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ADVICE FOR SUBMITTING A CLAIM WITH THE VA This is a very detailed and informative list, a great resource. For some, it may be a bit overwhelming. If it seems that way, contact your local Veteran Service Officer (VSO). All the service organizations (DAV,VFW, AL, etc.) employ VSOs, and you don't have to belong to that organization to use them. In North Carolina, each county and district has a VSO as well. I suspect that all states do. VSOs are employed by the state or service organization, and are salaried to assist veterans in receiving benefits from the VA. There is no cost to the veteran, and no kickback or other financial incentive to the VSO whether the veteran gets benefits or not. Most VSOs complete continuing education to keep up with changing laws and programs that affect benefits, and can provide great assistance in knowing what to apply for, and how to state your claim. A good VSO will spend some time with you, fill out most of the paperwork and mail it in. Studies have shown that veterans who use VSOs have a higher rate of claims acceptance, and typically higher awards on the claims that are approved. Having said that, some are better than others. If you get someone who just hands you a stack of blank forms with instructions to fill them out and send them in; go find another VSO. I work in a VA Medical Center in North Carolina, and part of my job is directing the Agent Orange Clinic. Just a couple points that all Vietnam vets should know: If you served 'boots on the ground' Vietnam, even briefly, the VA presumes that you were exposed to Agent Orange. If you later develop one of the presumptive AO related diseases, the VA presumes you got that because of the presumed AO exposure, no matter what other risk factors you may have. That entitles you to free VA medical care and medication for that problem. You can also file a VA disability claim with your Regional VA Office, and it should be a slam/dunk. While it may take 4 to 6 months to process, when the claim is accepted, benefits are retroactive to the 1st day of the month after you file. In addition to the medical care, VA disability (or service connection) comes along with a monthly check, the amount of which depends on your level of disability. The most common Agent Orange related problems I see are Type II diabetes, prostate cancer and lung cancer. A full list of the presumptive AO related diseases can be accessed by going to the main VA website (www.va.gov) and linking from there to the Environmental Agents site. There is no unique Agent Orange disease, and disability claims just for Agent Orange will be rejected. You must apply specifically for one of the medical problems on the VA list of presumptive Agent Orange related diseases. If you were in Vietnam and you have the disease, the claim will be accepted. One final point, if you received a Purple Heart, there is no charge or co-pay for VA medical visits, although there will be a co-pay for medications unless the medication is for a service connected problem. When you first register with the VA, be sure to bring a copy of your DD214 and a copy of your PH order or certificate, and point out the PH to the clerk. Let them keep the copies, needless to say, don't give them the original. Clear as mud? Sorry to be so longwinded, but hope this helps. The VA is a tremendously improved organization since we first returned, and there are significant benefits available for many of us. Rob Osman, USMC C/1/3 68/69 |
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BBelow are web-sites found that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won't tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you -- and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests. |
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Board of Veteransâ€(tm) Appeals
http://www.va.gov/vbs/bva/ |