Vso

[sbrewer]

What information does your vso have? My husband has emailed his guy several times about getting a copy of the blue sheet, and he does not reply. He emailed something else the other day, and he replyed. Seems like he just reponds to whatever he wants to. We are trying to find out what code he is rated for. Is there anything else that this person has that we may need a copy of?

thanks,

sbrewer

[rdawg]

My VSO talked big about "walk right in there and get copies of everything" until I actully requested copies of everything. Then he started talking about how difficult it was , blah, blah ,blah. Finally, I had an appointment with him to discuss my current claim,DDD, which was denied and I asked him about another possible claim, residuals from a fractured toe. I stated that I thought it was fractured in service but wasn't sure so I wanted to see my SMR's that the VA had. Reluctantly he agreed to review the folder with me. It took 30 seconds for his assistant to retrieve my entire file, literally 30 seconds. All this stress and grief for 30 seconds worth of work.

The answer is, they have access to everything. You should demand that he/she provide you a copy of your entire c-file.

[sixthscents]

In MY experience, VSO's are incompetent, ill-trained, and look upon the job as a "fluff". The seem to do more harm than good in the times I have had to deal with them. Initially in my own case I elected to have AmVets represent me. Within minutes of talking to their rep I knew that I was going to handle my own claim. The idiot actually had the gall to send me a letter telling me he agreed with the VA's first rating...etc., and no longer wanted to represent me. I sent him a copy of my rating when I topped 100%.

I am sure there are some dedicated people out there in VSO slots... but I havent met them. Again this is just MY experience, but I've bumped into them alot in other advocacy issues.

Idiots, lazy, and the way the assemble claims actually seems to do more harm then good in the long run.

Bob Smith

[huskerfanfl]

I am not sure I can see ANY advantage in using a VSO. I live in a smaller city in Kentucky, so it si not like thet see the VA folks everyday and get chummy with them, I can write out my own paperwork, and keep a copy of it. I guess the VSO may be able to track it better, but that does not speed up the process. The VSO should be familiar with the regulations, but then again, I do extensive research on each disability I am claiming and have a good idea what percentage I should get. I guess the VSO gets the decision quicker, but that does not mean the money comes any faster.

Can any of you good folks tell me why I should use a VSO?

[Philip Rogers]

I am not sure I can see ANY advantage in using a VSO. I live in a smaller city in Kentucky, so it si not like thet see the VA folks everyday and get chummy with them, I can write out my own paperwork, and keep a copy of it. I guess the VSO may be able to track it better, but that does not speed up the process. The VSO should be familiar with the regulations, but then again, I do extensive research on each disability I am claiming and have a good idea what percentage I should get. I guess the VSO gets the decision quicker, but that does not mean the money comes any faster.

Can any of you good folks tell me why I should use a VSO?

Nope! jmo

pr

[Vike17]

Every veteran has access to their records i.e. SMR's and other paperwork file d with VA. Just request a copy of your C-file by writing a letter to your RO citing the 1974 Privacy Act stating you want a copy of your complete C-file to include all SMR's. According to Federal Law, VA has 20 days to rspond. This rarely happens due to the huge backlog, but within a few weeks you do receive it.

Another option is to call your RO and make out an apointment to personally view your C-file.

No one is trying to hide anything from anybody.

Vike 17

Edited December 19, 2006 by Vike17

[rdawg]

No one is trying to hide anything from anybody.

That makes it sound like the VA is on our side. And all is well in fairyland.

I sent the form 3288 via registered mail to my RO. Signed for by jadams(at the RO) on 15NOV2006. I called several times and they said it takes thirty days to process the letter. So I called on 15DEC2006 and they still did not process it. I called to make an appointment to see my folder and they said you have to come in to do that. So I went in to make an appointment and the guy basically thought I was requesting to see it right then and he informed me that I could not see it that I needed to make an appointment. I already had an appt. with my VSO that day and thought he would provide copies for me. He did, selectively. So finally I called and just so happenned to get the person that makes the copies and she told me to fax another letter to her. I did that and then could not get her back on the phone to verify if she received it. I spoke with someone else in the same office and she said nothing had come in on the fax all day. The copy lady also answers phones and everytime I requested to speak to her it went straight to voice mail. I left messages that were never returned. Today, I called and called and called, if she(the copy lady) didn't answer the help line then I hung up and called again until she finally answered the phone. She did not recieve the first fax (AHHHH!!!!!!) so I had to fax it again. Now she has it and says it should only take a couple of days to make the copies. She will call me when it's done and I can pick them up. I'm holding my breathe.

The bottom line is....

They make all of the claims contingent on a medical opinion that is based on the SMR's and complete c-file

which they make readily available to the C&P examiner and not you. Therefore the C&P examiners opinion, which is always against the vet (I would love to see percentages of etiology assessments), has more probative value than your dr's opinon. deny the claim, evidence not in relative equipose.