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A Lay Person Claims To Be Vets Advocate

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halos2

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halos2 Veteran

halos2

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Not looking at this morally or ethically is this legal for someone to do this? Apparently calls self "advocate" not a VSO and is versed in the claims process and appeal process. Don't know this person, and someone asked if he can legally do this? Don't know if he is a vet or not either. He has assisted a few vets and they give him a small fee for his work.

Is this legal? He does not set a fee, just does some minimum wage amount. These vets were not complaining, but were so glad to get someone to help them. I don't know if this is a side business or what either. Is there such a business someone could be doing this if not a lawyer?

I know there are volunteer VSO's and paid VSO's for agency's but is it possible for someone to do this or take the VSO training and open a legit business?

I just didn't know how to answer these questions, as I never heard of anyone doing this before?? Answers appreciated to pass on to these guys. Thanks.:blink:

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halos2 Veteran

halos2

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thanks Berta, and all here who posted. This person has had the POA on a few claimants too. From what I gather, it is a minimal amount he receives from some...no particular % just whatever the vets chooses or not to offer for thanks. This guy drives to wherever the vet wants to meet. He does use the VBM, and did receive his certification from NVLSP too.

He is a vet. He does this , I guess, to offer assistance to some people who never hear back from their VSO's or never filed and don't know how to file. Like Carlie said if someone wants to give another something showing they are grateful for help I guess it really is their business. Some people can't afford to drive around because of gas prices, and a meal here or there, or a couple of gallons of petro would not hurt.

I know so many of us try to offer what we have learned, but so many out there do not have a vague idea of what constitutes a claim and its route.

I just originally posted this because I didn't know if it was legal or not.

Anytime an individual can help another to better their life, whatever means, without taking advantage of someone, then go for it.

Older vets, retired one's seem to be hesitant to file, but need the help, so I will just try to keep a watchful ear out on how this is evolving.

BTW, I was told and it is a FACT, this guy took a Viet Nam vet from no claim to 70% and TDIU within under 2 1/2 yrs...worse thing the vet never even told the guy thanks! In fact the vet acts like he doesn't know the vet. No the guy didn't tell who he helps, or what they get, I found out about this guy from a family member of the guy who got the grant/award...That really sucks as the guy did it all...requested for records, filed claims, reviewed all C-File and probably worked for weeks on this and the guy can't even say THANKS!

Oh well that's life. Guess he gets rewarded when he gets the vet approved.

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Guest terrysturgis

Guest terrysturgis

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I, like a lot of others on this forum have helped my share of Veterans win claims. The reward for me comes after they win a claim and I know I helped.

When I first found out about presumptive AO I would probably been happy to pay someone to help me through the VA process. Having said that, one day I stumbled upon Hadit. In the early days, T-Bird was strugling with the finances of the Board. Each time I won a major claim I would send a donation because I appreciated everything Terry had done on behalf of us Veterans.

Can you imagine how T-Bird (as well as other board members) feels whenever someone post in the sucess forum because of the availiability of HADIT. All at no charge.

As I said earlier, I would been glad to pay for help getting through the VA maize as when you get free help from some of the VSO'S you get what you pay for. Terry Sturgis

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Berta

Berta

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Halos said:

"This person has had the POA on a few claimants too"

The VA will allow anyone to represent a veteran as their rep on a one time basis- I posted that info here long ago-and they dont have to be formally accredited to do that.

They do have to satisfy a brief VA criteria.

If this vet is holding more then one veteran's POA - it is possible he is in fact an accredited vet rep.

A local vet rep ( fully accredited with the AL) was charging vets around here many years ago.He got into trouble and was fired from the AL.

A friend of mine called me last month from the VAMC to tell me he had been admitted and someone was helping him with his claim.His service connectable disabilities are extensive and he recently filed for PTSD and AO IHD and AO STS cancer.I had not heard from him in years and he said he had lost the original claims I helped him with when he moved.He never filed them. He said he has help now(it is from the same rep who got into trouble) but said there has been no suggestion of any fee he will owe this "rep".He is looking at TDIU and possibly SMC.Even without any SC rating currently I told him to fill out the TDIU form (which this rep should have copy of) and send it to them.That could prevent them from giving him a low balled decision.

One of the above vets who this former AL rep 'helped' and charged came to me with his claim because VA still denied it. I helped him get 100% and SMC.

Every time he sees me in the local food store or gas station he again thanks me and gives me a great big hug.

I was told by a rep from another org (when the above rep got into trouble) that it was illegal for anyone to charge a vet for help with their claim.This was many years ago.

I really don't know if that is true or not. I might call the OGC myself tomorrow and ask them.

Edited by Berta

GRADUATE ! Nov 2nd 2007 American Military University !

When thousands of Americans faced annihilation in the 1800s Chief

Osceola's response to his people, the Seminoles, was

simply "They(the US Army)have guns, but so do we."

Sameo to us -They (VA) have 38 CFR ,38 USC, and M21-1- but so do we.

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halos2 Veteran

halos2

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Called and automated voice mail said # changed to 202-461-4995...yet still don't get a live person to answer...Thanks for posting Berta.

Have to leave a message and someone will call back??

Office of General COunsel VA - Washington DC 1-202-273-6660 (Fax 1-202-273-6385)

National Veterans Legal Services Program Washington DC 1-202-273-6660

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Berta

Berta

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I am sure someone will call you back.

Those numbers I posted worked for me a few months ago but the 461-4995 looks familiar to me too-

GRADUATE ! Nov 2nd 2007 American Military University !

When thousands of Americans faced annihilation in the 1800s Chief

Osceola's response to his people, the Seminoles, was

simply "They(the US Army)have guns, but so do we."

Sameo to us -They (VA) have 38 CFR ,38 USC, and M21-1- but so do we.

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