Vso Dilemna

[chr49]

This is chr49's wife. I help with C's claims so I feel a responsibility here. We live 2.5 hours from the VSO's location so that's been a problem. Cr went to his office to initiate a secondary claim back in January and was instructed to send everything thru him so he could make copies, see that they got to the VRO properly, and he could stay aware of what was going on, so we've complied with that request. Since January, Cr has received 2 letters from the VRO asking for information/evidence. Each time he phoned his VSO, asked his opinion and let him know that we would send him our packet when it was finished. C's never phoned him excessively or held him on the phone(phoned him exactly 3 times since January)and he's always been polite in his communications.

CR's recently received a denial letter, so he phoned his VSO to set up an appointment to see him. When he got off the phone I asked him what was wrong and he said the guy was rude and wouldn't even allow him to give him his claim #, saying he needed to take his letter to a VSO a bit closer to our home. I told him the VSO must have misunderstood, most likely he gets tons of calls and wasn't aware that C's entire file is in his office but C's having a hard time trusting the situation and refused to call him back. Neither of us understand what's happening. But this isn't the end of the story......

When C received the denial letter I noticed that an entire packet of evidence wasn't included in the list of evidence used. The packet was sent in response to a VRO letter and was supposed to be submitted to the VRO by his VSO early in April. I want to believe it was sent because the VSO sent CR further paperwork for his files after receiving our packet. The VRO claims they never received the packet. So how does C handle this from this point on?

Is it proper for C to look for another VSO or is that a no-no? If so, does he need to stay with the TN DVA? He really doesn't think this VSO wants to help him anymore.

Kathy

Edited August 13, 2010 by chr49

[chr49]

ALL VA Regional Offices have a FAX number (I have all the FAX numbers around here someplace). FAX the stuff to them. The date that they receive the FAX is your established effective date. Then, then send them a "paper copy" (I use FedEx for MY own personal correspondence with the VARO, it costs $7-$8 bucks and well worth it........I know, I know, it's overkill but MY ALTER EGO, the one with the OCD..........he likes overkill)!

As regards POA's and the "firing" of a POA or VSO...............all you have to do is fill out ANOTHER VA form 21-22, listing your NEW VSO/POA and that automatically removes your prior POA from your file and institutes you NEW POA. No other form is necessary, as long as you are REPLACING one VSO for ANOTHER!

Excellent advice Larry. I was hoping you'd chime in. Cr has recently gotten the VARO fax number so we will be following thru in the manner you describe. I always mail C's stuff certified, return receipt ($$$$) but it's well worth it.

Kathy

Note: Talked to Cr at work. He sounded good and said the Vet Center sent him where he needed to go. We will talk more tonight. Thanks to all that have helped me thru this!!!

Edited August 13, 2010 by chr49