Hi, I am new here, but could not find this question. I was medically discharged in 2004 with severance after being called to active duty in the Army National Guard. I also served in the Navy and Air Force. I had a total of 21.4 years when discharged. The PEB recommended 10% for each knee (20%). I received a 10%. Other issues where not even determined, of which there are a few and my knees only received a cursory exam. They could not have seen my records because I have the originals. I went to see AMVETS but the guy did not know anything about this board and could not help. Should I proceed alone as I cannot afford a lawyer right now. I feel as though I was now adequately counselled on my choice to retire and should have been with 21 good years in. Also, on the the paperwork where it stated "ISSUES WHY THE RATING FOR THE CONDITION(S) WHICH RENDERED THE MEMBER UNFIT SHOULD BE CHANGED:" What language should I use? As an aside, last week I had that same AMVETS rep submit paperwork for increased rating due to the other ailments that VA has diagnosed, such as sleep apnea and possibly PTSD. Please advise and thank you in advance.
What should be my reasoning
- Thread starter dasmith8952
- Start date
Contact a VA social worker. They will help you complete the paperwork and what verbiage to use. As far as acquiring an attorney, that is a decision you must make. Many attorneys offer free consultations! I did not hire an attorney myself as I knew nothing of the process when I applied.
Thank you, I did not know VA social workers existed. I thought there was only DAV or Amvets.
Honestly I recommend an attorney. I didn't and wished I had. The PDBR just ruled for yet against me so I'm still 10% permanent. So I found this organization (http://www.nvlsp.org/ ) that offers pro bono attorney services for these type of cases. I applied and submitted my peb, dd214, initial va claim results and the PDBR results, and they are taking on my case for further review. So they have requested copies of all my records from the Army and the VA. Once they have those in hand they will consult with their attorneys to see if we can take this to the federal appeals court. It's looking good for me to take it to court but gotta wait another 6-12 months for them to get my records. Hurry up and wait! If you're just getting started contact them and see if they will take your case on. If you hire Jason or any other attorney you could be out from $5,000 to $40,000 just to see what the gov says. Good luck!
Great, thank you I will contact them/
I don't mind paying Jason for services rendered. He needs to make a living too and he states he has won many of these cases. I just don't have that kind of money right now.