Appeal Process

[tom91]

I have a number of claims that I need to appeal. I've been reassigned to a counselor with the Vet Affairs office that previously worked on my case. He wasn't then and isn't now receptive to my needs. After many attempts to reach him, I requested their office to provide me with contact info for a VFW counselor and was informed that they are one in the same...? Is that the case? I've been informed that a VFW counselor is more successful with appeals than the Vet Affairs office..? Should I go with the DAV?

One other question - the counselor indicated that I would need to initially write a letter to the VA with a list of my appeal requests, provide to him, and it would subsequently be given to a VA Specialist for a decision. If I did not agree with that decision, then I have the right to go before a judge. Is that indeed the process?

[Commander Bob]

You have got to be kidding. IMHO,... Do not use the VA to represent you against the VA decision makers... I would use the DAV, VFW, MOPH or any other county, state or Veterans Service Organization, to handle your claim. Have you filed a Notice of Disagreement ( NOD ) yet? you have one year after receiving your letter of denial. You hang in there. Someone, more knowledgeable than I, will be by here, to help steer you in the right direction. I'll check in on you later. Good luck, and best wishes for a successful outcome.

[Josephine]

Are you sure your rep was really a couselor at the VA?

You ask about the DAV. I have heard good and bad about them, but again, this does go for other

organizations.

For me, I like the American Legion.

It is just your choice.

Betty

[jbasser]

Folks he is probally talking about his states department of Veterans Affairs.

It would be wise to go to the following orgs and talk to them, kind of like an interview process.

DAV

AL

VFW

Amvets.

Make you a list of questions and ask the same ones to each one. Someone here from Hadit may live close and have had success with a particular group or person.

Post your location and someone may chime in.

J

[poolguy11550]

Lets see how difficult is your claim is - what are the conditions being claimed and why did the RO deny these claims? When did you receive the the decision letter?

[tom91]

Sorry friends....it's TN Vet Affairs. I've not done a NOD or anything else at this point. The decisions were all back in August - October of 08. Some claims were approved but should have back pay (original counselor agreed as well), while others I disagree with the % given or either was denied.

[Commander Bob]

Sorry friends....it's TN Vet Affairs. I've not done a NOD or anything else at this point. The decisions were all back in August - October of 08. Some claims were approved but should have back pay (original counselor agreed as well), while others I disagree with the % given or either was denied.

Good Morning tom91, ...I have used the DAV, American legion, Military order of the Purple Heart, and a county service officer to help me with my VA claim over the years. The DAV and AL seemed to have helped me more. But that's just my experience. I am using the MOPH to assist me with the AO claim, right now, because I know the guy. It's up to you and the area you live in, as to which organization you feel comfortable with. I like the DAV's back up system, on a national level. However, as it has been pointed out by jbasser, Josephine and others here, it's your choice. It is most important for you to file your "Notice of Disagreement" within one year from the first VA denial you received. You mentioned DAV. Is their office close to you? Do you know any vets that are familiar with the quality of the veterans service orginazitions in your area?

Edited February 6, 2009 by Commander Bob 92-93