Need Claim Help In Fort Worth Area

[TXNVYMOM]

Can anyone suggest someone to assist in filing an appeal to the VA ratings in the Fort Worth area? We got the big brown envelope...but were disappointed with the 40%. I feel that several issues were just glossed over. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Also...they requested a Certified copy of his DD-214. To the best of our knowledge it hasn't changed since he was discharged in January, 2011 and how do you get a Certified one quickly enough to send in to the Winstom-Salem office. He personally took this DD214 to the VA in December 2010 just prior to his January 2011 end of service.

Edited August 19, 2011 by TXNVYMOM

[Susan]

TXNVYMOM

I have had no personal experience in an appeal. Perhaps someone here more experienced will guide you on whether it is better to file an appeal or take another route which might be shorter.

I do know that the DD-214 used to be filed with the county where the vet resided. The vet would file it themselves. I do not know how long that takes and whether that would work in time for you. The county courthouse might be able to file it quicker and get you a certified copy if that is what is needed. Is it possible that it was already filed by you or your vet when they were discharged?

Recently, I went to a couple of Texas county courthouses and learned with the last document that if it is needed for a veteran claim there was no charge.

[broncovet]

Im not in the Fort Worth Area, but this is what you need to do:

File a NOD. List the decision date, and the issues of which you are disputing. Pay careful attention to the decisions "reasons and bases" for decision. If you think these are invalid, then so state, in the NOD and why. You will need to decide whether or not you want a hearing, and if you want to go the DRO route. I recommend DRO.

If the VARO denies you again, say after a DRO review (its also possible you could be awarded benefits at the DRO review), then the VA will issue you a SOC. You need to file an I9 within 60 days to perfect your appeal.

[Pete53]

Every County in Texas has their own Service Officers and also the VAMC in Dallas has offices for all the service organizations.

http://www.tarrantcounty.com/eVeterans/site/default.asp

They probably have the DD 214 just to lazy to look for it in your file.

[TXNVYMOM]

Thank you all for the information...I really appreciate it!!

Pete53...I feel sure they have a copy of the DD 214 as it was hand delivered prior to leaving the service and Virginia. But...it is a good thing to go and file it with the county and then it's secure. Then we will send it certified mail....I learned that from the good folks here at Hadit!!