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.

[meghp0405]

I would gladly join all VSO's if they got together and had a PAC like the NRA and could buy us some politicians that would always vote pro-vet. Most of these elected bastards just count votes and money donations. If you can deliver money or votes you are s**t on their heels. This is the real facts of political life in America. Nothing to do with principles or any of that crap just money and votes. An honest politician is one who when bought, stays bought. If you wonder why we have so much trouble with our claims it is not rouge VA. It suits politicians from both sides to ignore or shaft us.

and that's exactly why I made a comment a couple weeks ago pertaining to veterans contacting their elected official for assistance with their claim. They really don't care anymore and that's just a bonified fact...

[Loose Cannon]

the volunteer vso's no longer have access. that stopped about 5 (?) years ago. Now, if you are a paid VSO, they have access to the VBMS...

I never knew this...Thank you! I imagine most young vets don't either. I honestly assumed that when I gave POA to a VSO years ago to file and assist me with my claims that they would have access to EVERYTHING. I see now how unleveled the playing field has become!

Thanks to 63Sierra for RAISING THIS QUESTION in post #72 of this thread and Meg for opening my eyes to that fact...A fact that free VSO's should be required by law to disclose to potential vet "clients".

LC

Edited January 11, 2014 by Loose Cannon

[63SIERRA]

I never knew this...Thank you! I imagine most young vets don't either. I honestly assumed that when I gave POA to a VSO years ago to file and assist me with my claims that they would have access to EVERYTHING. I see now how unleveled the playing field has become!

Thanks to 63Sierra for RAISING THIS QUESTION in post #72 of this thread and Meg for opening my eyes to that fact...A fact that free VSO's should be required by law to disclose to potential vet "clients".

LC

actually though, if its free, your not thier client, your thier project. which may not be a bad thing because they are doing it because the want to. And are not as likely to be polishing golf balls for their va bretheren.

Edited January 11, 2014 by 63SIERRA

[iceturkee]

I never knew this...Thank you! I imagine most young vets don't either. I honestly assumed that when I gave POA to a VSO years ago to file and assist me with my claims that they would have access to EVERYTHING. I see now how unleveled the playing field has become!

Thanks to 63Sierra for RAISING THIS QUESTION in post #72 of this thread and Meg for opening my eyes to that fact...A fact that free VSO's should be required by law to disclose to potential vet "clients".

LC

i actually had two dav dso's disclose. i trusted one but the other was next to worthless.

[john999]

So who is going to represent us and advocate for us in congress? I want an advocate who will speak for me in DC. I wrote VFW and DAV with questions and then never even answered me via email. However, they ask for money.

[Loose Cannon]

So who is going to represent us and advocate for us in congress? I want an advocate who will speak for me in DC. I wrote VFW and DAV with questions and then never even answered me via email. However, they ask for money.

I see 2 groups doing the most right now: VeteranWarriors and The American Legion. But as others point out, without the big $$ lobbyists they are only making noise on our behalf. What a shame. I really can't answer your question. Cast your votes wisely folks...

LC

http://veteranwarriors.weebly.com/

http://www.legion.org/front

Edited January 12, 2014 by Loose Cannon