Session Two

Start devouring the Veterans Benefit Manual. We will start interviewing veterans in class this week and use the Manual to support claims that we would make as independent accredited claims agents. We will be doing a lot of hands-on learning from now on with Lena as a resource guide. I suggest buying tabs to stick on the beginnings of each chapter. We will also be referencing Veterans Laws, Rules and Regulations.

Think of the questions you will ask Perry as we check him out ‘head to toe.’

Mark your calendar: February 16th lecture on “Death Indemnity Compensation and Accrued Benefits.” The special guest lecturer will be Ken Carpenter of Topeka, Kansas - an attorney and member of the National Organization of Veterans Advocates (NOVA).

Date Change: We will be switching to Wednesdays after February 16^th.

Internet Resources

1.     http://www.vetadvocates.com/SeminarBrochure.3.pdf  NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF VETERANS’ ADVOCATES, INC. NOVA Spring Conference Renaissance Seattle Hotel Seattle, Washington

2.     http://www.vvic.org/pdfs/Forms/standard_form_180.pdf Request for Military Records

3.     Real Warriors Real Battles Real Strength http://www.realwarriors.net/

4.     Defense Centers of Excellence – For Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury http://www.dcoe.health.mil/

5.     Online VA Forms  http://ww4.va.gov/vaforms

6.     VA FORM 21-0781a, OCT 2007   http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0781a-ARE.pdf  STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF CLAIM FOR SERVICE CONNECTION FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) SECONDARY TO PERSONAL ASSAULT

7.     VA FORM 21-0781 State. in Support of Claim for Serv. Connection for PTSD (Fillable) http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0781-ARE.PDF

8.     VA FORM 21-526, PARTS A,B,C, & D   http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526-ARE.pdf  VETERAN'S APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION AND/OR PENSION