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How to File a Veterans Disability Case
Many veterans enter military service with health issues that they don't seek out or treat. They believe that the issue will be gone over time or improve.
As time passes, these problems continue to worsen. They now require assistance from the VA to get compensation. The VA isn't convinced by the VA.
Getting Started
Many veterans are waiting for years before filing a disability claim. Many veterans are waiting for years before filing a disability claim. For this reason, it is important to start an application as soon as the symptoms of disability get serious enough. Let the VA know if you intend to make a claim at later time by submitting an intention to file. This will help you determine a more recent effective date and make it easier for you to claim your back pay.
When you file the initial claim, it's important to provide all evidence relevant. This includes the medical clinics of civilians and hospital records regarding the ailments or injuries you plan to claim, as well any military records related to your service.
When the VA receives your claim they will examine it and gather additional evidence from you and your health healthcare providers. Once they have the information they require, they will arrange for you to take a compensation and pension exam (C&P) to determine your eligibility.
It is best to do this in parallel with your separation physical to ensure it is recognized as a service-connected disability, even in the event that the rating is 0%. It is easier to request an increase in rating should your condition becomes worse.
Documentation
It is important that you submit all the documentation required to your VA disability lawyer to ensure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. This can include medical documents, service records as well as letters from family members, friends or coworkers who know the impact of your disability on you.
Your VSO can help you gather the necessary documentation. This could include medical records from the VA Hospital and a private physician's report, diagnostic tests, and other evidence that proves that you have a disabling illness and that your service in the Armed Forces caused or worsened it.
VA will then review the evidence to determine your disability rating. This is done using the schedule created by Congress that determines the disabilities that are eligible for compensation and in what percentage.
If VA finds that you suffer from a qualifying disability, they will notify you of their decision in writing. They will then forward the appropriate documents to Social Security for processing. If they decide that you don't have a qualifying impairment then the VSO returns the document to you and you may appeal the decision within a predetermined period of time.
A VA lawyer can assist you to gather evidence for your claim. In addition to medical records our veterans disability attorney advocate can seek opinions from independent medical examiners and Veterans Disability Lawyer a statement from your VA treating doctor regarding the impact of your disabilities on your life.
Meeting with VSO VSO
A VSO can help with a myriad of programs that go beyond disability compensation. They offer vocational rehabilitation as well as employment, home loans and group life insurance. They can also help with medical benefits and military burial benefits. They will look over your medical and service records to determine the federal programs accessible to you, and fill with the required forms.
Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered veterans disability lawyer service organizations (VSOs), which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. They are authorized to represent the interests of a Veteran or a dependent who has an application for any federal benefit.
After the VA has all your evidence, they will review it and assign a disability rating based on the severity of your symptoms. A VSO can discuss your ratings, and additional state benefits for which you may be eligible, with you when you receive a decision from the federal VA.
The VSO can help you request an appeal to the VA in the event that you are dissatisfied with a decision by the federal VA. Under the Appeals Modernization Act, there are three "lanes" available for an appeal which include a supplemental claim a higher level review or an appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can help you decide the best appeal/review option for your particular situation.
Appeals
The VA appeals process can be complicated and lengthy. Depending on the AMA route is chosen and whether or not your case qualifies to be processed with priority this could mean it takes a long time to receive an official decision. A veteran disability lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and file a formal appeal on your behalf when required.
There are three ways to appeal the denial of veterans disability lawsuits' benefits However, each takes the time in a different way. A lawyer can help you decide which one is right for your case and can explain the VA disability appeals process to help you understand what to expect.
If you prefer to bypass the DRO review and go directly to the BVA you must submit an appeal form 9 formal appeal and wait for your regional office to forward your appeal to the Board. The BVA will issue a Statement Of Case (SOC). You can request a private hearing before the BVA, but it is not required.
A supplemental claim gives you the opportunity to present fresh and relevant evidence to the VA. This could include medical evidence however, it can also include non-medical proof such as lay statements. An attorney is able to submit these statements on behalf of you and also get independent medical examinations and a vocational expert opinion. If the BVA rejects your supplemental claim you may appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.