hypertension How Good And Effective Are The Vso's? Upcoming Osa Claim In The Works.

[bob_abad]

Hi gang,

I never bothered to work or seek assistance from VSO in the past. I did it all(initial AO Claim & 3 Reopen claims) by myself, working effectively w/ my Oakland VARO. I learned a lot from hadit(only!), the tactics and prepping up of my successful Reopen claims.

This upcoming OSA claim as secondary to "DM-II", "Hypertension", "Diabetic Neprhopathy-Micrlalbumiruia/Protenuria", "ED", and "Tinnitus" will be my biggest challenge. I will include cumulative evidences, and IMO from my private PC, onward. Thanks to preliminary advices from Berta, Poolguy11550, & others..

My question is, can they(like DAV) really help me, or should I just continue doing it by myself, and work closely w/ my VARO VSR? Really need an honest opinion here.

I wanted to win this one with a touchdown, and not be intercepted. But I have to have an efficient play call.

Your advice, please. Thanks for your time.

[vaf]

The problem with VSO's is that it's a crapshoot as to whether you get a good one vs. a real stinker. Unless you can find one who is willing to discuss things with you, but not be a dictator who insists that you never challenge his opinion, I would continue representing myself. If it works, don't fix it. After awhile, you'll know as much, if not more, about handling your claims than he will.

[bob_abad]

vaf,

"but not be a dictator who insists that you never challenge his opinion, I would continue representing myself. If it works, don't fix it. After awhile, you'll know as much, if not more, about handling your claims than he will"

This is why I was turned off w/ our local VSO initially. Don't do this, dont do that! What's wrong w/ this dude? With my experiences now & w/ hadit in particular, I will be the only one to know more in handling my claim onward. Besides, you guys are always there for me if I have further questions anyway.

Will continue doing it myself w/ all the ducks lined up. I feel good w/ your comment, vaf.

Thanks and have a good day to all!!!!

[john999]

If you go for a hearing it is OK to have a VSO there just to make sure things are on the level. It is good to have someone in the room who should know all the procedures. I would continue to do all the evidence building and planning the claim myself.

[broncovet]

If the game is on the line, then you need great "play calling", a "great game plan", and great execution. My recomendation is that you NOT burn down any bridges and go ahead and use your favorite VSO but remember..you are the owner and you can fire the VSO, hire another one, or be the coach yourself if your VSO cant even run the ball without fumbling.

Your VSO CAN help you, but remember he has MUCH LESS financial interest in your claim than you do, so CYA. Keep an eagle eye on your VSO, and dont give him a "blank check".

Go behind him and make sure he does what he says. In at least ONE way, he can be a good help. For example, if you submit your documents through your VSO, he will have a record that they have been submitted, so, WHEN your VARO says, "We dont have any record of your....document", then ask your VSO to send it to them AGAIN, and then file a request for special claims handling due to the "October incident" (The shredder incident).

IN summary, go ahead and use a VSO, but WATCH HIM and take him out of the game if he fumbles the ball.

A VSO will rarely hurt your case, but may not be that much help, so your dowside risk is low, but you do have some upside potential with him.

Edited January 16, 2009 by broncovet

[Pete53]

To me the problem is and always has been that your VSO who at the Hearing has never seen you or talked to you will usually open your file when you walk into their office. I had three hearings and the VSO opened the hearong and more or less went over a canned speech that was duly recorded and than I took over my Hearing and testified by asking questions, providing comments about why the VA did not look at evidence, submitted a cover page with referrals to VA regulations and CVA rulings that favored my claim. I was respectful and my wife would testify at how I had changed from my service and some of my weirdness ie panic attacks and refusal to leave home.

In all three hearings something happened that helped me towards winning the claim. For me I was lucky because I was a trained negotiator and was able to take apart VA prior decisions point by point. At my last hearing the Hearing Officer said I had the best organized and presented claim that he had seen but he also had some understanding of panic disorder and what it does to people.

So my advise is to use the VSO they have access that you don't but take over your claim when they finish. Present your case with evidence and ask for specific reliefe according to VA rules and Regulation. The BVA is a gold mine of cites that you can use.

Good Luck

[vaf]

To me the problem is and always has been that your VSO who at the Hearing has never seen you or talked to you will usually open your file when you walk into their office. I had three hearings and the VSO opened the hearong and more or less went over a canned speech that was duly recorded and than I took over my Hearing and testified by asking questions, providing comments about why the VA did not look at evidence, submitted a cover page with referrals to VA regulations and CVA rulings that favored my claim. I was respectful and my wife would testify at how I had changed from my service and some of my weirdness ie panic attacks and refusal to leave home.

In all three hearings something happened that helped me towards winning the claim. For me I was lucky because I was a trained negotiator and was able to take apart VA prior decisions point by point. At my last hearing the Hearing Officer said I had the best organized and presented claim that he had seen but he also had some understanding of panic disorder and what it does to people.

So my advise is to use the VSO they have access that you don't but take over your claim when they finish. Present your case with evidence and ask for specific reliefe according to VA rules and Regulation. The BVA is a gold mine of cites that you can use.

Good Luck

Pete, if I can ever convince my husband to pick up stakes here and get on I-20 and move to East Texas like I wish we'd do, I want YOU to be his VSO!!!