Do you need a VSO?

[networker67]

Hummm great question and the answer is very simple.

Depends on you as a person and your background.

I say that for this simple reason. If you have access to and the ability to read and interpret the Manuals VA Employees use to adjudicate claims COUPLED with the ability write detailed letters stating what you claiming and how it is linked to your military service, PLUS the time it takes to stay on top of changes to the VA process. You have absolutely no need for a service officer.

Now since the specifics above don't fit the general veterans population. And the few that it does fit HAPPEN TO BE VSO's.

I guess the rest of us should take advantage of someone willing to stay on top of these things.

I personally no longer use a VSO. But here's why I don't use one.

1. I have a subscription to the manuals VA Employees use along with my copies of the manuals.

2. I have the ability to write specific detailed letters about my conditions.

3. I have a copy of my complete VA Claim Folder and I have detailed records of what I send to VA and when I sent it.

4. I visit online and read the FAST Letters as they are called monthly.

5. I know the specific levels of disability as they apply to my conditions and I know when they progress to what VA calls the next level.

Now for those that need a VSO, help your VSO help you.

1. Give him/her a workable claim to begin with.

2. If you have been denied three times for that issue before enlisting the services of the VSO. TELL THE VSO what you have done.

3. If you are going to use a VSO, combine your efforts with their efforts. To many veterans view the VSO as an assistant, NOT A PARTNER. The VSO isn't there for him/her to work from one end and you work the other. The VSO is there to work WITH YOU.

[babyduck16r]

Networker,how are you doing,i read your post,i have a state veterans affairs service officer helping with my claim,but i am doing most of the leg work myself. I have a claim in with DRO.GO to the appeals topic in this forum and read the thread THE WHOLE STORY and reply.THANK YOU.
babyduck