Why Veterans Disability Lawyer Is Right For You

How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans who join the military with health issues which they don't report or treat. They believe that the issue will disappear after a time or improve.

As time passes and the conditions continue to get worse. Now they require help from the VA to receive compensation. The VA doesn't believe the VA.

Getting Started

Many veterans wait years before filing a disability claim. Many veterans are waiting for years before making a claim for disability. It is essential to initiate a claim as soon as the disability symptoms become serious enough. Let the VA know if you intend to make a claim at later dates by submitting an intent to file. This will establish an earlier effective date, which makes it easier to recover your money for time you've already lost due to your disability.

It is essential to provide all the relevant documentation when you submit your initial claim. You should include all medical records from hospitals and clinics related to the illnesses or injuries you plan to claim and military records.

Once the VA has received 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'll schedule you for an examination to determine your compensation and pension (C&P) to determine your eligibility.

This must be done in tandem with the separation physical, to ensure that your condition is categorized as service-connected even if the disability is not a percent. It will be easier to request an increase in rating in the event that your condition becomes worse.

Documentation

It is crucial to provide all the required documentation to your VA disability lawyer in order to get the benefits to which you are entitled. This could include medical records, service records and letters from family members, friends or coworkers that know the impact of your disability on you.

Your VSO can help you gather 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 proves that you are suffering from a condition that is disabling and that your time in the Armed Forces caused or worsened it.

The next step is for VA to evaluate the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is done using a schedule drafted by Congress which specifies which disabilities are compensable and in what percentage.

If VA determines that you qualify for disability benefits, they will notify you in writing of their decision and forward all the relevant documents to Social Security. If they decide that you do not have a qualifying impairment, the VSO returns the form and you are able to appeal the decision within a specific time period.

A VA attorney in Kalamazoo can assist you in obtaining the evidence required for your claim. In addition to medical records our veterans disability lawsuit advocate will get opinions from independent medical examiners as well as a letter from your VA treating physician on the impact of your disabilities on your life.

Meeting with a VSO

A VSO can assist with a myriad of programs that go beyond disability compensation, including vocational rehabilitation and employment such as home loans, group life insurance, medical benefits including military burial benefits and more. They will look over all of your records from service, and medical records to figure out which federal programs you're qualified for and will complete the necessary paperwork required to apply.

Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered veterans Disability law firms service organizations (VSOs), which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. They are authorized by law to represent a Veteran, dependent or survivor with a claim for any federal benefit.

Once the VA has all of your evidence, they'll review it and assign a disability rating based on the severity of your symptoms. When you are given a determination by the federal VA, the VSO will discuss with you your rating and any other state benefits you may be entitled to.

The VSO can assist you in requesting an interview with the VA if you disagreed with a decision of the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" to appeal. These include a supplementary claim or a review at a higher level, Veterans Disability Law Firms or a notice of disagreement to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can assist you in deciding which appeal/review options are best for your particular situation.

Appeal

The VA appeals procedure can be complicated and lengthy. It could take up to a one year or more to get a decision, based on the AMA lane you choose and if your case is eligible for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can help you determine the best route to take and can also file an official appeal on your behalf when required.

There are three methods to appeal a veterans benefits denial however each one takes different amount of time. A lawyer can assist you in deciding which one is the most appropriate for your case, and explain the VA disability claims process to help you understand what you can expect.

If you want to skip the DRO review to submit your case directly to BVA the BVA, then submit Form 9 and wait for the regional office to transfer the file to the Board. The BVA will then issue a Statement of the Case (SOC). You can request a personal hearing before the BVA however, it's not required.

A supplemental claim provides you with the chance to present new and relevant evidence to the VA. This includes medical proof, but also non-medical evidence such statements made by laypeople. An attorney is able to submit these statements on your behalf and also request independent medical examinations and a vocational expert opinion. If the BVA refuses to accept your supplemental claim you may appeal to the Court of Appeals for veterans disability lawsuits Claims.