Veterans Disability Lawyers

A veteran disability lawyer will guide you through the entire claim process. From collecting medical and service evidence to submitting an appeal for a denied claim A veteran disability lawyer can help you throughout the entire claim process.

Select a veteran disability attorney who limits their practice to handling these cases and knows the VA's system from top to bottom. This will ensure that your case gets the attention it deserves.

Proving Service Connection

The VA will only award disability benefits if they can prove that the condition you have is a result of your military service. This is referred to as connection. There are many types of evidence you could demonstrate this connection, such as medical records or independent medical exams (IME), and nexus letters from current healthcare providers or therapists (especially for mental health issues). Sometimes, veterans have medically determined disabilities, but are not able to be connected due to missing or incomplete military treatment records. These cases require the help of skilled New York disability lawyers who are able to present an entire claim and provide evidence that is backed up by unbiased experts.

It is much easier to establish a direct service connection when injuries or illnesses were sustained while serving in the military. For example, veterans disability lawyers if you suffered head injuries in the course of your service and suffer headaches and concussions there is a clear connection between the events that led to your current condition.

It is more difficult to be service-connected if you had a pre-existing condition that worsened during your military service. To prove that your time in service worsened or aggravated an existing illness you must provide a doctor's medical evidence that is at the level of "clear and undeniable" proof.

Appealing a Denial

After filing an application and Veterans Disability Lawyers providing medical evidence The VA will review the case. The VA usually issues an approval or denial of benefits. If the decision is unfavorable the veteran is given one year to submit a Notice of Disagreement. A lawyer for veterans' disability can assist the applicant navigate the three options for review including the supplemental claim, the higher-level review, or direct appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

When deciding on the right New York veterans disability lawyer Make sure you consider whether they have a good understanding of your military experiences and the army's culture. This can make it easier for you and reduce the need to explain your situations and experiences in layman's language.

You want a company that will take on your case throughout the long appeals process. Beware of companies that will only assist you in the initial phases of your claim and then disappear.

An experienced New York veterans disability attorney can assist you in all stages of your claim including the appeals process. They can assist you in submitting more medical evidence, file an official hearing and represent you at any Board meetings to ensure your case will be handled in a fair manner. They can also help you claim benefits such as monetary compensation, aid and attendance, education benefits or unemployment benefits.

Getting a Higher Rating

It may happen that your disability becomes worse or your symptoms get more severe. It is logical in this instance to seek an increase in rating. A veterans disability lawyer can help with that procedure, and assist you in locating evidence to support your request.

It's not unusual for the VA to make mistakes that lead to an lower disability rating than you deserve. Whether they accidentally miss an injury or overlook a problem which could be linked to other disabilities to receive an improved rating, it's worth having a professional look over your records to spot any errors.

Even if it's been more than a year since your initial rating decision, you can file an additional review or claim. These are a thorough examination of your file. It could result in an amendment to your effective date or an entirely new rating that's more accurate to how you feel.

If you believe that you are entitled to an assessment of 100 percent, or higher, consider seeking a supplemental claim. A disability lawyer can help develop a compelling argument for this rating which is only available for the most debilitating of disabilities. For instance an illness that is mental might qualify you for a 100% disability rating because it can cause marked disturbance to your job or frequent periods of hospitalization. These don't usually trigger this level of rating for cardiovascular disease or other medical issue.

Need help with the Appeals Process

Contrary to what some may think that denying claims for disability by the VA is not the end of an individual's chance to collect benefits. Former veterans have one year to appeal the decision if it is not favorable.

An experienced attorney for veterans can assist a veteran in determining which of the three appeals options would be best for his particular case. They can also help a vet get the evidence they need to convince a higher level reviewer that the previous decision was incorrect. They can even assist a veteran with a formal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

A New York veteran disability lawyer will give you the individualized attention your claim requires. They also have a wealth of experience handling VA disability claims, and are familiar with the rules and procedure in detail. Some lawyers are veterans, and therefore are aware of the difficulties faced by disabled veterans. This can create a special type of empathy which could help in the resolution of an issue involving veterans' disability.

Sullivan & Kehoe can review your VA disability claim free of charge to determine if we are able to assist you. Call us today to set up your complimentary evaluation.