Who has the best record for getting Veteran claims approved or increased? DAV, VFW, ect and ect or does it really matter?

I usually don't like to post too much in rally-point as I got out of the service as a Jr. Enlisted, but this is one subject matter I have an experience dealing with. Please do not do this alone, for the same reason you don't go to the IRS audit alone, or go to represent yourself in a criminal court. Yes you may come out okay, but statistic says you can lose a limb and still technically get less compensation than someone who got shot in the arm and loses movement. It depends on your injuries and how it prevents you from living a normal life and performing gainful employment. But the most important thing is to be well informed of the process. And as far as choosing your VSO for helping you fill out the claim I would go with the suggestions that some below already said which is it depends on your area. I also hear the best things about the DAV, so I don't think you can really go wrong with them but at least in my area a different VSO was recommended. The best wisdom I can impart you is this...

1. Be prepared, document any and all injuries an ailments in the service. Don't be macho and keep it in. Your are not the VA, you are not a DR (okay so some of you are) let the experts decide whether you should be compensated or not. Don't sell yourself short. Also get a copy of all your medical records, mines was lost in limbo for over 6 months because the VA couldn't find it. But having a copy of my office visits, profiles, specialist referrals really saved me.

2. The minute you get your DD214, go to your nearest VSO office which is usually at the VA center anyways. Your compensation is based on the date you file so even if it takes a year you will get back pay. I think you can even file before you get out, check with your chosen VSO office for specifics.

3. Don't miss any compensation appointment, your 1SGT or SGM is not going to come after you, squad leader isn't going to call you, but if you miss your appointment, there goes your claim.

4. Come to your appointment prepared to explain your case. Dates of injury, how is it military related, what happened, why has this affected your ability to live a normal life and have gainful employment.

5. Take my advice with a grain of salt. Read all the documentation you can find on the web and on the va website about the claims process. This is probably more important than what VSO rep you choose, as just like in the military, experience may vary. Also I know that the DAV or VSOs usually goes to your military base when you are starting to outprocess, ask questions pay attention. If you take my advice and your claim is legitimate you should come out okay, all else fails don't be afraid to acquire the services of a VA-Certified Veterans Disability Lawyer.

As a former DAV service officer, I am biased, but I think DAV does it best...

I would say the DAV is the organization that specializes in service to veterans. Their mandatory annual training & re-certification of several days is much longer and more detailed as Service Officers than those in all of the other Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and all claims are sent through their National Service Officers (NSO) in each region (who have an even longer training and certification process of several months & mandatory annual re-certification process) before being sent on to the VA. The DAV NSOs are better trained and more experienced than most of the VA employees who evaluate and rate your claims.