How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans disability law firms suffer from medical issues as they join the military, but they don't divulge them or treat them. They think that the problems will disappear after a while or get better.

But as time passes, the problems become more severe. Now they require 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 disability claim. They may believe that they can deal with the issue or think it will disappear by itself, without treatment. It is important to start an application as soon as the disability symptoms become serious enough. Let the VA know that you intend to make a claim at an earlier date by submitting an intention to file. This will establish an earlier effective date, which will make it easier to claim back pay for the time you have already been denied due to your disability.

When you file the initial claim, it is important to include all relevant evidence. This includes the medical clinics of civilians and hospital records regarding the illnesses or injuries you intend to claim, as well as any military records related to your service.

When the VA has received your claim, they will review it and seek additional evidence from you and your health care providers. Once they have the information they require, they will arrange for you to take an exam for compensation and pension (C&P) to determine your rating.

This should be done in parallel with the separation physical so that your disability is categorized as service-connected even if the disability is not a%. It will be much easier to request an increase in your rating if your condition worsens.

Documentation

To receive the benefits you are entitled to, it is crucial to give your VA disability lawyer with all the relevant documentation. This could include medical documents, service records, and letters from friends, relatives or coworkers that know how your disability affects you.

Your VSO can help you gather the necessary documentation. This may include medical records from the VA hospital and private physician's records as well as diagnostic tests and other evidence to prove that you suffer from a debilitating condition and that it was caused or worsened due to your service in the Armed Forces.

The next step is for VA to examine the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is done with an approved schedule by Congress that defines which disabilities can be compensated and at what percentage.

If VA decides that you are eligible for veterans disability lawyer disability benefits, they will notify you in writing of their decision and forward all relevant documents to Social Security. If they conclude that you don't have a qualifying disability and the VSO will return the document to you and they will allow you to appeal the decision within a specific time.

A VA lawyer in Kalamazoo can help you gather the evidence needed for your claim. Our veterans advocate can collect medical documentation and opinions from independent medical examiners, and also a statement from the VA treating doctor regarding your disability.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a range of programs, beyond disability compensation. They can help with vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loan and group life insurance. They also can assist with medical benefits and burial benefits. They will go through your medical and service records to determine what federal programs are 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 dependent who is the claim of any federal benefit.

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

The VSO can also assist you to request an appointment with the VA to resolve an issue when you are not satisfied with a ruling made by the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" to appeal. These include a supplementary claim or veterans disability lawyer a review at a higher level or a notice of disagreement 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 lengthy and complicated. It can take a one year or more to get the outcome, depending on the AMA choice you make and if your case qualifies for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can assist you in determining the best path to take and may file an appeal on your behalf if necessary.

There are three ways to appeal a Veterans Benefits denial, but each takes different amounts of time. A lawyer can assist you in deciding which is best for your situation, and also explain the VA disability claims process to help you understand what you can expect.

If you want to forgo the DRO review and go directly to the BVA You must submit a Form 9 formal appeal and wait for the regional office in your area to transfer your case to the Board. The BVA will issue a Statement of Case (SOC). You can request a personal hearing before the BVA however it is not required.

A supplemental claim provides you with the opportunity to provide new and relevant evidence for the VA. This includes medical proof, but also non-medical evidence, such as lay statements. Lawyers can submit these statements and obtain independent medical tests as well as a vocational expert's opinion on your behalf. If the BVA refuses to accept your supplemental claim you may appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.