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SOTS Annual Training 2012. Role of a Service Officer. Thomas Meadows TDVA Training Officer 615-441-3384 or tom.meadows@tn.gov. ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER. History: Veterans need for assistance was realized shortly after the Civil War.
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SOTS Annual Training 2012 Role of a Service Officer Thomas Meadows TDVA Training Officer 615-441-3384 or tom.meadows@tn.gov
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER • History: Veterans need for assistance was realized shortly after the Civil War. • Attorneys seized the day and charged huge fees. • Congress passed legislation to recognize service organizations and to limit fees to $10.00
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • Attorneys could not represent veterans until they had exhausted all administrative procedures through the BVA process. • Currently attorneys can represent veterans for a fee at the time the veteran submits a Notice of Disagreement. • There are numerous Service organizations. TDVA employees represent 12 different Organizations.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • The Accreditation Process: • You must be employed by a State County or Metropolitan Government. • Must be employed for at least 20 hours per week. • Must be an individual of good repute. • Must pass a basic skills test and continued testing annually. • Must attend training provided by TDVA.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • The Accreditation Process: • You may be accredited by more than one organization. • VFW requires completion of VA sponsored TRIP training. • Point of contact Bette Carter Claims Office 615 695 6385 or Roger Harrell 615 695 6329. • Accreditation procedures provided as an attachment.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • Privileges: • In order for you to represent a veteran VA Form 21-22 must be completed and signed by both you and the veteran. • POA must be for an Organization that you have accreditation for. • You can do almost everything for the veteran. • Cannot file Original claims or claims involving dependency or income.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • Privileges: • You can check on claim status electronically or by phone. • You have access to Claims Office, Field Offices and State Training Staff. • Always remember the claim is the veterans claim, not yours: you must always act in his/her best interest.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • Responsibilities: • You cannot submit information that is false or fraudulent. • You cannot release information to a third party without the veterans consent. • Identify the vet by questioning. • If you suspect the information given you to be fraudulent you must advise the claimant of the illegality.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • Responsibilities: • You have the responsibility to report fraudulent activity to the VA. • Secure information in locked cabinets. Review and shred periodically. • Lock computers when you are not present. Do not allow someone else to use your computer. • Do not represent widow in an apportionment claim against the veteran.
ROLE OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER(CONT) • TIP: If you take TRIP training you will receive more training in all these areas QUESTIONS ?