Veteran

“Why I do what I do: the reason I advocate for veterans is multifaceted.”

“The Compelling Reasons Behind My Dedication”

Shared Experience: As a veteran, I have a personal understanding of the challenges and experiences that my fellow veterans face. This shared background can create a strong sense of camaraderie and empathy, motivating me to help others who have served and need the help.

Sense of Duty and Service: Many individuals who have served in the military develop a strong sense of duty and commitment to serving others. I am one of these. Working with veterans allows me to continue that sense of service by supporting those who have also served our country.

Personal Connection: I faced many difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life, dealing with physical or mental health issues, as well as learning about and accessing resources, I want to help others navigate these challenges.

Passion for Advocacy: I am drawn to advocacy work, striving to improve policies, programs, and services for veterans. This includes advocating for better healthcare, mental health support, job placement programs, or educational opportunities.

Toby’s positions held in various veterans organizations.

Current:

State Junior Vice Commander West Virginia VFW 
State Legislative Representative WV VFW

Past:

State Surgeon WV VFW
District 1 Commander VFW – All American
Post Commander VFW – All American
President of the Marion County Veterans Council

Predatory Claims Act

In September I was in DC lobbying for veterans. I met with Senators Manchin and Capito, as well as congressional representatives Mooney and Miller. The result was the Predatory Claims Act, a bill I submitted that is currently going through drafting. Download PDF

This bill ensures that lawyers show veterans a statement explaining that they can receive assistance with filling their claims thru the VA or the VFW free of charge. This bill puts a cap on how much a lawyer can charge to assist the veteran to 20% of backpay. When dealing with back pay, this could end up being in the hundreds of thousands of dollars so it is still a substantial amount of money the lawyers can make but it is at least limited. The bill also ties into the WV Consumer protection act. Currently, if there is a situation where a lawyer lies about the veterans disabilities in order to increase the claim, and it is later discovered by the VA, the veteran is on the hook for the money owed back to the VA, not the lawyer. Even if the lawyer received a portion of that money. By tying this to the WV Consumer protection act, the VA can go after whichever party was responsible for this fraud.