LinkVETS - The Veterans Resource Network

By D Mann

The first mistake many veterans make when filing a claim for benefits is not stating their objectives clearly. If, for instance, a veterans left leg is the basis of the claim, be sure the exact point on the leg is stated: ankle, knee, foot or hip. If all the parts of the leg are involved, state each part separately. State what the problem is with the injured part. For example, if a knee is involved, state that the knee locks, hurts when walking, etc. Be as specific as possible. If numbness or radiating pain occurs, include that as well.

Veterans are brave and courageous, but when the Compensation and Pension exam occurs, veterans need to be straightforward about their problems. Too many times, veterans base their statements about pain and problems on how they feel the day of the examination when, in fact, they should tell the examiner how they feel on their worst day. The veteran is at a Compensation and Pension examination because they are having problems in their daily lives, not to chit-chat with the examiner. The veteran needs to be truthful but don’t minimize the problems that got the examination scheduled.

The VA will repeated ask for documents already in their possession. When this occurs, call the nearest VA regional office and remind them that they already have the documents they are requesting. Better yet, write a letter telling them that the information is already in their files.

When using the services of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) such as the DAV or VFW, be sure the VSO is willing to go to bat for you and knows about how the VA works. Unfortunately, for every good VSO, there are many, many bad ones. Ask the VSO for advice about how to complete your claim form, if the VSO is aware of current laws about VA benefits and what they will do for you if the claim gets stuck in the bureaucratic machine of the VA. If you don’t get good answers, find another VSO.

Deborah Mann and her husband, Richard, have helped many veterans with their disability claims for over ten years. The Manns have helped veterans get claims as far back as 1955 and are masters at dealing with the Veterans Administration.

Article Source: D Mann