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Know that not all Service Officers are built the same. I have had countless Veterans and families completely pissed- rightfully so- because someone was just getting by. Paid vs. employees OR Veteran vs. Non-Veteran status alone will not tell you if you've got a good one!
TIPS-
* A good service officer will not want to file a claim when it's halfway completed. They will want all the pertinent documents (with the exception of VA medical records) in hand with your application.
* A good service officer won't say- leave that question blank; we'll follow up with that later
* A good service officer will be able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. Someone who states, 'I guarantee you'll get this' is full of it. Even if they KNOW you'll get it- think AO presumptives- they aren't going to guarantee it since they don't have ultimate control.
I have seen claims for presumptives go through within a month. NOT the norm but it shows at least a straightforward claim can move faster than molasses on a cold January day.
For the previous poster whose dad has AO presumptive---- Is your mom still alive and they were married at the time of his death? If so, she may still apply for DIC (widow's benefits).
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