Volunteer Claims Advocate

We will train you to be an Advocate. As a Claims Advocate you will assist Veterans and their families in accessing military and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. As a Claims Advocate, you also answer questions and advise veterans on federal and state benefit programs. Responsibilities:

• Offer research and advice to veterans who wish to handle their own claims.
• Assist veterans who are filing original claims for compensation and/or pension with the Department of Veterans Affairs and complete the required VA forms on behalf of the claimant.
• Assist veterans in reopening claims for service-connected disabilities and complete the required VA forms.
• Follow up on status of claims filed by veterans with the VA Regional office.
• File Notice of Disagreement with the VA Regional office if a veteran believes the decision made by the VA was incorrect.
• Review statements of the case from the VA regarding denials of claim and assist veterans with the preparation of responses.
• Assist veterans or surviving spouses in the preparation of appeals for denial of claims and file the appeals with the local VA regional office for forwarding to the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C.
• Complete VA forms other than for original claims.  
• Answer/research telephone inquiries regarding medical, death/burial, and other miscellaneous benefits

• Lead Advocate - Attend staff and committees and meetings