I believe in being straight with people, so here’s exactly where things stand.
I am not — yet — a VA-accredited claims agent. I’m working toward it, and that’s part of what this site documents. But as of today I’m not accredited by the VA’s Office of General Counsel, I’m not an attorney, and I’m not a Veterans Service Officer. In plain terms, here’s what that means for you and me.
Everything on this site is general information and personal experience, not individualized advice about your specific claim. I’ll tell you what I’ve learned and what did (and didn’t) work for my family. I’m not directing your case, and reading a post here doesn’t make me your representative.
I can’t represent you before the VA, and I’m not charging anyone fees to do so. There are real rules about who’s allowed to do certain things in the claims process, and I take them seriously — both because it’s the law and because it’s the right way to treat people who’ve already been let down by folks who didn’t.
Nothing here is legal, medical, or financial advice.
Now the good news, because I never want to leave you at a dead end: if you need someone to formally represent you right now, that help is free. Accredited Veterans Service Organizations — the DAV, VFW, American Legion, and others — along with your county or state Veterans Service Office, can represent veterans at no cost. I will always point you toward legitimate, accredited help, and I’ll never ask you to sign anything with me to get it.
When my own accreditation comes through, I’ll update this page and tell you plainly what changes. Until then, think of me as a fellow traveler who’s a few miles up the trail, leaving notes on the parts that hurt.
Questions, or just want to say hello? Reach me here.