Nvlsp

[john999]

NVLSP refused to represent me in my case against the military for giving me a "personality disorder" discharge when I returned from Vietnam. The thing was that the VA rated me as having a bono fide medical mental health condition effective the day after discharge. I guess I must have gone nuts within the 24 hours after discharge. I think they just want slam/dunk sorts of recent claims and not crusty old claims from Vietnam vets. I know it has been more than fifteen years since my discharge, but I know they make exceptions in pursuit of justice. You know Plato wrote a book just on that subject of the nature of justice. The NVLSP should read it. There is no justice in this world for most of us vets. You may get a check every month but that sure ain't justice.

John

[Vync]

John,

You're absolutely right. I used to shoot commercials for lawyers. One was an ambulance chaser and told me they never touch anything unless there is a great likelihood of a win. If NVSLP were to take on your case, would there be significant retro? They do help vets, but also may be interested in a piece of the pie... I have never had any interaction with them, so I can't speak from experience.

[broncovet]

I was represented by NVLSP 3 years ago. They have about 90% success, but really dont accept any cases unless they are absolutely certain there is precedential case law saying they will win.

They accepted mine because the Board did not give an adequate "reasons and bases" for decision. This is an automatic remand, no questions asked. No ifs ands or buts.

NVLSP also represented me pro bono.

Unfortunately, it turned out it was a mistake for me to be represented by NVLSP. Why?

I will explain. They took my case ONLY on the issue of an inadequate R and B. NOTHING ELSE. ONLY at CAVC. They got their remand, and they got EAJA fees. What did I get? Well, I got a remand and then a denial. I got an empty lolipop stick as Alex would say it.

You see, NVLSP will work for EAJA fees. Its not much, but they only take cases they know they will get paid. "Regular" attorneys dont really want the pittance they get from EAJA fees. They want 20 percent of 500,0000 retros. I dont know how much my attorney made but I think it was less than 5000, and maybe less than 3000. But all I got, really, was a 3 year delay. Had I do it over again, I would not hire NVLSP to represent me. They are better than VSO's..yes. But they are kinda like half way between lawyers and VSO's. They really did not fight for me..they fought for EAJA fees. They pressured me to sign a JMR (Joint motion for remand) which I wish I had not done. The JMR means they get paid, but resulted in pretty much zero for me.

Alex hired a "real" attorney about the same time I was represented by NVLSP. I thought..gee..I get an attorney and dont have to pay for it. Nope.

I paid, with a 3 year delay and no real money at all. IN the mean time, Alex got a six figure retro.

Now, I just hired a real attorney and have to start the clock all over...3 years later.

NVLSP is great for training attorneys, and for writing the VBM. But, for me, it did not work out well for me

Edited July 22, 2015 by broncovet

[Vync]

Back before the DRO unscrewed up my claims, I talked with a couple of lawyers, but not the NVLSP. They pretty much told me the same thing. They advised me to pursue through the RO, then BVA, and they would only enter the picture at the CAVC level. My claim was not a slam dunk, but after I got my C-file I realized the VA screwed up my totally ignoring my evidence - that's then the DRO did me right. That's about as close to a lawyer as I like to get.

Have you thought of looking at other law firms, perhaps the ones who have appeared on SVR radio here?