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VSO ( Veteran Service Organization / Veteran Service Officer )

 

Work with Overseasveteran.com to figure out what steps need to take place first as you're preparing your 'bridge to civilian life' plan.  You should also consider using a VSO (Veteran Service Officer / Organization) in addition to using Overseasveteran.com, mentors, and your network of military friends who recently left the service.  The VSO recommendations should be followed if they can show you where in the law or the VA.gov website the information is posted.  Remember, you have the ability to change VSOs if you disagree with advice they provide you.  

 

Creating and submitting your VA claim isn't necessarily difficult.  It is unclear at times and unfamiliar your first (and usually only) time you get out of the military.  That's why sites like Overseasveteran.com can help shine a light on the best / proven methods to structure your focus areas when preparing for your civilian life.

 

You're in control of your preparations to leave the service.  The degree or level of control is different for each veteran.  Some service members want the VSO to take custody of their medical records and then do all of the paperwork and submit the initial claim to the VA.  I recommend against giving any person or organization this much control of your initial VA claim.   The VSO you select should explain the inital VA claim submission process and help you to prepare for the mandated Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams.   The VSO will not be allowed to attend the VA mandated C&P exams. During these exams, you will have the opportunity to explain your ailment, how you received it, dates of occurence, if chronic in nature, how the ailment limits you, etc.  These C&P exams play an outsized role in the VA's overall decision to either claim responsibility for your ailment (0% rating or greater) or deny your individual ailment claim.  

 

VSO's really prove their worth after you're out of the military and you have to reopen your VA claim to increase your percentage or add addtional ailments to your initial VA claim.  Admittedly, my expertise is advising service members prior to leaving the military.  VSO's are indispensable if you're dealing with VA-related issues after you've left the military and received your VA percentage.

 

Basic Questions to Ask VSOs:

How are you compensated?

What service do you provide?  Filling out the VA Form 21-526 (list of ailments) is standard but do you help prepare me for Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams?

Can I speak to one (or a couple) of your previous clients to better understand what it's like to work with you?

 

Is a VSO worth the money (if they aren't free already)?  By law, VSOs are not allowed to charge for a service members initial VA claims engagement.  If you're dealing with what's called a "claims agent", they can charge service members.  It's my personal opinion that anyone who can help you save valuable time during an unclear process should be compensated.  The cost you incur when working with me is your acknowledgement that you'll pay-it-forward to other service members getting out of the military.  Please don't look at the information I provide as worthless becuause I don't charge a fee.  You now owe other military members that leave the service in the future this valuable and timely information.

 

*Disclaimer.  For entertainment purposes only.  I am not a financial professional.  Modify your decision making as necessary.