Veterans Advocate Training

The goal is to train students how to pass the test for the title of Independent Agent in order to receive accreditation from the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This title would enable the person certified to file claims for the veterans with the VA and file appeals, present oral arguments in person at the VA Regional Office with the veteran. In the event the case is denied at the local level, learn to prepare for continuing appeals at the DC level, at the VA board of Veterans Appeals and if necessary, file an appeal with the U. S. Court of Appeals for Veterans (three steps down from the Supreme Court).

They will learn how to study the VA laws and regulations and where to look for answers to their questions; how to gather evidence such as buddy statements for the veteran or the widow of a veteran or obtain private medical exams and assist the physician in the proper wording of the document to the VA..

They will learn important definitions and what these definitions mean for the veteran and how they can be used to benefit his/her claim. The Title 38 United States Code (38 USC) are the laws as passed by congress. The 38 Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR) are the regulation interpretation of the Title 38 USC laws, as approved by Congress. These rules and regulations are vital to any advocate who want to help a veteran.

4) Learn how to investigate and acquire supportive evidence to substantiate a veteran’s claim for service connected disability..

5) Learn how to prepare an appeal (Notice of Disagreement); what to say and how to say it and what to ask for in the initial appeal such as:

b) Request for a Statement of Case from the VA which explains how they arrived at their decision and what the advocate should look for in this document.

c) Request a Personal Hearing at the local level. This is the only time the VA should have access to the veteran eye to eye to ask questions. This is where the advocate comes in as a vital part of this process. Always ask for a transcript of the hearing before the process gets started.

d) How to prepare the VA Form 9 which will accompany the VA claims file to Washington DC to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). In the event the local hearing is not successful. New evidence may be submitted at this level, but the BVA will more than likely remand the case back to the local VA Regional Office to reconsider their decision in light of the new evidence.

To see a copy of the Seminar Brochure and seminar registration form, click on the link below.

Videos

What Veterans Need to Know to File VA Claims Lena Swanson, Jim Breitmun, Molly Breitmun, and Dennis Mills provide an overview of the VA claims process. The class training date changed to Wednesdays 1-3:30 pm since the program was recorded.

Interviewing Veterans Lena Swanson demonstrates interviewing 'from head to toe.' The class interviews a veteran with feedback from Lena Swanson, Veterans Advocacy Training Facilitator.

Interviewing Seth Manzel The class interviews a recent Iraq War veteran who created Coffee Strong in Lakewood, WA. Seth wants to review his VA claim.

Links

NVLSP Basic Training Correspondence Course gives veteran advocates an excellent basic understanding of veterans’ law, a good understanding of the VA appeals process, and an ability to win benefits for deserving veterans, their dependents and survivors.

Veterans Advocate Training

Videos

Links

Assignments