wapiti

My first dealings with the DAV have been pleasant. When I decided to change my SO from the county to somewhere else, I first tried the Am Vets in Winston-Salem. They never returned my calls or answered any emails. I then called the DAV office in Winston, and a receptionist answered, I talked to a real person and they were courteous and helpful. So far they have returned my calls and answered my questions. I received more help in one day with the DAV than I received from the Cleveland county VSO in two years. wapiti

My new VSO with the DAV called me the same day he received(1/28/08) the copy of my last C&P exam that I sent him. He immediately filed a NOD, stating that I meet or exceed the criteria for an increased evaluation. I myself was impressed with how fast he called and filed NOD. I called Senator Burr's office in Winston-Salem,talked to Garth, and he said he would begin working on my case from his end. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions and I will keep you posted on whatever or whenever I hear anything. Wapiti Berta bring Lone Wolf with you down to Cherokee, beautiful Smoky Mountains and also Harrah's casino if you gamble.

Thanks Berta, this is great info. I have a Vietnam buddy in NH, when we drive up to see him we drive across NY, upper part of NY is beautiful country, I was pleasantly surprised. wapiti

The DAV is in the same building as the RO. I mailed him my last 2 C&P exams, the first a GAF of 45 and the last with a GAF of 35, also the denial letter from the VA. He should get it on Monday. I will keep you updated. You need to come down to the mountains in NC and visit the Cherokees. Thanks for the support

I just got a letter from them, $10 for the next copy. wapiti

A DAV SO called Monday, after I talked to him a few minutes and told him about my last C&P exam with a GAF of 35, he said that he couldn't believe a denial of a rate increase, he sent me a form to give the DAV power of attorney to represent me. He said to send a copy of last exam and a copy of the VA's decision and he would find out why I was denied a rate increase. He sounded very positive, but said he couldn't do anything until they got power of attorney. I don't remember getting a VCAA letter, I have looked for it. Thanks for the help

Yes, Wapiti is our Elk. There is now a small herd in the Great Smokies, right at Cherokee.

I received my acknowledgement letter today about my Voc Rehab file. As soon as I get everything assembled, do I write a short letter asking for DRO. Any examples of how to write the letter and how to arrange the new evidence. Thanks

Berta, I called Sen. Burr's office today in Winston-Salem. I talked to their VA rep. and he told me to file my appeal to the DRO, and as soon as I do, I should call him back and then he will work on it from his end. He said I should fill out a form 9.

No I haven't contacted him, but I will call his office Monday, Thanks Berta

Congressman Patrick McHenry will be giving a seminar in Lenoir this coming Monday. I am going to hand deliver a copy of my C&P exam along with the VA's denial letter to him. He may not read it, but I am going to give it to him.

What is the best way to look for a lawyer that handles VA cases?

I applied for Voc Rehab in 08/2006 and that is when I was turned down. I mailed a letter today asking for my file and the reason for denial of voc rehab. I don't remember who my counselor was, but it will be in my files. I may ask for for your e-file when I get my records. I also sent an email today to the Am Vets office which is located in the VA regional office building. Also good luck with your claim.

I must have followed you footprints here Christopher. I was really depressed when I came across hadit, my vso was no help, and I had no idea how to continue. After reading many posts in hadit, I got the nerve up to ask some questions, and I am glad I did, lots of suggestions. Thanks Wapiti

Happy New Year everyone, I have the ph. # for the Am Vets in Winston-Salem which is in the same building with the VA, I am calling them in the morning. I am also thinking about sending Elizabeth Dole my C&P exam to see what reaction I get from them. I am no longer going to use the current VSO that I have, she just fills in the forms and sends them in, offers no suggestions or directions, Well this is like the preacher talking to the choir, most of you already know the problems with vso's. Wapiti