Veterans Service Organizations may be of great assistance to a veteran or the family of a veteran in filing a claim, or assisting in other paperwork. Normally they request the signing of a "Power of Attorney" form. This is not an actual Power of Attorney if they use a VA Form 21- 22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization As Claimant's Representative. If they want you to sign other legal documents you should review with a lawyer.
A service organization needs the VA Form 21-22 form signed so that they can (with the proper release of information form signed) review a veterans claim file.
If the veteran has a guardian, the guardian must sign. If the veteran dies the form is revoked. If dealing with a dependent's benefits, and they are over 18, they must sign.
Due to the current war, there has been the formation of a number of non-profit groups that have focused on assisting veterans from the Global War on Terrorism. Be careful and try to check out every organization before dealing with them, especially in the area of release of information. They may be very willing to help you, but you may find your story on their website. They may not be bound by the same release of information rules that the VA or DoD adhere to.
There is a list of service organizations below, however it is not likely that they all have offices in the area where you reside. Check and see what organizations have offices in your area.
The following are service organizations that the VA recognizes:
American Legion
American Red Cross
American Vets Committee
ANWETS
American Ex-Prisoners of War, INC.
American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor
American G I Forum
Army and Navy Union, U.S.A.
Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association
Blinded Veterans Association
Catholic War Vets of the U.S.A.
Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the U.S.A.
Disabled American Veterans, D.A.V.
Economic Opportunity Military Justice Clinic
Fleet Reserve Association
The Forty & Eight Gold Star Wives of America
Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.
Legion of Valor of the U.S.A. Inc
Marine Corps League
Military Order of the Purple Heart
National Amputation Foundation, Inc
NCOA of the U.S.A.
Navy mutual Aid Association
Paralyzed Vets of America, Inc.
Polish Legion of American Vets, U.S.A.
Regular Veterans Association
Retired Enlisted Association
Seattle Vets Action Center
Sword to Plowshares
United Spanish War Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars, V.F.W.
Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A.
Vietnam Era Veterans Association of Rhode Island
Vietnam Vets of America
Also, there are Veteran State Service Officers who may assist you with VA benefits matters.
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