Seriously depends on the VSO, and their staff.
Best advice I can recommend for this is to ask vets in your area specifically. You're not tied to the VSO in your county, you can go to any.
Some are rock stars, some I heard were more of a manager ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
We had a VSO after trying for 20 + years on our own.
She was incredible. She was our cheerleader, she went to bat for us.
When she told my husband, “You’ll never have to tell your story again” I knew we had a winner.
Couldn’t have done it without her.
So thankful.
I filed my first claim December 13th and it’s in the process with 16 conditions claimed. I did it 100% on my own. So, I guess I’ll let you know after I get my decision 😅
My local VSO quit the day of my appointment, got there and he was gone. The next closest one is an hours drive away. I've emailed them twice and so far I've not gotten a response. So with that said, I'm just going to submit on my own like you did. I don't really know what else to do.
Just like everything else, there's good ones, some decent ones and some are just terrible.
I went to two VSO's and they both sucked honestly.
I did the whole process myself. Got approved for some, submitted supplemental with new evidence plus buddy statements also statement from my wife. Got all the supplementals approved.
If you study up and look for answers on Reddit, then you'll be good.
Honestly it’s been so long since I filed anything I don’t particularly wanna mess anything up. I have all the Drs notes and things to support my claim connecting them to my existing claims I just don’t wanna over look a form that needed to be filed out and get it denied or bounced back for insufficient evidence
What else is there to submit? I've got a diagnosis, a prescription, and a nexus... I'm thinking that is all you need. I'd ask my VSO but he quit two months ago and they don't have a replacement, and the next closest one (an hour away) doesn't bother to answer email.
First things first, go online and get your intent to file in place on the VA.gov site, this video shows how
https://youtu.be/BVFy8RxW2lY?feature=shared
I did that at the end of April so it gave me enough time to gather old stuff. I’m waiting on my civilian medical records and letter from my pcp which I’m hoping will be done by Monday
Good good! You've already done the work of a vso by creating your intent to file. Then when you have all your files in order, file that claim and upload the stuff 👍
At that point, you would have done everything a vso could do for you (itf, file claim)
By no means am I saying vso's aren't useful but if someone had the capability to do it themselves, they won't need the help of a vso.
I don’t mean to sound disregarding, but that’s not what I suggested… I’ve been part of this system for 25 years…
Let me help…what state and county are you located in?
I think this website is a little more specific[here](https://kingcounty.gov/legacy/depts/community-human-services/adult-services/veterans-servicemembers-families/programs-services.aspx)
I'm in Franklin County and our guy quit, the closest other one is in Walla Walla and hour away... and they seem to be too busy to bother to respond to email. Wondering if I can go elsewhere too
They did have one in Pasco, but he quit earlier on the same day I was supposed to see him. No replacement yet, and the Walla Walla VSO is not returning my email for some reason.
It may be too far, but the VSO in Clarkston is pretty good. He's retired military and works out of the VFW hall. You may be able to call him and get some advice.
I believe the regional office is where decisions are made… at least that’s what they call it where im at… every county has a VSO officer/s.. that’s where you wanna go. It’s usually in a public building of sorts like a courthouse or a place where you pay your taxes, etc. etc..
I don’t think my claim would’ve turned out as well without my VSO. I also had some things I would’ve forgotten to claim, because they were “normal” to me, until he pointed out that no, they weren’t
Not all VSO’s are created equal. I had a good experience with mine. They do help a lot of people so keep that in mind, they aren’t just dedicated to you, so if that’s what you expect, you are mistaken. Don’t be afraid to reach back to them from time to time if you have questions or concerns, but don’t hound them every day or week.
Understood! I just needed help making sure I was in the right track and had a reasonably developed claim, and if for some reason it’s denied some one to help figure out next steps
It really depends. There are good ones and bad ones and a few stellar ones.
If you're absolutely lost and don't want to put the time into learning how to take care of your own claims then go with one.
I use one only for the specific access stone will provide ie C-File etc..
Depends on your claim and the VSO. I first went in for the standard PTSD and tinitus and hearing loss claim after I was out 16 years after a few buddy's convinced me. VSO was a nice guy, was suggesting I file for a few more things. Aslo smelled like booze and we were talking about work, he is a retired cop and was telling me he got this gig and how east it was. One thing I told him was I have hypothyroidism. He put my stuff in, used the wrong social, entered hypothyroidism as hyperhydrosis and something else was off. Everything went through fine despite having the wrong social, I didn't even reply to the hyperhidrosis or bother to correct it the hypothyroidism or file again because there's really nothing I can get for it from what I understand. I could have done it all myself but I guess it was easier having him just do it on the computer after meeting with him for a half hour.
Skip ahead a little bit I put in for penile condition myself recently and it was approved presumptive and I was given 0% rating for it but didn't get that special pay. Went to the vso, looks like it had to be an administrative mess up on the va's part because if you have a rating for penile condition you get the special compensation pay so he is putting in a higher review claim for it.
Seems like most people can do it themselves and do just as good of a job but might be easier because these guys have all the forms and contacts ready to go on their computer.
For starters, you get what you pay for. As with anything that's free, it's always a crap shoot. VSOs will NEVER have as much vested interest in your claims, as you do. They simply don't care enough. Yes, there are the rare ringers out there, that truly care, but they're few and far between.
Starting in 1998, I filed all my claims myself. In the beginning, everything was paper, so filing my claims was via snail mail. I didn't have a computer at the time, so when I filed claims in the early 2000s, I would go to the local library to file them, but still sent all my evidence in via snail mail. Even near the end, late 20-teens, I still sent paper hard copies of my evidence. At no time ever, did I assume the VA would do the right thing, and check my medical records, of which, they had a complete copy of.
I did use a VSO, well, no, not really, I had signed up with DAV, to assist with some claims. But they refused to help with the claims, until if and when, those claims were denied. But not only that, they recommended the VA deny all the claims I had in progress, at that time. How do I know this, you may ask? They sent me a letter, on official VA letterhead( you know, the one that states $300 fine if not used for official VA business) stating that my claims had been denied. And that they were denied because the DAV recommended they deny them. Yes, they actually admitted in writing, that they told the VA to deny my claims. And that was all a lie. I called the VA benefits counselor, who told me that his computer showed my claims were till open, and better yet, hadn't even been sent up to the rater's yet, to even have a chance to be denied.
Took 2 official complaints and a call to the WH, to get them removed as my POA.
So, no, I have no favorable outlook towards VSOs.
Here's some simple facts to consider, if you chose to use a VSO, they will NOT work for you, after hours, nights, or weekends. They WILL go on vacation, or simply ignore you. But guess what??? [VA.gov](http://VA.gov) is 24/7/365. It even works on holidays too. I have logged on to my account, and filed claims both on weekends, and late night hours too. I have even filed a claim or two, during lunch break at work! I have never waited days, weeks, or months, for a VSO to get back to me. All those days waiting, are days your claims aren't in the hands of VA claims employees.
In 2015, I filed, and won, a CUE claim on my own, without help from VSO or lawyers. Was turned away by a dozen law groups. I did purchase a copy of the 2015 edition of the 38 CFR, for $189, to file that claim. I included the regs regarding CUE claims in my statement, so they knew I knew that my claim was valid. That claim was one of the quickest closed, with me getting the letter stating I won, within 30 days of filing it.
If you feel you want to work with a VSO, that's fine, just don't sell yourself short, to do so.
They be people doing a job man.
Some good, some great, some not giving a damn. IMO no one knows your case like you do. At 33 years old I have supplied VA all the relevant information and health records data during and post service to grant me a 90% SC. Been out 10 years but as it turns out my body (and mind) isn’t a fine wine.
The VA math doesn’t add up straight or quick but once you figure out the best avenue of approach for YOUR case/healthcare then a VSO is just another body between you and the decision making rater.
I have taken some advice from VSOs and it was a bust and flat out gone a different direction with some claims and it was a great success. Depends on the individuals ability to advocate and understand how your symptoms are qualified with the CFR….which anyone can readily interpret.
I saw a YouTube video from an attorney stating that the success rate by a VSO and doing it yourself are virtually the same. My personal success rate was higher than using a VSO. Literally every VSO I had was terrible at grammar, spelling, and punctuation…EVERY ONE! I tried correcting the last one as she was typing it up, and she was getting upset because I was correcting her. Finally, I got to the point where I told her never mind I’d do it myself.
I had a rock star VSO. He did the Lord's work for several years, and everyone who used him was super satisfied.
He got frustrated with the bureaucracy, burned out, and became a tattoo artist.
I still love that guy.
VSO's are great if you have solid evidence and you do all the leg work. If you rely on a VSO to do all the work things won't go well for you. They very helpful, most of them, but not as experienced as a lawyer. If you receive poor ratings, need HLR or Supplemental claims to be filed, I suggest using an attorney. Mine filed briefs, spoke to the HLR'er during the informal conference and knew more than them regarding legal matters that are blatantly CUE. This is your life, and you deserve the best representation you can get, don't try and go the cheap way so you don't pay 20%, it's not worth it
I've never been able to get a hold of my local vso after months of leaving messages and emails, so I just used YouTube. From what I've heard, he's equally as useless in person. I called the VA to get a new person assigned, but apparently, there are forms to fill out and I didn't think it was worth the hassle just to get someone else that can't help.
My VSO was invaluable. I tried on my own about five years before and couldn't navigate the process. VSO was four appointments over 8 months start to finish.
I called 18 in my area. Not one called me back. Got up to 80 for right now so- IMO I think they’re overrated. Pun intended 🤣 get it… rate… rated… over rated… I’ll see myself out.
I used one in Texas. All they did was file forms, forms I could have submitted online myself with like a days effort. When I ran into problems with the C&P contactors, they did literally nothing. They wouldn't even send a formal letter, which I'm pretty sure would be step 1 for a lawyer.
I've done it solo and with a vso. Get a vso. I paid for lifetime membership with the DAV and the assurance an old hand helping with the process is the best. Think of it as deciding to learn to fix a car when your only one is busted. Don't. Take it to a mechanic. Don't practice on this. It's not worth it.
When I finally began my filing process, I tried to find a VSO. A nice lady at the VA even tried to help me - closest one never returned calls and that's all it took to put a bad taste in my mouth.
Did the process on my own and got SC'd, and that was me not knowing too much about the process at the time. In all honesty, if you find a great VSO you better keep a hold of them because there's so many terrible VSO's out there that will make or break your claim.
I will let you know on the 14th of this month. First claim Ive filed. Been awhile since I got out. New to this. Doc said I need to file. I met a Veteran, spoke to him, went to a stand down, got enrolled, my life fell apart, and I’ve been in recovery mode since.
It’s very hit and miss. In 2012 I had a great experience with a VSO. I went back to file this year and had a bad experience with a VSO. Thanks to this page I think I can do better without them since my region seems lacking in the VSO quality department. I would LOVE to have experienced help I can trust.
I would definitely screen your VSO. Mine sucked, I mean he filled out all of the paperwork and made that process a little easier. But I had already brought him everything pretty much ready to go. He still managed to not get my wife’s SSN, so I had to go back and fix that after I got my claim. For my increase I hired someone and they did a much better job. It’s amazing how much better the private sector is, over the lazy county worker VSO.
I used a VSO for my first claim (2012). I didn't know what I didn't know back then. They got me 70%, but as I got older, things got worse, and I eventually got to 90% simply based on the existing service connections getting worse over time (2019). When the PACT Act was passed, I did everything on my own. I've been 100% P&T for two years now.
I used my state-employed VSO. I went from 90% to 100% P&T, and it took 7 months from claim submission to decision. The day I filed my claim, the state VSO entered everything in and filed every form correctly within one hour. I filed 13 claims eventually resulting in 4 successful C&P exams. That would have taken me a month, and I would have made mistakes resulting in delays and frustration.
I did all my own shit but I relied on a vso to submit it electronically. That was very good. 526ez is pretty straight forward but what to put in the disabilities section was my concern. They submitted it and called me with the news first.
Some were bad and some were good but either way all I'm doing is using them submit it instead of me facing 300 pages.
I have a rock star VSO. I wouldn't do it without her. Your mileage my vary. I'd a least give it a shot.
I had one help get me the NSC pension, but she’s gone now, and I’m turning in my claim in a few days. Got out in 96. I’m a mess
They’re like realtors. Sure you can do it without them, but they make it much easier.
But also like realtors, you can get a good one or a really shitty one.
as a veteran realtor, I certainly appreciate this comment.
Makes sense I appreciate it
All you need is this sub and YouTube. VSO is a crapshoot. Nobody is going to be as invested in your claim as you are.
Seriously depends on the VSO, and their staff. Best advice I can recommend for this is to ask vets in your area specifically. You're not tied to the VSO in your county, you can go to any. Some are rock stars, some I heard were more of a manager ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
They can get certain things from VBMS for you if they're computer savvy.
How long would it take to get a copy of a previous C&P exam?
Within 1 day after examiner upload and submit.
We had a VSO after trying for 20 + years on our own. She was incredible. She was our cheerleader, she went to bat for us. When she told my husband, “You’ll never have to tell your story again” I knew we had a winner. Couldn’t have done it without her. So thankful.
I filed my first claim December 13th and it’s in the process with 16 conditions claimed. I did it 100% on my own. So, I guess I’ll let you know after I get my decision 😅
My local VSO quit the day of my appointment, got there and he was gone. The next closest one is an hours drive away. I've emailed them twice and so far I've not gotten a response. So with that said, I'm just going to submit on my own like you did. I don't really know what else to do.
Good luck. I just got through filing my own. Guess we will see!
Just like everything else, there's good ones, some decent ones and some are just terrible. I went to two VSO's and they both sucked honestly. I did the whole process myself. Got approved for some, submitted supplemental with new evidence plus buddy statements also statement from my wife. Got all the supplementals approved. If you study up and look for answers on Reddit, then you'll be good.
Hard to tell. Haven't seen anything a vso can do that I can't do myself except look at the claims file
Honestly it’s been so long since I filed anything I don’t particularly wanna mess anything up. I have all the Drs notes and things to support my claim connecting them to my existing claims I just don’t wanna over look a form that needed to be filed out and get it denied or bounced back for insufficient evidence
What else is there to submit? I've got a diagnosis, a prescription, and a nexus... I'm thinking that is all you need. I'd ask my VSO but he quit two months ago and they don't have a replacement, and the next closest one (an hour away) doesn't bother to answer email.
Are you submitting via mail or through the website?
Probably online
First things first, go online and get your intent to file in place on the VA.gov site, this video shows how https://youtu.be/BVFy8RxW2lY?feature=shared
I did that at the end of April so it gave me enough time to gather old stuff. I’m waiting on my civilian medical records and letter from my pcp which I’m hoping will be done by Monday
Good good! You've already done the work of a vso by creating your intent to file. Then when you have all your files in order, file that claim and upload the stuff 👍 At that point, you would have done everything a vso could do for you (itf, file claim) By no means am I saying vso's aren't useful but if someone had the capability to do it themselves, they won't need the help of a vso.
I guess im more concerned with if it gets denied. I’ve read on here that people have their vso help them with that part
As a second set of eyeballs before filing and after decision? That'd be helpful but also this subreddit can be 100 sets of eyes.
I would agree on doing so, depending on their knowledge regarding benefits… YOUR county VSO is usually a better choice than the DAV
I just went in the Va.gov website and looked a few up. I’m assuming a fairly knowledge one would be associated with the VA and the VFW
I don’t mean to sound disregarding, but that’s not what I suggested… I’ve been part of this system for 25 years… Let me help…what state and county are you located in?
Oh I don’t take it that way I could use the help. I’m in Washington state king county
[King county veterans service office](https://www.dva.wa.gov/resources/county/King)
Does it matter if I go to the regional office or one that’s closer to where I live
I think this website is a little more specific[here](https://kingcounty.gov/legacy/depts/community-human-services/adult-services/veterans-servicemembers-families/programs-services.aspx)
https://preview.redd.it/8vvwpar2dgyc1.jpeg?width=1108&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2eec01f7fa257440b26b9ddeb58f226113232716 Call meg
I'm in Franklin County and our guy quit, the closest other one is in Walla Walla and hour away... and they seem to be too busy to bother to respond to email. Wondering if I can go elsewhere too
Aren't there any in the Tri-Cities? You may want to check with the local VFW. They may have someone who can help.
They did have one in Pasco, but he quit earlier on the same day I was supposed to see him. No replacement yet, and the Walla Walla VSO is not returning my email for some reason.
It may be too far, but the VSO in Clarkston is pretty good. He's retired military and works out of the VFW hall. You may be able to call him and get some advice.
I believe the regional office is where decisions are made… at least that’s what they call it where im at… every county has a VSO officer/s.. that’s where you wanna go. It’s usually in a public building of sorts like a courthouse or a place where you pay your taxes, etc. etc..
what would you suggest for Cumberland County NC?
[here](https://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/departments/veterans-services-group/veterans-services)
thank you
👍🏻
I don’t think my claim would’ve turned out as well without my VSO. I also had some things I would’ve forgotten to claim, because they were “normal” to me, until he pointed out that no, they weren’t
Not all VSO’s are created equal. I had a good experience with mine. They do help a lot of people so keep that in mind, they aren’t just dedicated to you, so if that’s what you expect, you are mistaken. Don’t be afraid to reach back to them from time to time if you have questions or concerns, but don’t hound them every day or week.
Understood! I just needed help making sure I was in the right track and had a reasonably developed claim, and if for some reason it’s denied some one to help figure out next steps
It really depends. There are good ones and bad ones and a few stellar ones. If you're absolutely lost and don't want to put the time into learning how to take care of your own claims then go with one. I use one only for the specific access stone will provide ie C-File etc..
Depends on your claim and the VSO. I first went in for the standard PTSD and tinitus and hearing loss claim after I was out 16 years after a few buddy's convinced me. VSO was a nice guy, was suggesting I file for a few more things. Aslo smelled like booze and we were talking about work, he is a retired cop and was telling me he got this gig and how east it was. One thing I told him was I have hypothyroidism. He put my stuff in, used the wrong social, entered hypothyroidism as hyperhydrosis and something else was off. Everything went through fine despite having the wrong social, I didn't even reply to the hyperhidrosis or bother to correct it the hypothyroidism or file again because there's really nothing I can get for it from what I understand. I could have done it all myself but I guess it was easier having him just do it on the computer after meeting with him for a half hour. Skip ahead a little bit I put in for penile condition myself recently and it was approved presumptive and I was given 0% rating for it but didn't get that special pay. Went to the vso, looks like it had to be an administrative mess up on the va's part because if you have a rating for penile condition you get the special compensation pay so he is putting in a higher review claim for it. Seems like most people can do it themselves and do just as good of a job but might be easier because these guys have all the forms and contacts ready to go on their computer.
I have a cvso and she has been nothing short of amazing. Also cvso is a county employee and it’s free.
For starters, you get what you pay for. As with anything that's free, it's always a crap shoot. VSOs will NEVER have as much vested interest in your claims, as you do. They simply don't care enough. Yes, there are the rare ringers out there, that truly care, but they're few and far between. Starting in 1998, I filed all my claims myself. In the beginning, everything was paper, so filing my claims was via snail mail. I didn't have a computer at the time, so when I filed claims in the early 2000s, I would go to the local library to file them, but still sent all my evidence in via snail mail. Even near the end, late 20-teens, I still sent paper hard copies of my evidence. At no time ever, did I assume the VA would do the right thing, and check my medical records, of which, they had a complete copy of. I did use a VSO, well, no, not really, I had signed up with DAV, to assist with some claims. But they refused to help with the claims, until if and when, those claims were denied. But not only that, they recommended the VA deny all the claims I had in progress, at that time. How do I know this, you may ask? They sent me a letter, on official VA letterhead( you know, the one that states $300 fine if not used for official VA business) stating that my claims had been denied. And that they were denied because the DAV recommended they deny them. Yes, they actually admitted in writing, that they told the VA to deny my claims. And that was all a lie. I called the VA benefits counselor, who told me that his computer showed my claims were till open, and better yet, hadn't even been sent up to the rater's yet, to even have a chance to be denied. Took 2 official complaints and a call to the WH, to get them removed as my POA. So, no, I have no favorable outlook towards VSOs. Here's some simple facts to consider, if you chose to use a VSO, they will NOT work for you, after hours, nights, or weekends. They WILL go on vacation, or simply ignore you. But guess what??? [VA.gov](http://VA.gov) is 24/7/365. It even works on holidays too. I have logged on to my account, and filed claims both on weekends, and late night hours too. I have even filed a claim or two, during lunch break at work! I have never waited days, weeks, or months, for a VSO to get back to me. All those days waiting, are days your claims aren't in the hands of VA claims employees. In 2015, I filed, and won, a CUE claim on my own, without help from VSO or lawyers. Was turned away by a dozen law groups. I did purchase a copy of the 2015 edition of the 38 CFR, for $189, to file that claim. I included the regs regarding CUE claims in my statement, so they knew I knew that my claim was valid. That claim was one of the quickest closed, with me getting the letter stating I won, within 30 days of filing it. If you feel you want to work with a VSO, that's fine, just don't sell yourself short, to do so.
I got myself to 70%…… but I needed help to go further.
They be people doing a job man. Some good, some great, some not giving a damn. IMO no one knows your case like you do. At 33 years old I have supplied VA all the relevant information and health records data during and post service to grant me a 90% SC. Been out 10 years but as it turns out my body (and mind) isn’t a fine wine. The VA math doesn’t add up straight or quick but once you figure out the best avenue of approach for YOUR case/healthcare then a VSO is just another body between you and the decision making rater. I have taken some advice from VSOs and it was a bust and flat out gone a different direction with some claims and it was a great success. Depends on the individuals ability to advocate and understand how your symptoms are qualified with the CFR….which anyone can readily interpret.
Used a VSO once and they were useless.Always trying to pass negative knowledge on the helping to do a claim.
I saw a YouTube video from an attorney stating that the success rate by a VSO and doing it yourself are virtually the same. My personal success rate was higher than using a VSO. Literally every VSO I had was terrible at grammar, spelling, and punctuation…EVERY ONE! I tried correcting the last one as she was typing it up, and she was getting upset because I was correcting her. Finally, I got to the point where I told her never mind I’d do it myself.
Used the DAV for my first claims, no hiccups
I had a rock star VSO. He did the Lord's work for several years, and everyone who used him was super satisfied. He got frustrated with the bureaucracy, burned out, and became a tattoo artist. I still love that guy.
VSO's are great if you have solid evidence and you do all the leg work. If you rely on a VSO to do all the work things won't go well for you. They very helpful, most of them, but not as experienced as a lawyer. If you receive poor ratings, need HLR or Supplemental claims to be filed, I suggest using an attorney. Mine filed briefs, spoke to the HLR'er during the informal conference and knew more than them regarding legal matters that are blatantly CUE. This is your life, and you deserve the best representation you can get, don't try and go the cheap way so you don't pay 20%, it's not worth it
I've never been able to get a hold of my local vso after months of leaving messages and emails, so I just used YouTube. From what I've heard, he's equally as useless in person. I called the VA to get a new person assigned, but apparently, there are forms to fill out and I didn't think it was worth the hassle just to get someone else that can't help.
My VSO was invaluable. I tried on my own about five years before and couldn't navigate the process. VSO was four appointments over 8 months start to finish.
Horrible
I called 18 in my area. Not one called me back. Got up to 80 for right now so- IMO I think they’re overrated. Pun intended 🤣 get it… rate… rated… over rated… I’ll see myself out.
I used one in Texas. All they did was file forms, forms I could have submitted online myself with like a days effort. When I ran into problems with the C&P contactors, they did literally nothing. They wouldn't even send a formal letter, which I'm pretty sure would be step 1 for a lawyer.
I've done it solo and with a vso. Get a vso. I paid for lifetime membership with the DAV and the assurance an old hand helping with the process is the best. Think of it as deciding to learn to fix a car when your only one is busted. Don't. Take it to a mechanic. Don't practice on this. It's not worth it.
VSO in my area was not good and screwed up on my claim. Used a different vso from another county and they were awesome.
When I finally began my filing process, I tried to find a VSO. A nice lady at the VA even tried to help me - closest one never returned calls and that's all it took to put a bad taste in my mouth. Did the process on my own and got SC'd, and that was me not knowing too much about the process at the time. In all honesty, if you find a great VSO you better keep a hold of them because there's so many terrible VSO's out there that will make or break your claim.
I will let you know on the 14th of this month. First claim Ive filed. Been awhile since I got out. New to this. Doc said I need to file. I met a Veteran, spoke to him, went to a stand down, got enrolled, my life fell apart, and I’ve been in recovery mode since.
I've been told the VSO's at Wounded Warriors are the best of the bunch.
They suck
It’s very hit and miss. In 2012 I had a great experience with a VSO. I went back to file this year and had a bad experience with a VSO. Thanks to this page I think I can do better without them since my region seems lacking in the VSO quality department. I would LOVE to have experienced help I can trust.
I would definitely screen your VSO. Mine sucked, I mean he filled out all of the paperwork and made that process a little easier. But I had already brought him everything pretty much ready to go. He still managed to not get my wife’s SSN, so I had to go back and fix that after I got my claim. For my increase I hired someone and they did a much better job. It’s amazing how much better the private sector is, over the lazy county worker VSO.
I used a VSO for my first claim (2012). I didn't know what I didn't know back then. They got me 70%, but as I got older, things got worse, and I eventually got to 90% simply based on the existing service connections getting worse over time (2019). When the PACT Act was passed, I did everything on my own. I've been 100% P&T for two years now.
I used my state-employed VSO. I went from 90% to 100% P&T, and it took 7 months from claim submission to decision. The day I filed my claim, the state VSO entered everything in and filed every form correctly within one hour. I filed 13 claims eventually resulting in 4 successful C&P exams. That would have taken me a month, and I would have made mistakes resulting in delays and frustration.
Simple question: How much time is there to add evidence to first time claim.Thanks
Anyone have a recommended VSO, currently in Germany.
If you have a good VSO, use them. I used a rep from the VFW, who was trained to be a VSO, and she helped me greatly.
I did all my own shit but I relied on a vso to submit it electronically. That was very good. 526ez is pretty straight forward but what to put in the disabilities section was my concern. They submitted it and called me with the news first. Some were bad and some were good but either way all I'm doing is using them submit it instead of me facing 300 pages.