Free app helps veterans, advocates with VA benefits claims
Allied NewsJul 06, 2018
The National Veterans Legal Services Program recently launched the first of its kind app for use by military veterans and their advocates, available for download through the NVLSP website,
Named the NVLSP VA Benefit Identifier, the application helps veterans, with or without the assistance of a veteran's service officer, determine specific
Veteran
The app directs users to a logic based questionnaire that assists in verifying whether a veteran should file a claim for service-connected disability benefits or nonservice-connected disability pension. The survey addresses all possible disabilities covered by
Created in both English and Spanish, the app functions as a comprehensive logic tree, generating additional questions from previously supplied answers. To protect privacy, no data or personally identifiable information is retained. Once the questionnaire is completed, results can be emailed or printed and used as a reference when filing claims for
"We're hoping to maximize the benefit of this app for veterans by offering it as a free service, without any cost for downloading and utilizing," said
NVLSP's VA Benefit Identifier app does not assist with claims for a higher rating for disabilities the
In completing the Identifier questionnaire, veterans should have documents available about their military service (DD Form 214), information about medical conditions and any prior
Upon completing the survey, veterans are advised to schedule an appointment with a veteran's advocate chosen from a list of Veterans Service Organizations furnished in the app. Veteran's advocates are regularly available to assist with applications for
A key highlight of the NVLSP VA Benefit Identifier is its ability to appropriately recommend when veterans should file for specific conditions, prompting them to submit an "intent to file" form with the
NVLSP's app features an easy to navigate interface allowing veterans to interact with a support point person, and can be downloaded from the NVLSP website to any web-enabled smart device. NVLSP recently fixed some bugs in the app in May that had frustrated a handful of users, and the problems identified were corrected.
Download the NVLSP VA Benefit Identifier app on NVLSP's website, from the
The National Veterans Legal Services Program is an independent, nonprofit veterans service organization that has served active duty military personnel and veterans since 1980. NVLSP strives to ensure that our nation honors its commitment to its 22 million veterans and active duty personnel by ensuring they have the federal benefits they have earned through their service to our country. NVSLP offers training for attorneys and other advocates; connects veterans and active duty personnel with pro bono legal help when seeking disability benefits; publishes the nation's definitive guide on veteran benefits; and represents and litigates for veterans and their families before the