I am not having much luck with DAV. What VSO services do you recommend for helping with a claim?

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:14:59 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 8:18 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:18:02 -0400

I have heard good things about the American Legion, But I have not personaly used them yet. But that is who I am going to be going through here in a couple months.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 8:18 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:18:45 -0400

I can't single out an individual VSO as "the best", but what I can tell you i that any packet prepared by a VSO is head and shoulders better than the ones the Veteran has tried to do themselves. Depending on your situation and where you are, a lot of times the state Veteran's Service Organization is a good bet. Texas has an exceptional one, from what I have seen.
Otherwise, American Legion is readily accessible in most locations.

Out of curiousity, what specific issue are you running into with DAV?

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Mar 23 at 2017 8:22 AM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 08:22:13 -0400

Backstory -- I've had the DAV as my VSO for sometime. I've talked to them multiple times and they've not helped in any step of the way. I submitted my FDC on my own. Each time I call the VSO they lament there is only a couple of them for the whole state (Florida).

My claim was submitted on 1/9/2017

My C&P exam was never scheduled by them. I got a letter that it should be scheduled within 30 days; but, nobody called.

I'm near the Lake Nona VA and Lake Baldwin VA centers.

First time I called I was told my file was sent to Colorado for scheduling. Then I was told it was sent to Vero.

I have also been trying to get on the burn registry but the system keeps saying I'm not eligible so I called and made a manual appointment for the burn registry at Lake Baldwin.

Meanwhile I'm still trying to get my C&P exam. I call Vero and finally talk to someone who is willing to help and he says he can't get me in for several months. I explain to him that I"m closer to Lake Baldwin or Lake Nona.

He looks and sees that I have an appointment at Lake Baldwin; but, told me it was made incorrectly and they couldn't do it as a burn registry; but, he did change it to my C&P exam.

I went and the examiner confirmed all the findings and recommended approval.

Since 2/13 it has been in"Preparation for Decision".

My concern is that I'm just locked up somewhere (especially since I was bounced all around for the C&P exam).

Current timeline is

4/21/2017 - 7/7/2017

Which I realize is still a month away.

But, I'd like an advocate on my behalf to ensure I am actually in a queue somewhere.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 23 at 2017 9:03 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:03:20 -0400

Have you tried the Vietnam Veterans of America? They can help any Veteran with their claim, not just Vietnam-era vets. I work on a national foundation that helps fund their service officer program and they get some great results. They even helped me before I was on that board.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Mar 23 at 2017 9:55 AM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:55:08 -0400

I'm not certain of a good one. I know the VFW doesn't do much for me, but there are cheap drinks when I go whine about it at the bar.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Mar 23 at 2017 10:08 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 10:08:41 -0400

Go into eBenefits and logon. Create an account if you do not have one. Then search for an ACCREDITED claims agent or attorney in your area.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Mar 23 at 2017 11:25 AM

PO2 Robert M. — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:25:07 -0400

Personally, I use the Paralyzed Veteran's of America! - they are great for ME ( I was medically retired due to the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis back in the 80's ) - and Minneapolis/St Paul has a Traumatic Brain Injury ( TBI ) center that a lot of Doctors from the University of Minnesota assist. I Thank God everyday for the VA in Minneapolis/St. Paul. I guess I am lucky.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 23 at 2017 11:32 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:32:04 -0400

VFW or American Legion usually have people that can help you. Some states and counties have full time personnel as well...but use the advice given below from SSgt Jim Gilmore as well.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 23 at 2017 11:32 AM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:32:04 -0400

VFW!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 1:15 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:15:10 -0400

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. I submitted paperwork myself, and was not getting anywhere. I contacted a VFW VSO, and he helped me with my claim.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Mar 23 at 2017 1:48 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:48:27 -0400

I was an AMVETs member and when I went to file my claim, I listed them as my VSO. I found out they were not handling any more claims in Iowa. My county Veterans Commissioner recommended DAV. So I listed them and they are my advocate even though I am not a member. I have been fortunate that I have not had to use their services. I also did not renew my AMVETs membership. It sounds like the VSOs are hit or miss. My County Commissioner has been the best asset for me by far. So I would check to see if you have one and start there.

Response by SPC Greg Stokes made Mar 23 at 2017 3:09 PM

SPC Greg Stokes — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:09:52 -0400

Americal Legion helped me out tretremendously

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 24 at 2017 2:36 AM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 02:36:15 -0400

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. I would recommend your state department of veterans affairs. They too have VSOs.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Mar 24 at 2017 9:50 AM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 09:50:46 -0400

Go to your nearest American Legion Post. Inquire as to their VSO program. ALL Legion VSO's are accredited. The Legion has people who can sit with you to get your basic information and then direct you to the VSO but once you are directed to the VSO, you are in like flint! You do not have to be a member of the Legion, but if you are not a member of a Service Organization Joining the Legion would be your best bet because it was the Legion who started the fight for the veterans Administration and has fought every step of the way to keep it going and make it better. besides, we are the oldest and the largest Veterans service Group in the Republic.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 24 at 2017 11:26 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 11:26:26 -0400

Contact me off line if you want some help

Response by LTC Kristina Williams made Mar 24 at 2017 1:15 PM

LTC Kristina Williams — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 13:15:34 -0400

I used Military Order of the Purple Heart. They reviewed medical records in two days. The next day I turned them into the San Antonio VA (March 2016) and within a week I was scheduled for my all my appointments. My rating came back at 100% in October 2016. Bottom line, I had a very good experience using MOPH. Good Luck!

Response by 1SG Vernon Truax made Mar 30 at 2017 4:57 PM

1SG Vernon Truax — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:57:37 -0400

Find the County Veterans Service Officer where you live they do great work

Response by SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. made Mar 30 at 2017 9:20 PM

SPC Jeff Hogan, M.S., M.P.S. — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 21:20:04 -0400

I will provide some updates:

I made my intent to file after learning that my sleep apnea could be secondary to my service connected diagnose of deviated septum. Google taught me a great deal about how to craft this claim.

12-2-2016 -- Intent to File
1/9/2017 -- submitted claim -- gathering of evidence
2/13/2017 -- preparation for decision
3/23/2017 -- pending decision approval
3/30/2017 ( think -- at least thats when I noticed it) preparation for notification

I did get a letter from the DAV dated March 23rd that my claim was approved for 50% disability for the sleep apnea.

I haven't yet seen anything formal on ebenefits -- but, the day I posted this was the day it changed from Step 5 to Step 6. Today I noticed in in Step 7.

My claim is out of St Pete

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 16 at 2017 7:40 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 19:40:22 -0400

Me to: DAV is a problem. State VSOs are over by the Cemetery, good spot

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2017 8:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 20:45:26 -0400

I just feel bad for our Korean War veterans, Vietnam-era veterans, Desert Storm/Desert Shield veterans, and pre-9-11 vets who have been shafted by the VA when trying to do their initial and follow-on VA claims. I’m truly thankful that the VA claim system has improved during my era, and I would never truly understand the frustration that some of our previous veterans have gone through. Without their lobbying of Congress to fix the system, I would have never been in this position. I’m truly grateful to all those past veterans who have addressed these issues.

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made Apr 26 at 2017 9:25 PM

MSgt Carl Stokes — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 21:25:51 -0400

well I will say thank you for letting me know this about the DAV, I was just about to send in my remaining dues for full membership but after reading this blog and the comments , I dont believe I will now.

Response by SrA Jimmy Conant made Jun 12 at 2017 6:56 AM

SrA Jimmy Conant — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:56:38 -0400

Find someone who has the time to take care of your claim. Go join the legion or vfw and sit with the guy or girl and see if they can help

Response by SPC Phil Hardwidge made Aug 27 at 2017 7:29 PM

SPC Phil Hardwidge — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 19:29:40 -0400

Get a lawyer.