Filing On Your Own :: Unwise Or Wise?

[autumn]

is it better to have the pva and others like them to file the claims for veterans?

do veterans stand a chance doing so on their own?

i don't know, maybe i'm just beating a dead horse on a sat. but sometimes, going through these org's is frustrating. it's like they just type a little note to the VARO and yet we're still at the mercy of the VARO. that is, what's the difference between them writing a note to VARO versus me?

i'll add this, i had to go with a pva rep out of state here due to the pva rep here was a bit unhelpful and detrimental to my case. so i don't know if the VARO resents that or what. you know?

[carlie]

so i don't know if the VARO resents that or what. you know?

autum,

NO- the VARO doesn't resent that.

If you're on the ball you can represent yourself at the VARO and BVA level.

Some want to some don't - if one is hesitant then perhaps they should get a VSO.

Personally, my claim issues have garnered more success when I have represented

myself, both at the VARO level for DRO Hearings and the BVA level for ALJ Hearings.

Had I not started out many moons ago with a VSO - I do not think I would have gotten

wrapped up in Appeals from claim issues being filed 1/2 azzed and not followed through.

But, as I posted that all began many moons ago and I feel some of the VSO's have gotten better.

Keep in mind that when you sign the POA for representation, they can file or not file, anything of their

choice without your knowledge - they have your initial signature and need nothing more.

[Philip Rogers]

Personally, I recommend representing yourself. No one cares about your claim like you do. I've found most SO's suck and have represented myself for 15 yrs. You can represent yourself, w/a little help from hadit.com, but, that'll have to be your choice. jmo

pr

Edited February 20, 2011 by Philip Rogers

[Notorious Kelly]

Autumn,

It's not too late to take over your claim.

It's natural for us to assume an 'official' person knows The System and will better navigate it for us but, VSO's get overwhelmed and even the good ones can only do so much.

It depends on bow much research you're willing to do to understand how to best represent your claim; you basically have to become an amateur attorney to win SSDI & VA benefits.

I was passionate with my claims and won (but I couldn't afford to do much else at the time anyway ).

It's not just an either/or situation either; you can research, submit material etc while still with a VSO.

I fired mine because I didn't want any behind-the-scenes actions I'd be unaware of.

Good luck!

[Berta]

I agree with these replies-

you are the best vet rep you will ever have.

I never had any supportive vet rep and I felt the last ones deliberately took steps to prevent a proper award.I filed a 34 page complaint against them with the OGC.

I am very satisfied with the final outcome.Not thrilled with OGC's investigation-but I am satisfied that the state took steps to

change things there considerably.Three of the (p[ossibly more that I named) will NEVER get the chance to screw up anyone's claim again.

The good part having a POA is this- if the VA tries to say they never received this and that and even though you have proof of mailing it- if the rep has dated copy of it as well in a POA file on you -then it is difficult for VA to say they never received what you sent to them.

[rakkwarrior]

If you seek the assistance of a VSO, you need to ask them the following questions:

What is the legal framework I need to be aware of, and that you will apply in order to win my case?

What do I need to do, and what will you do?

Will you provide a written plan of action, and what are our options of the claim is denied?

If a VSO can answer the first question, the next two should be housekeeping to ensure all parties are on the same page.

If a VSO cannot answer the first question, you need to look elsewhere.

[autumn]

Personally, I recommend represent yourself. No one cares about your claim like you do. I've found most SO's suck and have represented myself for 15 yrs. You can represent yourself, w/a little help from hadit.com, but, that'll have to be your choice. jmo

pr

if not "hadit" i would still be suffering from undiagnosed ms and its secondary issues. "hadit" educated me on getting IMO's and how to research my mil med records and get that all in order - 3 years worth of getting my records in order and what to do about it.

i did all that work/effort - no complaints - and handed that to the pva, hence, why not rep myself? especially now, that i know 100% i've actually been ill and there is a name for it and the VA does agree (finally).

i really doubt ANYONE but me, would have put that much time and good effort in researching my files and getting all that in a prepatory state that clearly showed the issues and getting IMO that more than backed all those papers up.

so, without "hadit" i'd still be out in the cold, still sick without proper treatment

hats off to "hadit" for picking me up so to speak