CVSO Member Spotlight: CVA Graduates

In May, six dedicated VSOs from across the country gathered in Denver, Colorado during the NACVSO Annual Conference to complete the Certified Veterans Advocate (CVA) Course, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys. This advanced certification, designed for NACVSO-Accredited Veteran Service Officers, aims to equip participants with the expertise needed to navigate the intricate landscape of VA claims and appeals.

Among the recent graduates were Jennifer Blasi, Kenosha County, Wisconsin; Elvira Flaviano, San Francisco County, California; Libby Jenkins, Ashtabula County, Ohio; Crystal Knoll, Vernon County, Wisconsin; Anthony McSwords, Monroe County, Ohio; and Thomas Webb, North Dakota. Each of these individuals has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving veterans with the highest level of technical and skill.

A Course Above the Rest

The CVA course is not just a training program. It is a rigorous certification designed to provide VSOs with advanced skills beyond the basics of filing claims, supplemental claims or higher-level reviews. The curriculum delves deep into claim complexity, empowering VSOs to analyze VA case law critically and develop effective strategies for their veterans.

Jennifer Blasi, one of the recent graduates, shared her insights on the impact of the CVA course. “You encounter so many different situations and claims where VA caselaw has not been followed,” Blasi said. “The CVA Course has been instrumental in providing more concise appeals. I have already used the training for appealing for the correct effective dates of awards. I would highly encourage it as it offers incredibly useful information that is above and beyond many other training opportunities. Claims are becoming increasingly complex with rules and practices always evolving. CVA really helped to clarify issues for future clients.”

Empowering Advocates

For Anthony McSwords, the motivation to attend the CVA Course stemmed from a profound sense of duty to his community. “We are a geographically large county with a small population in the Appalachian area,” McSwords explained. “It has always been my belief that our veterans deserve the very best care, which includes fighting for the benefits that they should be receiving. It should not be stifled because of location. Our office needs to be well-armed and equipped to fight for our veterans from day one and throughout the entire claim process, including the appeal process, without giving them a cold handoff to another organization.”

This dedication is imperative for CVA students. The CVA program, which costs $300 as a one-time fee, requires students to have at least five years of experience in Veterans Benefits and NACVSO accreditation for a minimum of three years. Additionally, they must possess a PIV Card for VA Systems Access and complete the NACVSO Advanced Appeals course before taking the final CVA examination.

Building Confidence and Community

Libby Jenkins, another of this years graduates, emphasized the confidence and network that the CVA course fosters. “It gave me confidence; the confidence to know the law and stand your ground,” Jenkins remarked. “Plus, we have an amazing network of CVAs that we can lean on for advice and support. Katrina and Jim have made a movement with this CVA course that will change the VA grant outcomes tremendously.”

The CVA course requires candidates to complete a total of 27 hours of formal training, offered twice a year at the NACVSO Annual Conference and virtually in December. Participants must attend three CVA courses within a five-year period and pass a final examination with a minimum score of 80%.

Becoming a CVA

For those interested in joining the ranks of Certified Veterans Advocates, registration is open year-round. The application process involves submitting an essay explaining the reasons for seeking the CVA designation and how it will benefit claimants, along with two letters of recommendation.

Graduates of the CVA program are not just well-trained; they are part of an elite group of VSOs dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans. Their stories and experiences underscore the transformative impact of the CVA course, paving the way for a new generation of skilled and passionate advocates. For more information on how to sign up, please visit www.NACVSO.org and take the first step towards becoming a Certified Veterans Advocate.