A POA messed up couple veteran friends VA and Disability benefits. Do you have any advise I can give them?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:24:07 -0500

have 2 friends that were both active duty soldiers. One of them was med boarded, and the other sought disibility. Her disability was filed as they were in the process of moving. She gave a friend power of attorney to complete her disability claim. In the paperwork he misquoted the back surgery that she had. In viewing her documentation they caught her discrepency and told them that they lied on their paperwork. They are homeless right now, and do not know what their next steps should be.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 15 at 2018 4:27 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:27:51 -0500

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member get in touch with a local vet center. they often have attorney contacts. contact the VA general counsel in DC. this site should get you pointed in the right direction.
https://www.va.gov/OGC/LegalServices.asp

LegalServices.asp

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 15 at 2018 4:29 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 16:29:19 -0500

your friend should also contact the local VA social work service. they can probably arrange for temporary housing. having that one less stressor to worry about will certainly help

Response by SMSgt Greg Karrels made Nov 16 at 2018 6:57 PM

SMSgt Greg Karrels — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 18:57:43 -0500

You need to find your county Veterans Service Office. They do not work for the VA. They work for the various service organizations I.e. VFW, DAV, AMVETS etc. You will have to sign for them to access any and all medical records. They fight for you. They go to the VA boards as your representative. They know the legalize wording etc.