If an organization holds power of attorney for a Veteran, what else can they not do?

When an organization holds power of attorney for a Veteran, it can perform certain functions in advocacy for the Veteran, primarily focusing on assisting with claims and representing the Veteran in appeals. However, representation of an apportionee falls outside the scope of what is permissible under the power of attorney granted to the organization. An apportionee is an individual, often a family member, who might be entitled to a portion of the Veteran’s benefits, and this status requires separate representation, as a power of attorney granted to represent the Veteran does not automatically extend to the apportionment rights of others.

By focusing on the specific actions an organization can or cannot perform, it becomes clear why this choice is correct. The nuances of power of attorney entail that the rights to represent one party do not automatically confer the rights to represent another related party (like an apportionee) unless explicitly stated or allowed under different legal authority.