How to pick a VSO rep?

[armorer]

My first few years were stumbling around wasting time, because VSO's I have tried seemed good only at first: and then they left, turned against me for some unknown reason, or just did nothing due to being overwhelmed. And NONE did a complete package with nexus, expert opinions, and a proper claim package (not one!) One supervisor did give me 3 claim requirements, but I interpreted a nexus as a survey from the Vet, which I guess is good. But it is not as important an MD nexus officially, or in root cause analysis (from an experienced military-VA M.D.)

I now have an extremely military experienced VSO at the VA, but he cannot represent me properly due to working at the VA. Is this as at is good as it gets? Did I get lucky with the VA VSO I got? I would sure like a competent VSO who could represent me, but many seem like they have a difficult time with daily living activities (I wish I were kidding, but maybe I've just been unlucky too.)

Any guidance would be appreciated. The extra nice thing would be if the competent VSO were also free as they are supposed to be. But since most are not competent, it seems unrealistic that you could find one who is free too. I would just like a good one, paid or not, that is effective and not just throwing darts. Everyone says I should have a good VSO, but no one knows where to find one either. I'll ask my experienced military VA VSO, but I can almost hear him saying it would be a conflict of interest if he told me where to find one at.

Edited November 23, 2016 by armorer

[Andyman73]

While there are good VSOs out there, nobody knows who they are, unless they are actually being represented by them.  As you are finding out, most are only in it for themselves, and yes, the organizations are deep in bed with the VA...since that is where they get most of their money from. 

My own experience was with a group whose initials nearly mirror the initials of the VA.  They didn't send me letters or documents that they told me where in the mail.  Also when they recommended a course of action on my claims...it was always deny deny deny.  So they helped me by standing in front of me, acting as a bouncer for the VA, preventing me from gaining entry into their club of claims granted.

Many of us here have similar experiences with VSOs. A few have had positive experiences, tho. I'm sure some on here can and will give you better advice and guidance, but as for me...your best option is not with any VSO.

[Berta]

You could take the time to search any recent decisions at the BVA that involved your VARO and see who represented the claimant , if they won at the BVA level...but that would only show who their POA was...DAV, AL, VFW etc, no names would be there.

 You stated:

"And NONE did a complete package with nexus, expert opinions, and a proper claim package (not one!) "

That is not their job at all ....proving a nexus is your job, getting an IMO/IME if needed is your job, and filing and pursuing a proper claim ' package' is also your job too.

Others here might disagree but in my experience, a veteran makes a BIG mistake if they think their vet rep will do a lot to move their claim forward. They get paid a salary whether they are good or bad vet reps.

Some reps will certainly advise the veteran all the ways they can attempt to prove their nexus, and also how to get their SMRs and military 201 files, and some will even tell the vet they might need an IMO/IME to overcome any lousy C & P exam, but all of that info is here at hadit.

I had vet reps who worked against me years ago and once I got away from them -that is when my claims turned around. There are GOOD vet reps out there ,but like the lousy ones, they dont have time to call or email vets back and are completely overwhelmed---- because they do a good job.

The best rep a vet can get is who they see in their bathroom mirror every morning....BUT they have to be willing to read, read, read,.........the regulations that control their claims, the rating schedules, the advice here, willing to try to contact buddys sometimes, get what might be costly IMO/IMEs, search carefully through their SMRs etc etc...

and no vet rep is going to do all that for them....

but if a vet prepares enough evidence to show a vet rep they have a valid claim, they might get the full support of the rep on it. Maybe 

I sent an email to the lawyer who handled my last POA org, to show him what I won (a staggering amount)

in 2009

yet ,as he well knew because of a complaint I had filed with the OGC) his outfit had no faith in the claim, (AO DMII death claim) ,could care less about the evidence, lied about a DRO review, and lied about a VCAA violation. An I also emailed him about my last CUE award, another claim they acted like I was crazy to even file, because the rep had told me Not to file a NOD.They  are no longer paid vet reps.(or directors) .

You probably might  have more time than any vet rep does anyhow to bolster your claim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 23, 2016 by Berta

[wingnut73]

John Dorle

[Buck52]

I agree with Ms berta 100%

 or Simply Stay on Hadit .Com  & work your claim yourself, you be better off!

 

[broncovet]

Most people "pick" a VSO who is the most available.  In other words if VSO "A" can not make an appointment with you until next month, and "B" has free time this afternoon, they go with B.  

Its the worst way to pick a VSO.  This ensures you will be picking a VSO that is either new, or, that multiple other Veterans were dis satisfied with and got fired by their Veteran.  Both are a disaster waiting to happen.  

Make an appointment with the VSO with the longest waiting line.  Now, that is the VSO in your area with the best reputation.  If you want a job done, give it to a busy man. 

HOwever, since most VSO's dont even bother to return Veterans calls anyway, it may be time to consider either self representation or a professional (lawyer).  

[Berta]

Armorer -I did a search and found that you mentioned having an attorney here, in October.

We cannot give our POA to more than one entity at a time. 

Maybe I read that October post wrong.