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I noticed that VSOs use @va.gov VA email addresses. This includes many from VVA, MOPH, and AMVETS. This means the VA has access to the messages between the claimant and the so-called "advocate." This is how close the VSO and the VA work. The owner of an email system owns all messages on that system. So the VA can read all the correspondence the veteran sends. These VSOs are puppets. The VSO is creature of the VA.

Ok, but technically anyone can defend himself in a trial or do his own house closing too. Being an initial claim, the claimant is de facto inexperienced. Shouldn't an inexperienced person be able to go to an attorney to get started on the right track? For a few dollars a person can have an effective strategy right from the start. Lawyers charge from $100 to $200 an hour. A few 1/2 hour sessions with an attorney an inexperienced person will more likely do it right the first time. It might be helpful to some.

The VSOs are more like go-betweens more than advocates. Am I wrong about this? Is it true that lawyers cannot give legal advice about initial claims? This is what some lawyers say. If so, then so much for everyone having a right to an attorney. Going to an attorney to get confidential advice for payment for an hour would be beneficial for many. From what I understand there is no "attorney-client" privileged between client and VSO. Unlike attorneys, the VSOs do not come across as "I will fight for every last one of your rights."

Thank you for the info. OK, put in an intent to file. After that, should a claimant spend time on just the strongest injury, get it filed, then do the other later? The reason I am asking is a claimant might have everything for one injury, but not be able to get the other ready for a few months.

Is it best to separate multiple injuries into the same claim, or separate into different claims? In other words, if there are 4 injuries, should there be 4 different claims? One advantage to this is documentation for one might be complete before the others. But are there any other possible advantages?

I need advice, please, for finding a good doctor to fill out the DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire). In other words, how do I find a doctor that is interested in going out of his way in helping heroes with the form? Is there any way to find doctors that specializes in helping people that put in VA claims?