Jim,

What should a person do if a VA rep. comes knocking and says, “I am here to help you?”

Reply:

You're referencing my often repeated attempt at a little humor. I tell veterans that there are 3 Great Lies. The check is in the mail. Yes darling, of course I'll respect you in the morning. Hello, we're here from the VA (or any federal agency) and we're going to help you.

I use that a lot lately as I continue to investigate and report on the abuses of the VA fiduciary appointment system. Any veteran who has alleged issues or potential problems handling their finances received from VA may be appointed a VA fiduciary to "help" them manage their money. This is a necessary service as there are many veterans who truly have significant health conditions that will prevent them from spending money wisely. All too often the veteran may be open to abuse by others if they aren't able to comprehend and deal the world around them.

It's unfortunate that the VA fiduciary program is out of control poorly managed and VA seems to be ignoring the law in administering the process.

Briefly, the appointment begins with a visit to the veterans residence by a VA official known as a Field Examiner. That individual assesses the circumstances and then should fairly apply the existing regulations to help the veteran who needs help. All too often there is nothing equitable or fair about the decision of the FE and from there questionable appointments of fiduciaries may be imposed. At that point many veterans lose complete control of their total incomes and often have complaints of abusive actions by the appointed fiduciary.

I'm updating our current data about the fiduciary issues on my site at http://www.vawatchdogtoday.org/Fiduciary_Appointments.html If you or anyone you know hears that promise of "We're here to help you" form a Field Examiner, there are actions that you must take immediately. Once they have started to help you, it's often too late for the veteran to respond.