As stated in the December 19^th Editorial in the New York Times, veterans often find themselves desperately short of the information they need as they attempt to obtain the benefits available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

However, one promising new source of information is now available: a 599-page guide to veterans’ issues, from educational help to vocational rehabilitation, from housing to citizenship. The guide is called “The American Veterans’ and Servicemembers’ Survival Guide.” The guide, an electronic book, is a publication of the nonprofit advocacy group Veterans for America, available as a free download at veteransforamerica.us.

The guide was written by veterans and lawyers to help disabled veterans and their families navigate the incomprehensible thicket of administrative rules governing the VA, and help them overcome the utter frustration often resulting from the glacial pace at which benefits and appeals are decided. The authors caution that while the guide will help a veteran understand what’s going on, it is not a substitute for a good lawyer or other advocate. 

As reported in a blog post on September 25, 2008 (https://vanarellilaw.com/i-am-an-accredited-attorney-under-the-regulations-for-the-department-of-veterans-affairs/), I am an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans’ pension and compensation benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs.