Some time ago, a popular blogger made a reference that VSO’s “had better records” than attorneys. Being a curious fellow, I had to check it out to see if his “bragging” had any substance. It did not. So, which is the best VSO?
NONE OF THEM!
Attorneys are the best as they had the lowest “denial” rate, according to the 2011 BVA Chairman’s Report (see page 22 for chart). The “average”, according to the report was 24.2%, which would be a comparative grade of “C”. Using interpolation, this would mean VSO’s with 20.9% or better deserved a “B”, while those with 28% denials or worse deserved a “D”, and the lowest 2 categories, deserved a failing grade.
The “denial” rate was used because, neither an “Award” nor a “Remand” guarantees the Veteran will receive any compensation, but a denial means the Vet will have to appeal or no benefits will be paid. The reason for this is because the VA has a habit of “awarding” 0% compensation where the Veteran gets an empty lolipop stick, and, unlike the VA, I do not consider “winning 0%” to be a win at all.
Based on the numbers, These VSO’s deserved an “A”
Attorneys 17.7% A+
VVA 18.1 A
MOPH 21.7 B+
Agent 21.7 B+
DAV 22.3 B
PVA 22.8 B
VFW 23.4 B-
State 27 C- (Notice I was being generous, as States were worse than average)
“Other” 28.8 D
AmVets 31.8 F
No Rep 36 F
Based on these stastics, we can draw these conclusions: An attorney is probably worth the money you pay him since he greatly increases your chances of “not losing” your case, especially considering the attorneys get the toughest cases that most VSO’s were unsuccessful at winning, because most of us dont want to shell out money unnecessarily so. So, Vets often “try” a VSO before they hire an attorney. You also don’t fare well representing yourself, though I will be the first to admit there are “pro se” Vets who dont take no guff off anyone.
Disclosure: No law firm compensated me monetarily for this opinion. Also, I received no “Free Rent” from any government agency as I have no offices in ANY of the 58 VA Regional Offices. Finally, I was never awarded a government contract, except, of course, the contract where I agreed to risk my life for 4 years for service to my country.
asknod
Bethanie Spangenberg
kcraveiro
robinhoodesqvetsatty
Wesley McCauley
Veterans Claims Help 
I live in NW IN and I’m looking for either a lawyer or VSO to represent me. I’m leaning more towards a lawyer since I need someone who’s really “squared away”. I had someone at the VA submit a claim in January, but he’s gone and I have no one to guide me.
Is there anyone that you would highly recommend for me in this area? I’ll go as far as Indy or Fort Wayne if necessary. Also looking for someone to possibly represent me for SSDI also.
Either the best VSO’s, agents, or attorneys would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Chris
Hi to every body, it’s my first go to see of this web site; this weblog includes amazing and actually good material in favor of visitors.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.
I’m attempting to find things to improve my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
I think the admin of this website is actually working hard for his site, because here every information is quality based information.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% positive.
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Appreciate it
The sad part of that is how many Vets take the word of that blogger as if it is gospel and NEVER to be questioned. The subject of VSO vs. Attorney comes up at least monthly, and Attorney’s as Vet reps are always bashed into the ground as if you would have to be the stupidest breathing atom on this planet to use one… even when presented with the above statistics! I now find it amusing… and quite obvious that the few clanging the VSO bell must have had their asses handed to them by an ex’s attorney. One has even admitted to paying 2 and a half times the amount of my mortgage to their ex, PER MONTH. I guess he must have used a VSO in court. HAR!
As Mr. NOD says… 100% of 0 = 0
Not real hard to do THAT math.
Very useful info. VVA a nice surprise. But can you explain why they only use 261 work days in their calculations? Do they really have that much time off or is there a different answer?
Gee, would that be the same famous blogger who claims law dogs just go for remands to get more EAJA money and to prolong the Veteran’s agony?