As a volunteer we do not receive monetary payment but there are other benefits. Case in point. Vet came in looked like a total lost cause. Down in the dumps, over weight. disheveled and a dull look in his eyes. Wife was with him and was very concerned, she was neat and well mannered, alert and attentive to his needs and took notes as I suggested how we should proceed in their claim. My wife helps in the claim process and I am sure her presence has prevented me from being attacked in more than one occasion as her calm approach puts most in a mind of "Doing what's right". Anyway I did what I could and suggested all the process for recovering information and how to search the web for 'Cruise Books" and other things. As they left I felt they had one chance in 99 of making even 10%. He was Vietnam Vet in the Navy and seemed to have little proof of his case and conditions. Not that the percentage mattered but we are always concerned about how a claim goes so to us the main thing is to do the best we can with the Vet's information as we are there to help. In fact I gave him, in my minds eye, 90 days to live. Yes he looked that ill. That was in 2017, in 2019 a newish car drove up and a couple in good health came in the door. Looked a bit familiar but we see so many folks! First they apologized for not coming back sooner, seldom does that happen, usually we get back disgruntled Vets and spouse requesting help in a NOD (Notice of disagreement) claim appeal. NOPE first they handed us a check for the Chapter and then they began to praise our work and explained how they followed each lead we had provided in the claim process. In short the Vet was in such bad shape the day we saw them that he had a 100% claim decision. Now that is not unusual in the sick vet who has put off a claim for years. But in their case he had accumulated 260% in various disabilities which netted him the 100%. Very unusual! Along the way he had a Cabg (Open Heart Surgery), Many other procedures on damaged back and Body in Nam from the 1960s and all found in his records plus proof of Boots on the ground as well as a ebay purchase that was a Cruise Book of his ship's travels to Nam. He'd lost 50pounds and gained full control of his body! Ain't enough money to beat that gift they gave us that day about his good health and we think of them each day and treat each vet the same when they come through the door.
I applaud you for the work you do for your post , and for the Veterans that you help . It sounds as tho you may have actually saved that mans life ,, and without that man walking in there that day , and you being there for him on that day , that man may not be here today , and the family could have been devastated a few years ago as well . My hats off to Sir ,,
The only battle that you will always lose, is the one that you don't fight. Never give up, you have no way of knowing how some small thing you do may influences some one life. Thank you for doing what you can to help
To all, we have stayed within our bylaws for the vet also gave us a letter of appreciation that matches my statements and supplied us a copy of his decision letter for training purposes.
Thanks. We seldom know the family make up but being in a rural area we do get local feed back and can tell by phone numbers area codes where the word has spread as to where Vets can get help. We have, in most cases, the spouse to thank in their support of our suggestions. A good wife or husband can mean all the difference if information is collected and that C&P Exams appointments are made. I remember my first C&P Exam, it was a farce with a CHECK the BOX Doc filling out the computers questions. She even stopped me from asking questions and said she did not have time to listen to me. HELL she was simply earning High$$ to decide my fate! I almost walked out but decided I'd play this one sided Poker Game to it's end. I was furious and have never been so disgusted with any interview in my life. But I decided then and there I would figure out the system. That's the day I decided to become a service officer.
I'm glad to hear your good fortune as a service officer. I volunteered as the service officer at my VFW and found it frustrating and resigned after six months. I would have former service members who were in poor shape (physically, mentally, and financially) come to me for help and I would advise them that some times it might take awhile for the wheels to start turning. My biggest frustration was that they would not complete forms. I would hear "I can't remember the dates" or "I'll fill it out at home", only to check back in a few days and find out they never even started on the form. When I suggest a Limited Power of Attorney, they would all but accuse me of trying to steal from them.
So Did you go thru training to be a Service Officer?? The purpose of a DAV Service Officer is to assist the Vet, Handing out forms never works. The Limited Power of Attorney is the second thing we fill out. This is a standard VA form VA Form 21-22. https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-22-ARE.pdf Why would a vet think you were trying to cheat them? Your name is not suppose to be on the POA! No Poa, No Claim. Other wise there is no purpose to go forward. If you can't explain a POA to a Vet then simply take the VA form and follow each line step by step. Power of attorney DAV must have power of attorney (VA Form 21-22) to assist a veteran or claimant in connection with a Department of Veterans Affairs claim. Many veterans or claimants are neither familiar with this procedure nor do they know that DAV is in a position to assist them. You interview the Vet, do a line by line completion and send in the form. Nothing else works and if it was easy anybody could do it. Dates are culled from personal records. You use SF 180 to obtain a vet's records. You can't make a claim without proper records and each form describes the process of each line. https://www.archives.gov/files/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf Its a lot like paint by numbers you have to practice and you have to have a greater will power to win than the Vet's lack of will power to succeed. If you give up who's gonna help the vet? Basic Forms Standard Claim and Appeal Forms - DAV https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/ServiceOfficerGuide.pdf Last and most important make a copy of the completed claim, have an envelope ready and put the copy in the envelope. When they return they bring the copy and all letters from the VA and see what the claim says. NO COPIES when they return means the VET is part of the problem and they must change if the expect to gain compensation for injuries. BTW Good Fortune is no part of this work. It is hard assed Brain numbing lost energy that causes experienced lawyers to stay away from it and seek more lucrative claims. Ever hear of eBenefits ? Home - VA/DoD eBenefits
My name was not on the POA but anytime I mentioned "Power of Attorney", even trying to explain that it was to act on their behalf with the VA without having them come in every time a form needed to be signed, they would balk at the idea. Keep in mind that most of the vets were in their late sixties or seventies at the time and this was thirteen years ago. Many of the vets also never really made sure their DD214's were correct when leaving the service and need to submit a DD149. One vet was awarded a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam, yet his 214 never reflected overseas service or combat, even though he was written about in the Stars and Stripes. One of my duties was taking vets to appointments at the VA hospital who couldn't otherwise get there themselves. It was also frustrating in that I would show up and they would not be ready, decided not to go, or on more than on occasion drunk and/or high. I actually had the DAV as my representative when I was going through the claim process and they were on task and excellent, no complaints. At first I though they only helped "Disabled" veterans, ie: missing limbs, wheelchair bound, and other physical wounds. The rep assured me that they helped all vets and I am glad they do. I prefer organizations like DAV or American Legion over the VFW mainly from my experience.
No thanks, besides my VFW has a highly motivated and excellent Service officer who seems to love his work. I learned long ago that every one is replaceable and some more replaceable than others including me.
