Claim Denied!: How to Appeal a VA Denial of Benefits »

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.

The VA is not your loving Uncle Sam

List of Abbreviations

List of Terms

Code of Federal Regulations

VA Form 9

Introduction Read Me First

The Appeals Process: Step By Step

Pt. 1 The Veteran's Errors - Before and After Filing

Pt. 2 The Department of Veterans Affairs Errors - Before and After Filing

Pt. 3 Building a Hearing Book

Resources: How to Find What You Need

Index