Why Veterans Disability Lawyer Is The Best Choice For You

How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans disability lawyer go into military service with health issues which they don't report or treat. They believe that they will go away or get better after a while.

As time passes as time passes, the issues continue to worsen. Now, they need help from the VA to receive compensation. The problem is that the VA won't believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans have to wait for years before filing a claim for disability. They may feel they are able to manage the issue or that it will disappear by itself, without treatment. This is why it is crucial to begin filing a claim as soon the disability symptoms become serious enough. If you are planning to pursue a claim in future, let the VA be aware by submitting an intent to file form. This will allow for a later effective date, which makes it easier to receive payment for time that you've been denied due to your disability.

When you file the initial claim, it's important to provide all evidence relevant. This includes the medical clinics of civilians and hospital records related to the ailments or injuries you're planning to claim as well as any military records that pertain to your service.

The VA will examine your claim and gather additional evidence from both you and your healthcare providers. Once they have the information they require, they'll schedule you for an exam for compensation and pension (C&P) to help them decide your rating.

It is best to do this in parallel with your separation physical, so that it is documented as a service-connected disability, even when the rating is zero%. This will make it easier to request an increased rating in the future if your condition worsens.

Documentation

In order to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, it's essential to provide your VA disability lawyer with all of the relevant documents. This can include medical records, service records and letters from family members, friends or coworkers who know how your disability affects you.

Your VSO can assist you in gathering the required documentation. This could include medical records from the VA Hospital as well as a private physician's note, diagnostic tests, and other evidence that shows that you have a disabling illness and that your time in the Armed Forces caused or worsened it.

The next step is for VA to examine the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is accomplished using a schedule designed by Congress that specifies the disabilities that are eligible for compensation and at what percentage.

If VA determines that you qualify for disability benefits, they will inform you in writing of their decision. They'll also send all relevant documents to Social Security. If they decide that you don't have a qualifying impairment then the VSO returns the form and you are able to appeal the decision within a specified timeframe.

A VA attorney in Kalamazoo can help you gather the evidence required for your claim. In addition to medical evidence our veterans advocate will get opinions from independent medical examiners as well as an opinion from your VA treating physician on the impact of your disability on your life.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a wide range of programs, beyond disability compensation. They can help with vocational rehabilitation, employment, home loans and group life insurance. They can also assist with medical benefits and military burial benefits. They will review your medical and service records to determine what federal programs are available to you. They will also fill with the required forms.

Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered veterans 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 dependent with an application for any federal benefit.

Once the VA has received all of your evidence, they will go over it, and assign the disability rating in accordance with the severity of your symptoms. A VSO can discuss your rating and any additional state benefits, for which you may be eligible, after you have received a decision from the federal VA.

The VSO can also help you request an appeal to the VA to resolve a problem if you disagree with a decision of the federal VA. In the Appeals Modernization Act, there are three "lanes" available for an appeal that includes a supplemental claim, an upper-level review, or a Notice of Disagreement with the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO will assist you in determining which appeal/review option is best for your situation.

Appeals

The VA appeals process is complicated and lengthy. Depending on the AMA lane is chosen and if your case is eligible to be considered prioritised and it could take a long time to receive an official decision. A veteran disability attorney can assist you in determining the best path to take and make an appeal on your behalf, if needed.

There are three different ways to appeal a denial of veterans benefits however each one takes different amounts of time. A lawyer can help you determine which option is best for you and will explain the VA disability appeals procedure so that you understand what to expect.

If you prefer to bypass the DRO review and go directly to the BVA you must file an appeal form 9 formal appeal and wait for your regional office to transfer your case 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 chance to present new 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 can make these statements on your behalf and also request independent medical exams and a vocational expert opinion. If the BVA rejects your supplemental claim you can appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.