Post Benefits Advisor Responsibilities
The Post Benefits Advisor shall assist members of the Post, their surviving spouses and orphans and other worthy cases brought to their attention in obtaining rightful entitlements from federal and state governments.
The work of a Benefits Advisor shall be performed in accordance with the instructions contained in the VFW Guide for Benefit Advisors under the general supervision of the Department of Pacific Areas Service Officer. The Post Benefit Advisor is NOT accredited and may not perform the duties as stated below under Accredited Service Officer.
Accredited Service Officer Responsibilities
Accredited Service Officers shall 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 (VA) 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.
Service Officer Policy and Procedures
VFW Guide for Post Service Officers
Social Security Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
DPA Monthly Post Benefits Advisor Report
Service Officer Supplemental Training:
Foreign Medical Program (FMP) Health Care Benefits Guide
