Vso

[bern381]

I have been attempting to get service connected for depression secondary to chronic pain from service connected disabilities. I have been waiting a DRO review for over a year (way too long!!). Out of desperation I called a VSO located in the federal building where my claim is being processed. He helped me until he realized that I have been representing myself. Do you think the VSO at the regional office could help with my claim? If so, which one should I choose? Thanks.

[Cavman]

I would never use a VSO. Been there, done that...for a few weeks.

Hadit is your VSO.

Cavman

[Chuck75]

I have been attempting to get service connected for depression secondary to chronic pain from service connected disabilities. I have been waiting a DRO review for over a year (way too long!!). Out of desperation I called a VSO located in the federal building where my claim is being processed. He helped me until he realized that I have been representing myself. Do you think the VSO at the regional office could help with my claim? If so, which one should I choose? Thanks.

[Chuck75]

A curious thing -- in the state of Georgia, The state operates a veterans affairs department. The major organizational reps at the Atlanta VARO (DAV, VFW, etc.) are all paid by the state as state employees. The service orgs. pay for some things, such as desktop computers, etc. Conflict of interest?

[broncovet]

Did I miss something here? A Decision Review Officer that disses you because you are not represented by a Veterans Service Officer? There is a policy somewhere that states that Veterans are to be treated with the utmost care and respect, even if the Veteran is obnoxious. I really can not see how the DRO can refuse to serve you because you represent yourself legally. You pay taxes, this is part of our government, and I am not sure he can refuse service to a Veteran for any reason except, perhaps, if you threaten him with violence.

[Pete53]

Bronco:

If you look into the VSO Program it is full of incest between the VA and the Service Organizations. They go back and forth and hire on both sides of the table. Many worry more about what the other thinks than about the Veterans they are supposed to be helping.

That said I think that new people need a VSO but they also need to ride herd on their claim.