I need a recommendation for a VSO

[Supersapper]

Hi All!

Hope the day is well. I am hoping there is someone here who can help me with a decent VSO recommendation. I am using the DAV, but am not having a lot of success with them at all.

To be clear, I got my rating at 70%, but there were tests that were not done at all for things that I put on the claim (not even addressed, even to say 0% or denied), things that were rated lower what even their own standards indicate, etc.

I'm hoping someone out there might have a recommendation for someone who is well enough versed in the rating lingo, appellate process, etc that might be able to help.

I am in the San Diego area and am willing to travel as far as Huntington Beach, if that helps. I'll go farther if I have to, but I'm hoping there is someone closer.

Thanks for any consideration,
Sapper

[Usual_Suspect]

You can use any VSO, even one in another state use email, video conf, or phone calls, does not need to be in person. I am not a VSO, but look at the reason for the denial and address it. You can file them yourself, many do and are successful.
A 0% award is an admission of service connection, and if you are married, and pass away from the disability, your spouse is entitled to DIC, which is currently around $1,400 and some change. The 0% also allows you to file for increases. Many Rep's will tell you not to bother with the low hanging fruit, but if you have a spouse it may be worth it, especially if it is the cause of death.
Here is a link where you can search for a Rep. I can't recommend one as I have found most are overworked, and do the bare minimum required. There are some really great ones out there, but most have a waiting list.

https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

If you are within 1 year of the denial, you have 2 routes, a Higher Level Review, which is you asking a Sr Level Rater to take a second look at your claim. A HLR cannot have any new evidence added to it, but you can upload a statement on why you disagree with the rating.
If the HLR is unsuccessful, you can file a Supplemental Claim with new an relevant evidence, meaning something that was not in the original claim, usually to address the reason for the previous denial. This can be a buddy letter, Nexus Letter, or other medical records or statements.
The second lane is the Supplemental Claim, which if filed within the 1 years of denial, retains the original claims date filing, or Intent To File Date. If the Supplemental Claim is filed after the 1 years period, the effective date, or payment date is the date you filed the Supplemental.

Keep in mind, anytime you file a new claim, or supplemental claim, the VA may reopen and reevaluate any existing claims. Always ask your Representative of Record if the is a future date listed for a Routine Future Examination, which is a re-examination of an existing awarded claim, or if the claim is considered static, meaning the VA doesn't think your condition will improve.

Note: I am not an accredited claims agent or VSO, nor am I recognized by the VA as such. I am just a Vet like you are. I file my own claims, I have an iron in the fire, my own interests, but have the DAV as the Representative of Record.

[ShastaCola]

Amvets. My claim was turned down but there was an Amvets office at my local VA. I went in there and they refiled my claim on my behalf as my Representative of Record. They did a great job for me and it was free. My claim was approved.

[Supersapper]

Appreciate all. I guess I'm going to have to start looking again. I'll try AmVets, and a few others I've had suggested.

[rero360]

There is some really good information on YouTube as well. Take a look at Combat Craig's channel, he gives advice on strategies on how to set up your claims, how best to answer questions during the C&P exams, and all that.

I initially was put at 20% 8 years ago but my wife and brother-in-law urged me to refile as that initial decision was not fully accurate. So I have started the process and am already at 60%, I believe once everything is said and done I'll be at 70 or 80% with a slim possibility of hitting 90%. Currently waiting on them to redo their decision on my back, hips, and knees. I have an appointment next month regarding burn pit exposure, and need to file an additional claim for damage to my ulna nerves (pinkies and half of my ring fingers are permanently numb and tingling)

[ShastaCola]

There is some really good information on YouTube as well. Take a look at Combat Craig's channel, he gives advice on strategies on how to set up your claims, how best to answer questions during the C&P exams, and all that.

I initially was put at 20% 8 years ago but my wife and brother-in-law urged me to refile as that initial decision was not fully accurate. So I have started the process and am already at 60%, I believe once everything is said and done I'll be at 70 or 80% with a slim possibility of hitting 90%. Currently waiting on them to redo their decision on my back, hips, and knees. I have an appointment next month regarding burn pit exposure, and need to file an additional claim for damage to my ulna nerves (pinkies and half of my ring fingers are permanently numb and tingling)

Also look at TheCivDiv, Veterans Info Tap, and Davidson Law Offices channel on youtube. A wealth of info on how to maneuver through the VA system as well as topics you didnt even think of asking.

[Supersapper]

Appreciate it definitely. I'm checking all suggestions.

[NastyNate]

https://www.veteranconsultationservices.com

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