As a female 60% disalbed veteran appealing her case with the VA, what is the best service officer organization

I am a young female 60% disabled veteran. Up untill now I have used the DAV as my national service officer for representation on my VA file here in Missouri. I have had problems with my service officer and they will not allow me to change my officer to one of the others in the office, because they sort due to the last 4 of your social security number.

I am appealing my case, if you add up all of my disablities they have granted, it adds up to 80%. But they only pay me at 60% rate. I am unable to work due to my disablilities. I am awaiting my SS disabliity hearing as well.

I need to know what is the best office to go thru?
the only ones I know of are

American Legion
Parlized Vets of American
Veitnam vetrans of America
masonic... something or other (my husband is a mason)

what are some others... and what would you recommend?

If you don't know ask the Veterans in your family. I really need some advice on this one!!!

the problem I am having is the fact that i am young female. Now, i'm not one of those "womans add lib things" but there is some real attitude with some.. Not all... people in the VA system.

I have gone to the Info desk at my local VA hospital before and they smiled and asked if i was looking for my grandfather...

They also always ask for MR... (my name) becasue they expect you to be a man, and an older man at that.

The VA rating scheme does NOT just "add up" your disabilities for your pay. I myself am a disabled vet

What are your "MAJOR DISABILITIES"? I've had 3 vertebrae removed and I'm working....As a matter of fact, I didn't even apply for my VA rating till 3 yrs after discharge, and only then because the VA sent me a hospital bill for a "duty related injury"
And it took me approx 1 1/2 years to get my rating. How long have you waited?

Vietnam Veterans of America. you can change your VSO anytime you want by signing a POA form. They will tell you it slows your claim ,but don,t believe it !! Good Luck-- a fellow vet..

Well the DAV is usually the best. I have 70% though my totals add to 80% but if you go over 70% I think there are issues and you do not want 100% because then you will not be allowed to work at all. The other part of your answer is that it depends on what your service officers are like. Our legion service officers are nothing compared to the DAVs here in our area but yours might be. I would also say that if you have a bad relationship with the DAV officer it may be your fault. They WILL fight to get you everything that you deserve so if they arent agreeing that you deserve more, you might not.

I am sympathetic to you because I have went through the same waiting game with Uncle Sam,it sucks.Have you tried the Legion,or VFW for help.The VFW helped me out maybe they can you as well.I hope they give you what you deserve,you might want to try PTSD,towards your SSI,that is what got mine really fast.Good luck,and God bless you!

American Legion has helped many veterans with service connected disabilities and they have a very good success rate!!

american legion

If you are appealing your case you can get an attorney. Since you are working on your SS you can talk to the one you will be using for that.

The VA disability math is not like what you learned in school. My husband is 160% disabled if added the normal way. VA says 90%.

I suggest you check out a couple of other web sites to get more familiar with the entire process. One is www.military.com and the other is www.vawatchdog.com.

All the information you get from the SS will help you with your VA case. There are also county VA officers. Check your phone book and call the county court house. We have not had a great deal of luck with service officers but each one is different. Most of them have little training, hence my suggestion of learning a bit more. If you are going to pick another one you will need to interview him as you would an attorney or a doctor. If you aren't pleased or comfortable, just move on, don't sign that power of attorney until you are.

I read your other answers. The person that told you you could not work if you are 100% is not correct. If you are what is called unemployable your can not work. If you are 100% permanent and total you can.

Don't worry about wether your disabilties are the same as someone elses or how long it took them.

Good Luck.

I am female !00% total & permant DAV worked on it for over 10 ++++ yrs...If you wait it could happen... I never have been treated bad at any of the VA hospitals because I was not old or a man, I am sorry you feel that way, I have been lucky I guess... maybe you need to see psy ops,.... SSI or D GET An Attorney... no other way...