Veteran Benefits Manual (VBM)

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Registered: 11/22/08
Posts: 654

	02/16/11	#1

Much has been said about the VBM. It is rumored that VSOs possess this Veteran’s Bible. Let us hope so. If they actually open it up and read from it daily like the Good Book, perhaps some of the wealth of information between its two covers will permeate their grey matter. We here are being given one as a donation by one of our members at his own expense. We wish to thank him anonymously unless he has no objections to being identified. The VBM, to those of you who are unfamiliar, is an informative guide with quick references to precedental cases. There are numerous “What ifs” included to help Vets prepare their cases for submittal to the VA. There is also a lot of boilerplate information on how the VA works. If you cannot find the answer in there you can generally come here for it. Some things are absent, but the knowledge is easily extrapolated from the way their rules and regulations are written. Veterans should be aware that they are granted tremendous leeway when representing themselves. VA often will bend over backwards for the pro se Vet where they won’t for one represented by a VSO or a legal beagle. Granted, VSOs are not Mensa candidates, but their efforts are well-intended. Their presence in your case does raise the bar slightly and you should be aware of this. VA will excuse unfamiliarity and ineptitude on your part when you are self represented, but are loathe to grant that to anyone with representation. I personally noticed a sea change in the way I was accorded more room for error once I decided to go it alone. VA already has a public relations dilemma of colossal proportions to overcome. By trying to be seen as benign and readily accessible, they hope to reform their image. Barring any new developments, that attempt may fall flat. Make no mistake. Like any large corporation, there are going to be idiots and dolts who will try to impede your progress or sabotage your claim efforts. VA is not immune to this phenomenon. Without being overcritical, I will say I have encountered a few employees who appear to be interested in helping rather than just paying lip service to the claimant. Let us pray this disease spreads within their ranks.
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AZeeJensMom
Moderator
Registered: 01/05/09
Posts: 94

	02/17/11	#2

We found this same scenario to be true and even more so AFTER my husband’s status changed to service connected via a BVA Decision for his claimed issues. It appeared the RO went over and above to help and assist us with his claim, so much so that a “Thank You for your courteous service” in IRIS form and written form was earned by one very unique individual who really went over and above. And, actually, now that I think about it, did he really go over and above ? Perhaps not, he said to me “I’m just doing my job ma’am” I would rather think that yes he was just doing his job, but he was doing it quite well and with courtesy and grace. Many times, having been in the public service industry myself for years, I found most people would rather complain about something than to thank someone for a kind courtesy that was extended. A kind word or two goes a long way. The VSO who initiated my husbands original claim was absent throughout except for the original filing and filing the Request for Appeal in time, but only after we had sat in their office for hours waiting our turn for a 5 minute face to face. It became quite apparent they were either 1. Unqualified 2. Overloaded 3. Had no vested interest in our claim. I’ll choose Door No. 3 in the sense of being courteous as there must be some VSO’s who are very qualified and many who are overloaded with work. In any scenario, it’s best you or your significant other or someone you trust if you are unable to do the leg work or keeping the eyeball on the claim, in involved and vested in your behalf. No one cares more about your claim than YOU. Bottom line is ….. know what is going on at all times, whether you choose to engage the services of a VSO or go it solo.