If an organization holds POA for a Veteran, what is not permitted regarding representation?

When an organization holds a Power of Attorney (POA) for a Veteran, it essentially grants the organization the authority to represent the Veteran in matters related to Veterans Affairs. However, there are restrictions on this representation.

The correct choice highlights that representing both the Veteran and the apportionee is not permitted. An apportionee is typically someone, such as a spouse or child, who may be entitled to a portion of the Veteran's benefits. Due to potential conflicts of interest, a single representative cannot simultaneously advocate for both the interests of the Veteran and those of the apportionee. This separation is crucial to ensure that the interests of both parties are adequately represented without bias or conflicting priorities.

In contrast, the other options describe representations that are permissible under the terms of the POA. The organization can represent the Veteran in all matters concerning their benefits, advocate for pension benefits, and assist in filing claims, as these tasks fall within the scope of the organization’s role and responsibilities as designated by the POA. The limitation on representing both the Veteran and the apportionee helps maintain integrity in the representation process and protect the interests of the Veteran.