There are other groups; groups that the VA does not condone because of their aggressive handling of such claims. IOW, the VA doesn't like to encounter aggressive defense of a veteran's claim. In fact, they would rather a veteran not be properly represented by legal counsel (lawyer) as well as VSO organizations.     Lawyer Details

    They (the VA) find it very disturbing to deal with a veteran's claim on an equal footing.     And, for those of you naive to believe otherwise, see Haas v. Nicholson, or Ribaudo v. Nicholson.     Details     Over six months ago, a panel of judges issued a ruling where the Secretary (Nicholson) of the VA was found to have improperly promulgated the agency federal regulations as to Vietnam Veteran status for service-connected claims.     This over-ruling was unlawfully stayed without proper motion filing in the courts and subsequently, another judge ruled that that (unlawful) stay and the associated memo directing ROs not to process such claims ordered rescinded.

    Now, if you don't understand a word I just said, then you definitely need legal counsel representing your best interest and not some VSO that does a half ass, "rubber stamp[ing]" job.

What is a "Half ass, rubber-stamp[ing] job?"

    Simple.     Doesn't investigate any further than his (VSO) nose; separate Haas versus non-Haas issues, as so directed, and therefore leaves your non-Haas associated issues in limbo for appeal hearing.     Comprende?     No .. [then] again, you need legal counsel.

    This RAO Bulletin article only demonstrates, at least to me, that they want to set up an (alarming) "smoke screen."

    But, under no circumstances, should one engage in some form of fraud through presenting fraudulent documents with their claim.

    It is bad enough when you present valid documents in support of your claim, eg, pay vouchers indicating that you were in a combat zone, "CZ," but to fabricate such documents, (or alter same) is a way to insure the VA will terminate all healthcare benefits, etc. as well as disability compensation consideration.

    Now, I hope this makes sense. For now, I will be only broadcasting this bulletin article to those that I am aware of. Later, I will investigate what the hell they are talking about and publish on the website more warnings.

    Yes. You should not be charged a fee for such claim processing assistance, first of all, and that should be a "dead giveaway" that you are dealing with an unauthorized advocate source.

    My only warning is: never give or let out of your sight any original documents that may be used in your claim, ie, in support of your claim.

    A common question that some of you (and others you are not aware of) ask me regards their medical condition and/or paperwork on such (medical) evidence. I defer to either your private physician(s) or VA staff. To suggest anything else would be a legal grounds for fraudulent conduct and not in your best interest.

    How prevalent this problem is, ie, con artist, I do not know.

    You may have also heard on the news about the tax accounting firm Jackson Hewitt having several franchise offices engaging in fraudulent tax returns. You, as the tax return filer, can expect to be responsible for such fraudulent action that may result in tax penalties and interest.

Franco
Published:   4/14/07

    Update on IRIS.va.gov for more information.     It has been my personal experience, both in writing, certified/return receipt mail and IRIS to not given any response.

    Please also notice the wording of this notice, as in any legal disclaimer, that you have the right to obtain information from any source you feel is competent and in your best interest, but signing off on a claim that has any fabrication or fraudulent content is against the law and therefore, the VA can and will penalize you for life when and if that "intent" can be established by law.

    Filing a fraudulent claim is a serious matter, and something only a fool would attempt to do.     To learn more about having a lawyer, legal counsel representation, please click here.

    In the U.S.A., it is better to call 1-800-827-1000.

    Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): 1-800-829-4833

    And, on the same token, if you suspect any wrong doing in a VA program
or operation, call the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Hotline at 1-800-488-8244

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