VETERANS & WIDOW(OR)S Using an ACCREDITED VSO Rep is vital.

?Reasons:?(https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/38/part-14?#14626-14637)

1. TRAINING - Accredited VSO Rep's attend a standardized course of training, must pass a test on that training, and must attend annual training every year. ?They have further education options they can attend to a proficiency level whereby they are qualified to Represent claims to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA).?To serve as a VSO Rep they may not be physically able to travel to represent a claimants Appeal, based on their employer, but will have access to Accredited Representatives that can serve their veteran/widow(or) or may recommend and Accredited Attorney who can.?This decision may be based on the medical complexity or possible terminal status of the veteran/widow(or). ?Note Attorney’s do charge for their services.

2. EMPLOYED - they are FREE since they are employed by your County/State or the national Veterans Organization they Represent, and you have a Boss you can speak to. ?A local Accredited VSO Rep is likely to also be known by your veteran community and may even be your neighbor.

?3. ACCESS TO YOUR FEDERAL FILE - with your signature authorization they are able to see the documentation, VA Rater notes, medical or financial information submitted for claim of Compensation, Pension, Death benefits and widow(or)s benefits. They can see what the VA may overlook, is missing, is not properly applying in accordance with the laws.? (38 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), M21-1MR (VA Manual))

?4. VSO LIAISON & VA STAFF ACCESS - VSO's have Liaisons within VA that they can contact directly in the event a veteran/widow(or) suddenly qualifies for an "Expedite" of their claim due to a medical or financial hardship. An Accredited VSO may also see an error occurring in the processing of a claim, contact the Liaison and thereby have the error corrected before the Decision is published.

?5. LEGAL & ETHICAL REGULATIONS - Accredited VSO's have legal & ethical standards that they must meet and maintain, in accordance with 38 CFR, that comes along with the authorization you and they sign when you give them permission to access your Claim (C) File. They can be held criminally liable by both you and the VA if they break the laws.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL MENTORSHIP – With the Accreditation training, approval to represent claims in the name of a Veterans Organization and frequent membership in national Veteran Organizations, VSO Reps have decades of evidence development and process mentorship available to them.?

These same standards (education hours are less) apply to Accredited - Claims Agents, who are often former VSO Reps, and for Accredited Attorney’s.?The most significant differences are they charge for their services, it may be a flat fee or a percentage of backpay received from VA. ?And they often have a list of highly specialized Doctors from whom they can obtain exceptionally detailed medical opinions once they have examined you.?These Doctors are often a separate charge you are responsible for.??But a good VSO will help you develop the alternative evidence such as "Buddy" (witness) statements, ship logs, or medical research that could support your claim. A properly developed claim should not have to go to appeal.

?Non-Accredited people who offer to assist you with a claim does not meet the VA standards 1 – 5 above.?They therefore are not, qualified?representation?in the eyes of the VA, in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims?for veterans and widow(or)s benefits.?And most will tell you they cannot file your claim only advise you evidence needed and have you use their Doctor.? Freeing them of the legal and ethical standards of representation.

Find you nearest VSO Rep: https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

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