Why Let The Legion Work Your VA Claim? Read On.

The old Hoosier Legionnaire regular publishes comments by John Hickey, the Department of Indiana's superb Service Officer, concerning issues that affect the receipt and delivery of VA benefits. His commentary is immense value to all veterans -- those with active claims, those considering filing claims, and those whose claims are already adjudicated. The following information is scheduled for publication in the upcoming issue of the Hoosier Legionnaire, Indiana's award-winning department newspaper.

"Why should I ask The American Legion to help with my VA claim?

"After all, the nice VA people explained all this claims stuff to me at my service discharge briefing. In fact; I’ve gotten so much literature about veterans benefits, I bet I could teach veterans service officers a few thing. Besides, I think involving a third party would just slow down the processing of my claim. I know how these service organizations work. All they want is my membership dues to help support parties at their posts!

"Wow! It’s hard to believe, but we have talked to veterans who had previously entertained such thoughts – usually after VA denies their claims. That’s when we explain to them that yes, the local American Legion post is a fun place and most of them do have club rooms. However, The American Legion is much more. American Legion posts also participate in activities contributing to the community and support events assisting veterans and their dependents. After discussing The Legion’s four foundational pillars – Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation (VA&R) – we then explain claims representation.

"VA claims processors have a duty to balance the interest of the government with that of the claimant, but American Legion service officers represent the claimant. Claimants may therefore explain all the circumstance of their claims with an American Legion accredited claims representative (department service officer) without fear of The American Legion reporting harmful information to VA. American Legion Accredited Department Service Officers are also professional trained full time employee of the origination.

"Claims services usually start with a post or district service office helping the veteran understand what benefits he or she might be entitled. The post service officer will then normally refer the veteran either to the local county service officer or The American Legion Department Service office for claims filing assistance. In addition to assisting with completing claim forms, county and department service officers also explain what evidence is necessary to win the benefit being sought and how to obtain that evidence.

"Once the claim reaches the VA Regional Office, an American Legion department service officer reviews if for ensuring nothing harmful is submitted with the claim. VA then has a responsibility to keep the accredited American Legion service officer involved during the claims processing. This allows us to review whatever actions are taken on the claim and answer claimant inquires. VA should also let us review, and, if necessary, discuss decisions before those decision become official, or, at least, review the decision for correctness after notification is issued. This action alone, often results in VA making the correct decision the first time since VA knows the decision will be critically reviewed by the veteran’s representative.

"If VA denies the claim, a claimant with representation will have someone on his or her side during the appeals process. The representative will answer the claimant’s questions about appealing the decision, and offer advice about what additional information is necessary to win. The claimant’s representative will also help the claimant during VA hearings, and submit legally based arguments on the claimant’s behalf both at the hearing and in written form if the appeal must go forward to the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington DC.

"VA’s own studies show claimants with representation average much higher compensation awards then those claimants without representation.

We have a duty to let veterans know all about The American Legion and our members’ continue service to the community, state, and nation -- not only for the good of the Legion, but for the good of the veterans we serve."

If you have any questions, contact the Department Service office directly. One Caution, however: There are four service officers, and thousands of veterans' claims being worked by them. You will have to wait. You may have to try several times, and th service officers will not return calls. But they will provide you the best representation available in the nation. Be patient.

Call 317.916.3605; fax 317.226-6645; or call toll-free 1.888.723.7999 and listen carefully to the prompts. Only the service officers are certified and qualified to answer your questions concerning VA claims. If you are transferred to the Service Office and you don't get through, keep trying.