International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Veterans Services Coordinator Richard Evans joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the formation of the IAM’s Veteran Services Department, helping IAM veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and some of the claims his department handles.
Evans got his start with the Machinists Union while finishing up his time in the military. He spent the final six months of his service working as a member of the IAM at the Patuxent River Base in Virginia. In 2019 while going through his own fight for VA benefits, he took classes and became certified as an Accredited Claims Expert in order to be allowed to handle his own VA claim. In April 2021, he was approached by then International President Robert Martinez to help veterans in the IAM get their VA benefits. Since 2022, he has helped over 200 veterans obtain more than $2 million in backpay and increase their total monthly compensation by roughly $250,000.
Evans explained that there are three different types of entities legally allowed to help veterans file a claim for benefits: Accredited claims agents, accredited attorneys or veteran service organizations (VSO) such as the American Legion or VFW. Accredited claims agents, he said, are essentially attorneys but without the actual degree. Evans added that when dealing with the VA, it is imperative to use one of these three options.
There are several difficult claims to handle, but for Evans, the most difficult claims are military sexual trauma (MSO). Primarily it is female veterans who file these claims and go through this rigorous approval process. He added that it becomes more difficult because active members of the armed forces tend to not report MSO cases for several reasons, including a fear of retribution. He noted that it is difficult to prove an accusation when there is no documentation. Evans also spoke about The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 proved to be a challenge as hundreds of veterans - even non-IAM members - reached out for help to determine if they were eligible to claim compensation due to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
Evans and his IAM Veterans Services staff are in the process of pushing out the program to the Local Lodges in hopes of making the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 veterans in the Machinists Union aware of the department. They have submitted paperwork with the VA to make his department a recognzied VSO. Within the next five years, he hopes to have accredited personnel in each District, if not each Lodge.
Members of the IAM can contact the Veteran Services Department by calling 1-866-IAM-4VET.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Evans about helping members of the IAM file VA claims.