What Exactly Do Service Officer Do For Vets?

[63SIERRA]

I am trying to find out what exactly the system is, that the service officers do/ Ok for instance. My claim is at the waco va, on re open.

The service officer is in the same building with the va. Somewhere in the va, lies my claim. I know my service officer has access to my c-file, because he has my power of retardee. So now what. I was told there are 15 service officers in waco for my service org. I would imagine they are assigned cases, based on whatever, such as complicated, or simple based on thier experience.

Im just trying to picture what is actually going on,. Im envisioning a service rep sitting at a desk in his office., And im envisioning the va personell on thier side of the building, , doing whatever it is they do. So what happens, does the Service officer basically wait around until the time comes that my case Is actively being worked by the ro, then get engaged and work with them to try and improve my position, or are they working on my case on thier own and doing research and confering amongst themselves, as to how best move forward.

ANYBODY KNOW?

Some letters I get from the service org say that my claim is with the " appeals team". So that sounds like people who would know what to do at that level.

When asking my service org how things work, they are very limited in what they will say. its very need to know type dialogue. real generic answers.

Im not trying to be critical but I just dont ;like following anyone but Jesus in blind faith., I dont think knowing how the process works is too much to ask.

[K9MAL]

My VFW VSO is an incompetent twit, and that's as nice as I can put it. It's been over a year and I haven't heard squat from him so I'm going to be firing him and going it 100% on my own rather than having him mail my paperwork I produced and him taking credit for it.

[Loose Cannon]

I agree with just about everyone's comments here. Berta & JBasser...you both hit a homerun with your analysis. Meg- You are definitly a breed apart and have yet to steer me wrong so don't let our comments get you down. You have our (veterans) best interest at heart. Wish you could bottle some of it and send it to other DAV VSO's for everyone's sake!

LC

[iceturkee]

these people on this site that are giving out great info , LIVED the situations they are speaking of. Your not going to find better 1st hand knowledge than that. I appreciate you all for what you do.

Meph, thanks for all you do, and keep fighting the good fight, we need you.

Im not trying to come off as a VSO basher, ALL im trying to do is find out what the details of thier job is.

I am beyond taking anyones word for much nowadays, as ive been screwed way more than any veteran ever should be. knowledge is power, and im harvesting as much as I can.

trust me, you aren't alone in the getting hosed in all directions crowd. that's why this site is awesome. we have all been there.

[iceturkee]

If VSO's would just represent us in congress that would be worth paying dues. When they take on role of being an advocate as a POA they fall down big time. I think vets should be able to hire lawyers from the jump. However, once you make your initial claim and file your NOD you can hire a lawyer (if you can find one that wants your case). Your claim does not have to be denied as I understand it to hire a lawyer. If you are dissatisfied with your rating you file the NOD and then get the lawyer. The trouble is time. It takes a year to get the initial lowball or denial so there is a lot of pressure to get it right the first time and this almost never happens. If you get an SOC that means you have not gotten maximum benefit you might be entitled to get, therefore, the appeal and the lawyer.

i don't know john, there are many in congress as bad if not worse than many VSO's.

[63SIERRA]

Heres and interesting question..

Do veteran service officers have any access to va information or systems or files, that a veteran alone does NOT?

[infantry10]

That's a good question Sierra. I've often wondered that myself.