Dav

[windy city]

Yesterday I had a meeting with a DRO for one of my claims pending about 1/2 before the meeting one of the people in charge of the DAV office called me into his office telling me that it was not in my best interest for this metting to take place because it was going to affect my rating and this rater can look into my file I informed him that I requested the meeting because his people told me that this was the next step to take but he continued to say that I requested the meeting so we went back and foward until the point that this a###### made me mad that I decided to not have the meeting after all. Today I realized I made a mistake and should have gone foward with the meeting and not let this indivdual talk me out of it, In my heart I felt that this guy was working for the best interest of the VA and not me. I need advice on this one I am thinking in chaging organizations and try to request another hearing because I know that I cen get this claim s/c. before I left is office he told me that to not put anymore claims in because they can look into my chart so what am I suppossed to do not file secondary claims because of fear of the VA looking into my chart or trying to reduce my rating.

[windy city]

Windy, they can make an immediate decision based upon the evidence they currently have. They can not just close it they have to make a decision and issue a SOC. Act quick to avoid this. I would type the letter as recommended and fax it to the RO and put attention: Please pass to the appeals team ASAP. That way you avoid the mail room which tould take several weeks to get to the letter and send it to the appeals team. Have the fax print out a copy of the event log which will have that you faxed x number of pages to phone number xxx on xxxx date. It is as good as a signed receipt as proven by a number of BVA cases that I hare read. JMHO

Ricky,

What I had to show that day was evidence and staements from witnesses abd a case from the BVA similar to my case. Should I contact the so from the DAV and let him know or should I turn it in to the va as new evivedence towards my case. I feel that the DAV is not going to help me on this one.

[Ricky]

Ricky,

What I had to show that day was evidence and staements from witnesses abd a case from the BVA similar to my case. Should I contact the so from the DAV and let him know or should I turn it in to the va as new evivedence towards my case. I feel that the DAV is not going to help me on this one.

I feel that the way to handle your claim when you have an SO is YOU file any paperwork directly to the VA and provide a copy of what was filed to your SO.

[windy city]

I feel that the way to handle your claim when you have an SO is YOU file any paperwork directly to the VA and provide a copy of what was filed to your SO.

Just got of the phone with the my so from the DAv and asked about what is going to happen with the calim that I was going to argue in front of a DRO, his answer was it in going to the appealls team, I told him that I have statements from friends that were on active duty with me and witness. He told me that if I wanted to continue the case to go ahead and turn in the evidence, but I risk having the va to look at my files but I feel that I have nothing to hide or fear,need advice either to continue with this claim or just let it go?

[spike]

Windy city-

I am very sorry you had this happen to you. I may take a hit on this statement but who cares. I am a DAV member just like you, and have had the same kind of problems as you. I will say that I also serve many 'hats' in the DAV, on a state level and department, and chapter level. I am part of their honor society as well.

Here is the kicker, I came into the VA to make a claim and they told *ME* a fellow Service Officer (Chapter Level), a Honor Society Member, a Delegate, that they were too busy and that they couldn't take the time (close to business hours close)----here is the kicker, they do not even take my claims......I hate to say this but I am more equipped than MOST of those Service Officers. You know what I did, I made a statement to his boss and (since I am on the State level and a Service Officer as well), I went over his head and went to his bosses boss. Even though, I was I/U, and sitting at a rating of 90% they told me it wasn't in my best interest to file the claim.....because my claims for I/U were still to "newly rated". Guess what I am 100 % P&T. When I go the state convention again, I will bring this up to the National Commander as well. I hate to say it, and this goes for EVERY organization, it is not the Service Organization, it's the people that are in it. Dependent on who you see.

This is something that an Organization that I belong to brought to me to think about....IF the VFW, DAV, AMVETS, etc....are sooo good, why is it that decade after decade things are still problematic in the VA System?

Here are my two cents-

1. Any Vet organization that is stationed IN THE VARO, always has the buddy buddy process with someone in the VA System. Nobody in those organizations wants to bite the hand that feeds them the free room and board, and phones, copiers, faxes, desks, office space, etc. So they will only push so far.

2. Secondly, to work for a Vet Organization at the NSO level, the pay is less than it is to work for the VA system. I know. I have the numbers provided to me. SO unfortunately, in the dog eat dog world, many Accredited Service Officers who work in the Organizations, don't want to burn the bridge with the VA, because it might be the next job they can get with better pay and better benefits. It's sad but true.

Here is what I do, I am affiliated with several organizations, here they are Iraq War Veterans Organization (who sisters with the AWVO Afghanistan War Veterans Organizations), Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Modern Warfare, and I also contribute to the Book and Newsletter what Every Veteran Should Know. When I have to advocate for a Vet, or whatever I do, I like this stance only because it allows me to be independent from the Organizations and as well Independent from the "vested interests" of the organizations. What I mean by that is find someone that is not hand cuffed by the best interests of not biting the hand that feeds them (VA).

Each organization I am affiliated with understands and knows that if I see a problem, I'll bring it up and run it up the VA and down the other. I will let the organizations know that I believe its the best interests of the Veteran that they ALL bring it up to the VA in a unified voice. I am not dependent on ANY organization, and my best interests are with the Veteran at all times.

As far as your claim is concerned, I would like to say you might want to find an Independent Accredited Agent. I know a few, just message me. They are vested for you. It's solely my independent opinion that you should make some statement of claim about the situation you are in and see if they will 'continue' your claim to meet with the DRO. Bring a witness to take notes. Also have someone you feel will fight for you....Unfortunately, the VA system is exactly like a court room, don't go in with someone with half gas to help you.

[danang_1969]

Me too.

Danang_1969

[windy city]

Me too.

Danang_1969

I probably will not get another chance to be in front of a DRO since I had my chance and was told not to appear. I am a memeber and not only do I pay dues I also contribute money to the organization and for what to get this treatment. I want to find somebody that is willing to go the extra mile and not to try to intimidate with the VA it makes you feel that you are property of the VA. This sounds silly but are these agents good when it comes to fighting the VA?