Which Vet Association

[kidbunch]

Hello I am a disabled Gulf War Veteran who is trying to decide which Veteran Advocate association is recommended in support of my claim with the VA concerning a claim for a service connected disability in the 1991 Gulf War? I am currently utilizing the VFW here in NW Florida to represent me when dealing with the VA. I have become very disappointed with their service. The VFW here only contacts the VA after I request from them an update on my claim. Their office, the VFW, has told me verbally several times that want me to never call the VA directly. But when I request an update from them also asking if they had called the VA they say they have no update and that have not called the VA. This does not sound right to me. I have strongly informed the VFW that my medical situation worsens by the day. It has become where I will be losing my employment very soon and being the father of 3 young children I see my ability to provide future financial support to be in jeopardy. The VFW's answer is we will look into it. They then request me to meet with them. I have done this several times over the past 6 months and when I do meet with them they have nothing new to discuss. Plus I have to take time off work to be there. I have asked them to tell me over the phone and through e-mail what will be the subject of the upcoming meeting. They always say it cannot be discussed over the phone. Then at the meeting there is nothing new to discuss. It is a waste of my time. I feel the VFW is only trying :o to justify their existence thus collect Veteran's dues. I am open to ideas.

Thanks

[Tbird]

welcome aboard

i don't belong to any service organizations, however if i was looking to join one i'd call and ask for sample of their recent magazine, post or chapter newsletters and i'd ask to go to couple of meetings to see if it serves your needs.

i've used service officers from vva, dva, legion and it seemed to really depend on the individual service officer also check out member benefits discounts and such that each offer speaking of discounts you may want to look at veteransadvantage.com it's strictly for discounts and not a service organization but a discount is still money in your pocket.

[kidbunch]

I have had sucess with the Disabled American Veterns (DAV) service organization.

If you are in Pensacola, FL, Ann Heart (DAV rep) at the Vet Center is very good.

Yes, I have heard very good things about the DAV and their support of their veteran members. I am not however in the Pensacola area, we live in the Ft. Walton area, about 40 miles away. The associations with offices here that I have seen have been the VFW and the American Legion. It would be nice to be near your association's office where you can speak directly to an association's representative Although I am sure there are other associations out there that know the best way to deal with the VA and support us Vets to the inth degree being able to eye ball someone when speaking about your claim is very comforting.

Thanks for all the input.

[Berta]

If you have the time- go to the BVA web site and click on some recent decisions from any vet org at your VARO-

Like- If your VARO is St Petes- put that into the BVA search button and click on 2006 and see what vet orgs seem to have the best rate of success at your VARO.

Or just put VFW or DAV into the search.

This can take time - do you belong to a Vet center or know vets at your VAMC enough to ask who they recommend?