News Flash From Nvlsp

[Berta]

This is only the first 2 pages- there is a 50 page pdf with it-

Attorney_for_vets_proposed_regs.doc

[Tbird]

this may be an easier format to read it it in

VA's proposed rule regarding Accreditation of Agents and Attorneys; Agent and Attorney Fees

http://www.nvlsp.org/images/ATTNYFEEREGPROPOSAL.pdf

[SLEDGE]

Basically, it says that the VA 'may' authorize any lawyer 'after' they pass the 'new' VA written test for legal representatives.

I can't wait to see that test.

You can bet that only the lawyers that already work for the VA will be able to pass a test that was compiled by VA lawyers.

The VA will probably tack on an unreasonable fee for taking the test and only administer the test in northern Alaska during the month of February, in an unheated pup tent, reachable only by sled dogs.

Of course, this being a government operation, the sled dogs will have to have health certificates issued by the lowest bidder, New Zealand.

And you can't have sled dogs pulling dangerous equipment (for liability reasons).

So the sleds will have to be purchased from a government inspected and certified supplier of wicker baskets for ballons, based in the Virgin Islands.

Since the test can only be administered in February, cold weather gear will have to be used by the properly insured, health inspected, citizenship verified applicants that have prepaid the fee to take the VA test.

Cold weather gear can't be used (for liability reasons) until it has been thoroughly tested at 100 degrees below freezing C.

Of course, testing of arctic cold weather gear can only be tested in an artic setting and at the coldest, VERIFIED, test temperatures.

To verify something that the government will use, you have to have government certified gauges.

To insure the accuracy of the certification of the instruments and gauges an outside contractor will be found through the bidding process.

All bidders will have to meet strict criteria, to be named and specified at a later date, by congress, during appropriation hearings, provided that the funds are available to reimburse the successfull bidder, which will not be available until the Irag war is settled or pregnant nuns are drafted to carry weapons.

Need I go on?

sledge

[jbasser]

An application process and written examination to adhere to.

I believe this will also apply to other forms of representatives. They have to be accredited. If that is fact then the VSO's are in deep trouble. If they have to take the test, I dont see many passing it. The Attorneys will because they have knowledge of the Law and will study to learn it.Keep an eye out for strong opposition to this proposal from the Veterans Service Organizations.

Edited May 7, 2007 by jbasser

[john999]

The VSO's deserve to be in trouble because they have not been doing their fundamental job of representing vets. It is bad because they are our voice in congress and their failure is our failure. At the bottom of the ladder where the rubber meets the road the VSO's have failed. My representation has been crude and poor from the DAV, VFW and AL over the years. I did not even bother to send them a copy of my agent orange claim last time. I just got the documents together and got the medical opinion and filed the claim. Service connected in about 10 months with no help from the VSO.

[Pete53]

I don't see how the VA can require a licensed lawyer to take a written exam. If this is true there are not going to be many lawyers representing Veterans.

If they are going to do this shouldn't they make VA Rating Officers take the same test?

[tssnave]

Sledge,

Thank you for the great laugh! I haven't laughed so much since I read Stretch's post a month or so ago where he posted his reply to the VA regarding their allegation that he had a "truck up his nose."

Thanks for keeping a sense of humor - your post was just rich!

I still haven't caught up on reading back posts from the previous week while I've been away but have decided to stop on this thread because, quite frankly, as much as I like to learn by reading the posts, your humor made my night and I'd hate to ruin my good mood by reading more about the inane way the VA implements its own rules and regulations.

Thanks for the great belly laugh,

ts