News

Service Flashback: Joseph Mesa

Comrade Joseph Mesa provided this photo collage of his Vietnam service. Joseph was a combat medic for the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, from March 1966 to April 1967. He was involved in Operations Silver City, Yorktown, Cedar Falls and Junction City. For Operation Silver City, the 2nd Battalion was awarded a Presidential Citation. In Operation Junction city, the unit had its one combat jump while Joseph was assigned to it. Joseph noted, “I was thrust into combat operations just 9 months after graduating from High School. Still mentally dealing with the aftermath of my combat experience.”

Past Commander Oscar Borchelt Turns 100

By Harold Rodenberger


Our post helped Past Commander Borchelt celebrate his 100th birthday on Nov. 19, 2020. Because of the pandemic, we were unable to visit Oscar to celebrate in person, but we sent a red, white and blue flower arrangement and wished him well.

Oscar said to thank everyone in the post for remembering his big birthday. His grandson, who took the photo, said Oscar was ecstatic that we remembered him and to receive the flowers.

Comrade Borchelt was our post commander for seven years, from 1991-1998, and was active in our post until the past few years when advancing age and retreating eyesight restricted his driving. He lives at his home in Maple Valley where he sometimes (during warm weather) still works in his yard.

Congratulations, Oscar, on your 100th birthday and may you celebrate many more! 

Oscar on his 100th birthday, Nov. 19, 2020.

Service Officer: Overview of VA Appeals

By Joseph Mesa


Supplemental Claim appeal must add evidence that is new (or not provided to VA previously) and relevant to your case.  It is recommended that this appeal should be file within one year from the date on the decision letter.  Note:  This appeal will not allow a fiduciary claim or a contested claim.


Higher-level reviews (HLRs) consist of de novo reviews of the issue(s) identified by requesters.  De novo review means the adjudicator re-examines and re-adjudicates the claim in question without deference to the prior decision, except for proper favorable findings.


Board of Veterans’ Appeals is appealing to a Veterans Law Judge in Washington, D.C.  A judge who’s an expert in Veterans law will review the case.  This appeal provides the claimant 3 options.


Option 1:  Request a Direct Review – A Veterans Law Judge will review the appeal based on evidence already submitted.  The claimant is not allowed to submit evidence and can’t have a hearing.  This review will take about 1 year for the Board to complete.


Option 2:  Submit more evidence – A claimant is allowed to submit more evidence but must submit this evidence within 90 days of the date VA receive the Decision Review Request.  The evidence submission option will take more than 1 year for the Board to complete


Option 3:  Request a hearing – Claimant request a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge.  Claimant can choose to add new and relevant evidence, either at the hearing or within 90 days after the hearing.  Adding evidence is optional.  The hearing will be transcribed and added to the claimant’s appeal file.  Claimant can choose from 3 different ways to speak with the Veterans Law Judge:  Virtual hearing from claimant’s home; Videoconference hearing at a VA location near claimant; or In-person hearing the Board in Washington, D.C.  The hearing request option will take more than one year for the Board to complete.


If you have any questions about appeals, contact Joseph at [email protected].