[ ] From Last Week:
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Use RD Narrative Date - Always use the RD narrative date instead of the RD notice date. The narrative date is earlier, and it’s the date VA references in procedural history.
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Synopsis - Synopsis is for claims still pending or decisions that need review. (Video demonstration coming tomorrow for reference.)
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[ ] SYNOPSIS: WHAT NEEDS TO GO HERE (ONLY IMPORTANT INFO) - IN chronological order (TOP = application type +
[Date of Application] 526EZ (migraines %, back (SC), tinnitus (SC)) - waiting for decision [Date of RD] [RD/HLR/SUPP RD] (SMCk) - need to review
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[ ] PLAN FOR CASE GOES IN STRATEGY - INITIAL ASSESSMENT (to keep track of what claims need to be filed on which forms and what other evidence needs to be submitted with applications once we get statements) YOU NEED TO UPDATE THIS AS YOU GO OR ITS USELESS*
(Example from a DEVELOP case:
Requested statements 07/07/2025 [move this to special note banner] -File 526EZ for TBI & Residuals, Sleep Apnea -File 0995 for Bilateral Carpal Tunnel, Hearing Loss -PMR Request -Switch to SUPP [^ move all of this to the Strategy Tab - Initial Assessment and update as you go]
BEFORE
AFTER
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Client Follow-Up Tracking - If you’re waiting on anything from a client, enter the date requested and what you’re waiting for in the special note flag at the top of the case. Update it when the client responds so Barbra can rely on it when they call.
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Client Filing Their Own Claims - Clients agree not to file their own claims. If they do, withdraw representation immediately. We will no longer clean up messes created by clients ignoring this rule.
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Respect & Boundaries - We are here to help, but we are not doormats. If clients repeatedly disrespect staff or demand unreasonable turnaround, we will withdraw from representation. Forward any concerns about withdrawals to me or Erik.
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Welcome Kits - We’re bringing back welcome kits—details coming soon.
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Appreciation - You are doing an exceptional job under pressure. I’m proud of how everyone is working together to steady things while we rebuild. Thank you.
[ ] New Core Values We Live and Die By:
- Connection - We honor the unique journey of every veteran, meeting them with respect, dignity, and compassion. By building trust and connection, we ensure veterans never face the legal process alone—we stand beside them from intake to resolution.
- Value - Our advocacy delivers more than legal representation—it provides real, measurable change in the lives of disabled veterans and their families. Every case we handle carries the potential to restore stability, independence, and hope.
- Reliability - We keep our word, follow through on commitments, and hold ourselves accountable to veterans and each other.
- One - We stand as one team. We have each other’s backs, push forward together, and support one another’s goals and ambitions. We see mistakes as opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen our team.
[ ] Phone Calls/Voicemails - Barbra to Ashley (so all questions are addressed); no more client followup questions in The Legal Girls group chat, direct your question to one person to answer
- [ ] Barbra - phone calls from clients (triage to one person), withdrawing from rep
- [ ] Meghan - intakes, intake questions (not a client yet), questions about onboarding, etc.
- [ ] Liam - questions on statements
- [ ] Ashley - phone calls, questions on status updates, stuff the client drops off (so we know there is something new in the file to review and potentially submit or submit in the future; Amie will train Ashley on what to do if the client gives us new evidence while the case is in RFD or AOJ or there is an appeal pending - record closed vs open, VA requested evidence)
- [ ] Amie or Tara (one OR the other - check who the Claims Advocate is for the case) - questions about cases on appeal
- [ ] Kailey - emergencies, training topics, neos issues, etc.
[x] SPECIAL NOTE (gray banner at top of the case): PUT WHAT WE ARE WAITING FOR FROM THE CLIENT AND WHEN WE EMAILED THEM HERE - so Barbra can easily find what we need from the client if he or she calls and let them know what we still need from them and how they can get that info to us
Example: WAITING ON STATEMENTS AND NEED TX HISTORY SEE EMAIL 08/07/2025
