"Claim denied!" All too often millions of veterans have received this response to their legitimate claims for federal benefits. In most cases, writes veterans' advocate John D. Roche, the claimant didn't understand the procedures needed to meet the myriad requirements of the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the appeals process requiring years to resolve disputes, deserving veterans and their dependents are left confused and frustrated by the agency and a system that was created to serve them. The answer is to submit a well-grounded claim initially, which The Veteran's Survival Guide, now in a revised, second edition, analyzes in detail. This unique book, written in an accessible self-help style, will be required reading for any veteran or veteran's dependent who wishes to obtain his or her well-earned benefits and for those officials of veterans' service organizations who assist veterans with their claims.

About the Author
Maj. John D. Roche, USAF (Ret.), served as a bomber pilot, had combat duty in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and held a variety of administrative assignments. Subsequently, he worked for sixteen years as a claims adjudicator specialist for the Veterans Administration and as a veterans' service officer for Pinellas County, Florida, where he was a tireless advocate for veterans and their families. Roche enjoyed one of the highest rates of wins on appeal in the state. This book is based on his experience as a successful practitioner, many years of independent research, and personal consultations with some 80,000 veterans, widows, and dependents. Roche is also the author of The Veteran's Survival Guide, Second Edition (Potomac Books, 2006) and The Veteran's PTSD Handbook (Potomac Books, 2007). He lives in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Reviews
"BEST DAMN BOOK ON VA CLAIMS EVER WRITTEN! . . . This is 'the gold standard' of this genre. This is truly the best and most helpful book on the subject that I have come across in my three decades of helping veterans. . . . Author John D. Roche has taken all his personal experience of having worked for the VA and for veterans in Florida and put it into readable, simple, and easy-to-follow language. Not only does he tell you what to do, but he also gives you insights on how the VA operates and makes decisions on claims. If you have a claim to file or have one being processed right now, then you should run down and buy this book I sincerely mean that. You cannot afford not to have a copy. . . . I most highly recommend this book for every veteran. . . . The MWSA awards this book five stars--the highest rating we can give."-Bill McDonald, president of the Military Writers Society of America
"Highly recommended for public libraries."-CHOICE
"Any collection catering to veterans needs this 'bible' of information."-Midwest Book Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781597970518
Author John D. Roche
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Potomac Books Inc
Publisher Potomac Books Inc