Frequently Asked Questions
Can AVA help me?
I help Veterans with both initial claims for VA disability compensation as well as appeals.
I also specialize in SMC (Special Monthly Compensation) and TBI (traumatic brain injury) claims and appeals.
If you have just had an SMC or regular VA claim denied, it’s important that you reach out before initiating an appeal.
What geographical area does AVA serve?
I represent and serve US Veterans and their families worldwide. When contacting AVA, keep in mind AVA HQ is located in the PST/PDT zone.
What is a Veterans Affairs Accredited Agent?
An Accredited Agent is:
a professional Veterans law practitioner but they are not an attorney.
not a VA employee.
accredited by federal law by:
1. passing an intensive background, character, and fitness review by the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC).
2. passing a written examination covering veterans law and VA procedures.
3. submitting required Continuing Legal Education credits for approval by the VA OGC.
The VA accreditation program exists to ensure that Veterans and their family members receive appropriate representation on their VA benefit claims. VA accreditation is for the sole and limited purpose of preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims before the VA.
How is AVA different than other Veterans Service Organizations?
Veterans seek help from AVA when they want a specialist, someone who can take a more meticulous approach and dedicate significantly more time and attention in helping them develop and win their claim or appeal. VA disability compensation is all I do.
Working with a VA Accredited Agent can provide certain advantages versus working with some other types of advocates. As a VA Accredited Agent, I have remote access to the VA's electronic records system (VBMS) which allows me to see everything in the Veteran's record, including the evidence the VA is using to reach their decision, and potentially find evidence that the VA has missed. Not every advocate has that access.
I also have resources within the medical community to help the Veterans I represent obtain medical evidence to support their claims. This is often the biggest hurdle for Veterans as many VA medical providers will not assist Veterans with documentation for VA disability compensation benefits, even though they are permitted to do so.
Additionally, some advocates cannot represent Veterans for certain appeals, like for instance if the appeal goes before a judge at the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), and they have to hand off the case to a different advocate who's often completely unfamiliar with the Veteran’s case. That won't happen with AVA.
Who is eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)?
Veterans who are eligible for SMC typically have one or more of the following:
Multiple missing limbs (or portions of limbs) or loss of use of multiple extremities from conditions like Parkinson's or Diabetes II w/peripheral neuropathy, or;
In need of the regular aid and attendance of another for assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, medication management, etc. because of a service-connected physical or mental condition (this includes if the Veteran needs the aid and attendance of another because they are a threat to themselves or others), or;
5/200 visual acuity or less bilaterally, or;
Significant residuals from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that result in the Veteran needing assistance with activities of daily living, or;
Permanently bedridden, or;
Paraplegia
Other conditions that could be a good basis for SMC if they result in the Veteran needing assistance with activities of daily living or loss of use would be ALS, ischemic heart disease, interstitial lung disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, COPD with oxygen, any cancers, and severe PTSD or other similar major disorder. That list is not exhaustive, just a list of the most common qualifying conditions.
These conditions would obviously need to be related to the Veteran's military service and service-connected in order to qualify. See the VA’s website for further details on SMC.
How Much Does AVA Charge to Help Me?
AVA’s fees are determined based on your unique situation and the specific services you require. Due to the detailed regulations established by the VA regarding fees, we are committed to full compliance and transparency. To ensure I provide accurate information and adhere strictly to VA guidelines, I prefer to discuss fees directly with you after understanding your individual needs and where you are in the claims process.
