DAV vs VA Claims Insider. Which is better at advocating for us as a VSO?

If they charge you a fee, they are not a VSO and I would be highly suspicious of anything they promise. It's like getting a lawyer out of the back of the Army Times. I used the DAV to help me file my claim. It went reasonably well and they were very helpful. I separated at Ft Carson. They had an office on post. I sat down with my records and the rep. We talked for a while and help worked the claim while I sat there. Once we were in the same page he walked me down the hall to the VA rep. I signed and filed on the spot. The VA stamped my claim as filed and the day after I retired (official ETS date) my claim was awarded. No quibbling over service connection etc as it was filed while I was on AD in my last 90 days.

Don't pay someone to do this. If you don't like DAV, go to the VFW or American Legion for help. You Need to ensure The organization is a 501c non profit

DAV, VFW, etc... are all very good about VSO. If someone ask you to pay them for help you on a VA claim, run away from them like the devil from the cross! They are scammers. I filed prior to retirement with the help from the VFW; no issues.

Met with DAV.. started using acronyms and the Rep could not follow me.. So I did it myself.. now at 194% ..VA calculator. Learn US code and VA regs.. regarding disability.. Lawyers have to learn it
So can you all on line, especially Schedule of Disabilities.

Look the VSO, are trained and doing it to help fellow Vets, they have been in your shoes. Paying someone to do the same thing is crazy (to me)

Had an advocate, never received correspondence, didn't inform me he had moved out of state, so fired him joined DAV got immediate results and advice.

First off... there are 9 organizations right now that provide free filing and representation under the constitutional charter. They CAN NOT charge you. Anyone or any organization that charges you is a scam. That being stated, an organization like the DAV, VFW, American Legion, etc... is just that, the individual that you elect to represent you is still an individual. I am a VSO for the VFW. I know some VSO's that I wouldn't let pet my dog. I know some that I should have filed with when I got out. Pick your poison, the representing organization is not the solvency, the individual is. I will never pay a dime for what I earned the hard way. Best of luck to you.

I had DAV myself and was approved in less than six months.

I filed long after I retired at my wife's urging. I knew the staff at my local county VSO and they were very helpful. No reason to pay anyone IMHO. VSO is the right and easy answer as they are highly trained, and vets themselves.

I joined the VFW and became a VSO - always learned by doing and helped a lot of fellow veterans along the way... On that note you get what you pay for, nobody cares about your claim as much as you do so educate yourself and seek guidance from as many resources as possible. If you have your ducks in a row and hands on all of your paperwork - should be fine, if not, it can be a struggle. Best place to start is your County and State Veterans Service Officer, they can assist greatly- next choose a VSO trained by the VA or your state. I personally refuse to pay anyone to assist with claims, there are just to many free resources to be had...

I use VA Claims Insider and have used a VSO. You get what you pay for. The VSO(s) I have had weren’t worth a shit. VA Claims insider has actually taken an interest in my VA claims and given me sound advice. They have a dog in the fight. They do not get any money until you don’t.