Vbm

john999 · March 26, 2007

If you really want to understand how complex the VA compensation system is then just get a copy of the VBM and start reading. It is amazing that any of us get anything. Since the VCAA is has gotten much easier. The VCAA is some powerful regulations that favors vets and the VBM explains this change from the well-grounded claims to where we are now. RVN vets were a huge disadvantage in the early days.

Berta · March 26, 2007

John- you are so right-

I could not give claims advise without the latest VBM right on my PC desk.

As you know I had response from the Governor's office on my POA complaint and in another issue- I mentioned the problems I had with them to Hillary,Chuck and Randy-my 3 state Senators and Reps-

In the past I donated VBMs to my local vet rep office- only one rep read the VBM- and didnt keep up with newer editions-guess he thought I would continue to donate them -

they claim the state makes them pay for additional training tools-

but what is 125 bucks a year for update claims help from NVLSP in the VBM when you make 50,000-60,000 a year to help vets with claims?

Also they have no internet access at the state offices-

and I have no idea how they access 38 CFR.

They insisted I got a real VCAA when I clearly showed them I didnt and had to send them printsout from the VBM so they would know what the VCAA is.

They made numerous errors in advise (I have it all documented-some from their main office Director) and

now they have to cough up some proof that they actually represented me-

and their remands prove the points I made in complaint letters-

Our Governor promised to look into state agencies and he sure is doing that-

one thing about griping about problems one can document- is that there is always a way to solve the problem-

I dont think the DAV, AL, or VFW etc uses the VBM either - I think they rely on training they got years and years ago-I dont even remember what was on the tests I took for the NVLSP course.

I cannot imagine anyone- whether volunteer or paid vet rep trying to help with claims without a current VBM at hand.

I told Ron Abrams-one of the NVLSP lawyers who writes it-that due to their advise I got that fast remand-

and he never questioned my AO claim at all- and was surprised they have not weighed my evidence.

But they cannot weigh what they dont have-I have forced my POAs to resubmit it all-(but I think they shit canned it)

You are right about the VBM-

It is over 1600 pages and takes time to get used to the format-

there are some things lacking- like a good explanation of the entitlement dates of Chapter 35-and the delimiting dates-

Also there is no mention of SMC under Sec 1151.Also Bonny V Principi is not expanded to include Sec 1151 widows or widowers.I made public comment on that for a new reg that the VA is considering.

VBM wants to hear of any suggestions for anything they have not included- they changed that error we noted here years ago-on the VSM-

feel free to contact Ron Abrams or Richard Spaturo or any of the lawyers at NVLSP if any of you have suggestions for the next VBM.