Indianapolis Veteran Service Officers

[hayley3]

My VSO is only in the office on Tues and Thurs. When I try to call on Tues or Thurs, a recording answers and says to call back later as they are busy, and they are so busy that they cannot take messages. I am getting very frustrated over this. I really need help with my claim.

Is it like this everywhere? Should I try to find another organization? I was in during peacetime.

Thanks,

Susie

[Ron II]

Hi,

I would change VSOs. Sounds like yours is no help at all... My experience with the local DAV is that one has to go to their office to talk to a rep, otherwise you just talk to a clerk.

Good luck,

Ron

Edited July 1, 2008 by Ron II (see edit history)

[LarryJ]

Not too long ago I could pick up my 'phone and call the 800-827-1000 number and get my VARO (Waco, TX), well at least I got the standard "we're busy, but your call is important to us and we'll be with you in a moment" and, if I held on long enough someone would actually ANSWER the 'phone!. Now, I call the 800# and I get this "press "1" if you are a vet, press "2" if you wish you were a vet, press "3" if you'd like to meet a vet, press "4" if you'd like to speak to a vet, press "5" if you'd like to speak to this vet in spanish, "6" if you'd like to speak to this vet in english, press "7" if you'd like to hear all this b.s. all over again...........................................................................

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.

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p

ress "9" if you'd like to wait a minimum of 30 minutes to hear the recording telling you that it is now past our office hours and to call between 0912 - 0917 hours tomorrow.......or you can press "0", if you've lasted long enough you persistent ass, and we'll connect you directly with the IRS and their wonderful telephone answering system........

[yoggie2]

I have been around the horn there in INDY over the last year and a half and its just awful they will pass you around like a hot potato, and it depends if your file is on appeal or not, if your a new soldier. But on appeal then your stuck with someone who does not care, I have found out of everyone on the 3rd floor of the GOV Building the VFW, The DAV just didn't give a shit if I burst in to flames and the American Legion didn't want any thing to do with my claim because it was so far along and was trying to pass me off on anyone, but I have to say these 2 has very nice Cherry Wood desk dressed in very nice suits and ties and absolutely hard as hell to get a hold of. VFW is your best bet they will answer the phone and very helpful but they don't dress as nice as the others. But welcome to the 2nd worst VARO in the nation!

[carlie]

My VSO is only in the office on Tues and Thurs. When I try to call on Tues or Thurs, a recording answers and says to call back later as they are busy, and they are so busy that they cannot take messages. I am getting very frustrated over this. I really need help with my claim.

Susie -

I suggest you leave a message and show up in person on a day you know they are there. It might help you to go in a couple of times just to show your interest in your claim.

I would ask for any copies of what has been submitted and ask what information and/or evidence would be helpful to win your claim. I would also ask the VSO if they saw any information and/or Evidence that could negatively impact your claim. They may get a little pissy when you ask these questions.

Are you aware that VSO's CAN DO or NOT DO anything they chose with your claim ??

Is it like this everywhere? Should I try to find another organization? I was in during peacetime.

Every VSO group has multiple problems so I don't feel changing VSO's will necessarily ensure any better help for you.

Peacetime --------- a VET is a VET is a VET is a VET.

As Pete always says, if you don't have a copt of your c-file -- get one.

jmho,

carlie

[yoggie2]

I have been at the Indy Gov building and they have a receptionist to head you off at the door and she begins to drop the rules on you and no matter what and I don't care you drove 200 mile these are THE RULES I'LL SEE YA LATER BEEN THERE DONE THAT MANY TIMES. You don't have to leave but you have to leave here...

Edited July 1, 2008 by yoggie2 (see edit history)

[rentalguy1]

You need to take over your own claim...

No one cares as much about your claim as you do, so why woul you put someone else in charge of it? Especially someone who you cannot even talk to?

[yoggie2]

You need to take over your own claim...

No one cares as much about your claim as you do, so why woul you put someone else in charge of it? Especially someone who you cannot even talk to?

AMEN BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[danang_1969]

Arkansas has been like that for years and the receptionist want take a number and have them call back, they tell you---- to call back later. When you do call back, you get the same story. The way I see it, the VSO is unless to most vets. Now, if the SO is a high harmoned male and you are a female vet with a pretty face or eyes and legs or all of the above, you might get some service, if your skirt accidental slides up high as you sit or you bat your eyes at him allot. The other option if you are a male might be to promise them a 10% of you back pay in cash upon approval. I think this happens and has been done and some have been caught. If you haven't gotten any attention at the SO, you may be just an honest person or a female without any physical attractions in the SO's eyes.

Edited July 1, 2008 by danang_1969 (see edit history)

[hayley3]

I live in SW Indiana a long way from Indianapolis. I'm actually closer to the VARO in KY and I'm about 65 miles away from KY.

That was funny LarryJ. I got a big chuckle out of that. It's funny but makes you want to scream too. ;)

Carlie, the bad thing is they don't have an answering machine. They say they are so busy that it is best for you to just keep trying. That's the bad part.

I was cute when I was younger, but I don't think that'd work now. LOL

rentalguy,

I was hoping for some expert advice from someone who supposedly should know the regs inside and out. I had no idea I wouldn't be able to talk to them. That's very sad. I'm my own worst enemy sometimes so I really needed the help.

Thanks,

Susie

[hayley3]

Yoggie, it's good to know that I'm not alone. Misery loves company.

[MRRRR5]

Haley3,

Sorry that you are getting the run around. Rentalguy gave great advice; take charge of your own claim. When during my retirment ACAP briefing, the VA rep mentioned the various service organizations who can help Vets with their claims filing for free. I had the DAV to assist me and they did a terrific job, so much so that i joined as a life member ($240.00).

Since then, I have filed several notice of disagreement and have several issues pending on appeal. I had not heard from the DAV on my issues so I took charge of my own claim.

In my opinion, I believe that the various service organizations spend the majority of their time at the various military bases in an attempt to assist those who are pending separation and/or retirement. Why? Because while I was in the military, I didn't know what the DAV was or really didn't have a need to know what they did; at the time, it didn't help me to accomplish my mission. During retirement briefing and hearing about organizations who can help you get your rightfully earned benefit, you are going to take an interest; and I took an interest as I'm sure hundreds and thousands of others have also.

And when that Service organization does such a fantastic job on your initial claim "for free", you feel obligated to show your appreciation in some way. What better way to do that than to "become a member" ($240.00).

If I knew then what I know now, I would say that I would still join the organization, because this VA system is just too complicated for the novice and unprepared Vet.

[yoggie2]

Arkansas has been like that for years and the receptionist want take a number and have them call back, they tell you---- to call back later. When you do call back, you get the same story. The way I see it, the VSO is unless to most vets. Now, if the SO is a high harmoned male and you are a female vet with a pretty face or eyes and legs or all of the above, you might get some service, if your skirt accidental slides up high as you sit or you bat your eyes at him allot. The other option if you are a male might be to promise them a 10% of you back pay in cash upon approval. I think this happens and has been done and some have been caught. If you haven't gotten any attention at the SO, you may be just an honest person or a female without any physical attractions in the SO's eyes.

I guess I'm going out today and get me s skirt that rides high, I'll go 260 I bet that would be a pretty sight.Haaahahahahaha

[rentalguy1]

I guess I'm going out today and get me s skirt that rides high, I'll go 260 I bet that would be a pretty sight.Haaahahahahaha

I'll go buy one for ya, baby! Red, black, or pink? Daddy gonna have fun tonight!

:P ;) :(

[rentalguy1]

Just got to remember to wear my skivvies!....lol

You're taking all the fun out of it, Rich...