Alec’s Angel nonprofit’s mentorship service presents opportunities for the veterans with service connected injuries to prepare to submit their disability claims. He or she is met right where they are at in terms of how they feel physically and emotionally and then taken to the next level. The four phase program assists in validating a previous military injury and current need for VA care. Qualified and caring advocates handle and hand over the veteran to an appointed claims representative for filing.
4 Phases of mentorship:
- Introduction
- Identification
- Classification
- Submission
- Determination
Phase I Introduction:
Alec’s Angel program coordinator establishes initial contact with the referred veteran by phone and email. The application and background check form are submitted. A representative is hand selected by the coordinating team as an advocate to provide the best experience.
The advocate uses advanced relationship and sensitivity skills to create a foundation of mutual respect. This meeting is performed in person when possible and the veteran understands that the partnership is for the purpose of submitting claims for disability. Notes are taken and a file is started, pending further documentation.
Phase II Identification:
After the application and background process are complete, the veteran submits a proper DD214 document (honorable discharge) and provides military medical records. The representative and veteran spend one to two hours identifying pain from relevant military injuries while completing a check list that requires professional medical evidence. Additional outside medical documentation to support each claim may also be collected to support the file.
Phase III Classification:
Alec’s Angel advocate clarifies injuries with the veteran and ties those in with incidents/accidents that are proven by military medical file.
A list of primary claims and secondary claims are considered based on limitations and dysfunctional muscle interactions. The veteran is encouraged to create a list of daily living activities that are impacted by lack of health and/or mobility.
Phase IV Submission:
Alec’s Angel advocate accompanies the veteran at the Veteran’s Affairs hospital to attend the claims appointment. This starts as early as 6:30 am as to ensure first place in line. The advocate and client review the claims they want to submit and a further check is done to consider the emotional state of the veteran.
During the visit with the claims process, the veteran has their personal master file with proper documents and shares the checklist with the claims representative.
A calendar and timeline of events are recorded on the veteran’s behalf, and one is placed in the Alec’s Angel client folder and another goes home.
Phase V Determination:
Pending the VA Compensation and Pension appointment, the veteran waits to be called into the medical office for a follow-up visit. He or she can choose to have the advocate present (waiting in the lobby or in the actual medical appointment, when deemed appropriate). The purpose and goal is for the veteran to follow through and to be seen to back up the filing of the medical claims. Afterwards, the veteran waits for a determination letter of both the process and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs rating decision. The veteran has the option to continue being served if future complications occur.