Something we are often asked by Veterans who are interested in representation is: “What sets you apart from this other organization, or why can’t I do this alone?” Well, we could spout off a lot of statistics and other random buzzwords, but when it comes down to it, we are willing to help you.
For instance, I overheard Jess, one of our case managers, talking to a Veteran about an application for Individual Unemployability. My position in the firm does not allow me to see much VA paperwork, (I engineered it that way) but I was curious about this form because the Veteran was asking a bunch of questions. Jess, who has filled out hundreds of these forms, was able to answer his questions like a pro.
I was so curious about this form; I decided to look it up via the VA website. “Surely it can’t be that difficult” I thought to myself. It turns out I was quite naïve. Some parts are easy, like the part where it asks for your name and VA file number, but then things get a little complicated.
Section 17 of the form appears to be the most troubling. Section 17 reads as the following: List all of your employment including self-employment for the last five years you worked. Jess stated that most Veterans who fill this form out on their own get this section wrong. They interpret section 17 as the past five years of their life, not the past five years you worked. She could tell I was confused, so she explained it to me like this: “It’s 2013. Let’s say you haven’t worked since 2005. The form wants to know your information from 2001 to 2005 then.” I understood. She went on to tell me that so many Veterans will leave that blank, or put that they have not worked because they don’t understand. That can possibly lead to the claim getting denied. So many Veterans who tried this claim on their own before they came to us make this mistake.
The rest of the form isn’t too bad, but it is pretty time consuming. This is just one form in the endless sea of paperwork that is VA Disability. To learn more about the services we offer, or to get a free consultation, give us a call today. Our toll free number is 1-877-526-3457. Fill this form out now, and we will give you a call.
