2: Working with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
If you’re a Veteran filing a disability claim with the VA, you can receive free support from a Veterans Service Organization. These VA-accredited nonprofits (such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project) will need your permission to access your records and file a claim for you. If you file with the help of a VSO, you may choose to bring private medical evidence to your claim. At times, you may need to insist they use this medical evidence so that the VA receives your most complete and accurate medical story.
The VSO Path for VA Claimants
U.S Federal regulation states that the Department of Veterans Affairs has a “duty to assist” all Veterans filing a disability claim. This is no small job, so over the years, the VA has given accreditation to a variety of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) who can help with this task. You can find Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) Representatives at the VA’s “Accreditation Search” page.
These groups include longstanding organizations that are more than 100 years old, such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and newer organizations created in the 21st century, such as The Wounded Warrior Project. Nonprofits like these were created to make sure Veterans have the benefits they’ve earned and the resources they need in life after the military. The larger mission of these services makes them logical candidates to “prepare and present” disability claims on behalf of Veterans seeking benefits from the VA. Despite their noble purpose, they may lack specialization in key areas.
How do VSOs Support a VA Claim?
If you choose to work with a VSO, you will need to give them “power of attorney” so that they can access your records and file a claim for you. Because VSOs are accredited by the VA, they have access to key databases, such as the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS). While these organizations have special privileges when filing your claim, it is not guaranteed they will have all the resources or the ability to fully support your benefits journey.
Can VSOs Develop Medical Evidence?
VA-accredited nonprofits remain important in the nationwide effort to recognize and advocate for Veterans. However, VSOs may not have the expertise to fully develop medical evidence in support of your claim. To strengthen a claim with complete and accurate medical evidence, one must have a deep understanding of service-connected disabilities and their related symptoms. Keeping up with the latest medical research will also prove beneficial. If a VSO is not focused on this work or does not have someone capable of developing medical evidence on staff, you may want to consider bringing your own.
Are VSOs Keeping Up with Technology?
VSOs may not always have the bandwidth or the technological know-how to navigate the disability claims process efficiently. Filing a disability claim with the VA, as is true with many government programs, is an increasingly digital process. If you’re working with a VSO, make sure they have the skills, equipment, and tools to file your claim in the quickest and most effective way possible. Having the latest technology and a robust support staff will help reduce wait times and avoid the pitfalls of physical paperwork.
