When to use a VSO, and when to hire an attorney

Jim,

I was awarded 20% bi-lateral chromdalamacia after bi-lateral surgery patellar tendon release in 1977. I didn't go to VA for a number of years after an initial visit in 1979 for continued problems with my knees, pain, swelling, popping, and instability. Fast forward 30 years, I again sought help from VA for my knees. Long story short, I recently received a shoulder replacement at the VA and am convalescing. I continue to have problems with both knees. At 60 years of age, I don’t foresee returning to my former occupations in manufacturing and construction. Should I bypass the local VSO and get an attorney? I know the information is sketchy at best, but any advice is appreciated!

 

Reply:

You aren't allowed to use an attorney unless and until you have been denied a benefit claim. Even then there are strict rules about attorney compensation and so on.

Please click https://www.vawatchdog.org/how-to-hire-a-veterans-law-attorney.html

I do not recommend using a VSO. There are no national standards nor certification for VSOs, almost anyone can call themselves a VSO without any credentials or certification. I recommend that each capable veteran DIY a claim...it really isn't hard to do. Then you're in control and you don't have to try to negotiate with a middleman.

I'll assume that your goal is to seek an increase to the 20% rating.

Please click https://www.vawatchdog.org/how-to-increase-an-existing-benefit--.html

To increase the rating to the knees will require that you complete a form.

https://www.vawatchdog.org/forms.html

Then you wait for the VA to process the claim...maybe as much as a year or more. There really isn't anything that you can do to speed it along other than to get started now.