Phantom Blooper
04-11-06, 08:13 AM
The VA General Counsel has notified us that an organization called "Veterans
Affairs Services" appears to be holding itself out as a recognized service
organization; it is not a recognized service organization. This organization
may be assisting veterans and others to file claims and, in the process,
obtain personal information. The GC has asked us to ask you to report any
contact you may have had with "Veterans Affairs Service".
If you have any examples of "Veterans Affairs Service" helping veterans or
other claimants file claims with VA please call Fred Burns, Assistant
Director, at (202) 608-8367. Please be prepared to provide at least the name and
telephone number of the veteran when you call Mr. Burns.
The General Counsel message is shown below:
"An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit
and general information on VA and gathering personal information on
veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.
http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html
VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close
resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we
coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization
sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to
provide any services.
In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that
violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees
assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits,
please pass any additional information to...
Jerry Manar
Deputy Director
National Veterans Service
Affairs Services" appears to be holding itself out as a recognized service
organization; it is not a recognized service organization. This organization
may be assisting veterans and others to file claims and, in the process,
obtain personal information. The GC has asked us to ask you to report any
contact you may have had with "Veterans Affairs Service".
If you have any examples of "Veterans Affairs Service" helping veterans or
other claimants file claims with VA please call Fred Burns, Assistant
Director, at (202) 608-8367. Please be prepared to provide at least the name and
telephone number of the veteran when you call Mr. Burns.
The General Counsel message is shown below:
"An organization called Veterans Affairs Services (VAS) is providing benefit
and general information on VA and gathering personal information on
veterans. This organization is not affiliated with VA in any way.
http://www.vaservices.org/us/index.html
VAS may be gaining access to military personnel through their close
resemblance to the VA name and seal. Our Legal Counsel has requested that we
coordinate with DoD to inform military installations, particularly mobilization
sites, of this group and their lack of affiliation or endorsement by VA to
provide any services.
In addition, GC requests that if you have any examples of VAS acts that
violate chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, such as VAS employees
assisting veterans in the preparation and presentation of claims for benefits,
please pass any additional information to...
Jerry Manar
Deputy Director
National Veterans Service