason. All they did was fill out the forms, and I can do that better!

 

[Buck52]

Ham  you need to get a private IMO/IME Specialist to rebut this C&P Examiner!

All these bigger reps like VFW/American Legion/DAV  These VSO's do not usually help the veteran during  claims process  some will some won't  mostly they won't.

Years ago 20 I Believe I sign up with the DAV  And never had one call from them  just a few letters after the fact  meaning to late you been denied,and of course the pre-letter that they find out your claim has be approved (unofficially)

For  some reason I never drop the DAV but to this day they really were no help at all with my claims over the years...I just never got around to fire them or revoke their POA

if your not happy with your Rep or VSO  Revoke their POA..It's hrd to do from what I understand, but if you hire an Attorney...they usually have your old Rep Revoke and you appointment the Attorney your POA...The Attorney usually writes them a letter. but if the veteran writes them a letter stating they want POA  Revoked  the tend to lose that letter and they continue to be your Rep/POA

When any VA Qualified Rep/VSO does not contact you in any way call/emails/or writes letters(today emails are great communication) during your claims process to keep you informed...its time to say Adios amigo 

jmo

[wingnut73]

The only communication I had from the DAV was begging for money!

 

[Buck52]

Ham

the difference in you working your own claim is usually faster   you can usually find out information via e benefits and  get the information you need to work your own claim here at hadit.

sometimes a veteran may need professional help from an accredited Rep/VSO ( if you get a good one)or hire an experience VA Attorney  if his/her claim gets to be to complicated.

[Buck52]

In the 20 years I have had the DAV they never ask me for $$  maybe they were just to lazy to ask? but if they did I would lite into therm then and ask why? you have did nothing for me? and a few other things.

I do give to the PARALYZE VETERANS ORGANIZATION, That $$ is well put to use on our veterans that are severally disabled. 

not like the wounded warriors program.

[Carl the Engineer]

Thanks guys,

I am waiting until I get my c-file.  I put in for it in Oct.  Want to see what it has to say regards my last claims etc.  I got my paper c-file in 2013 and it was a mess.

I see I can change my POA in eBenefits.  Will probably give that a try.  Can't hurt as I don't think the VFW is doing anything for me, except like wingnut says, pushes paper.  And I too, can do that.

I was thinking about a IMO/IME also, and again, after I get my c-file.

Have to file appeal by Sept to make the 1 year cutoff.  So I will shoot something forward in July for sure.

Would like a little more info on what is different on eBenefits if I run my own show?

Thanks,

Hamslice