How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many sullivan veterans disability lawyer experience medical issues as they join the military, but do not declare them or address them. They believe that they will disappear or improve after a while.

However, as time goes by, those problems become more severe. Now they need help from the VA to receive compensation. The VA isn't convinced by the VA.

Getting Started

Many veterans have to wait for years before filing a claim for disability. Many veterans are waiting for years before filing a disability claim. It is important to file a claim when the symptoms of disability get severe enough. If you plan to make a claim in the future and you are unsure of the procedure, inform the VA know by filing an intent to file form. This will help establish a earlier effective date, which makes it easier to receive your money for time you've been denied due to your disability.

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

Once the VA receives your claim, they will review it and Vimeo seek additional evidence from you and your health care providers. Once they have all the evidence they require, they'll make an appointment with you to take an examination called a Compensation and Pension (C&P) in order to determine your eligibility.

This is best done in conjunction with the separation physical so that your condition is categorized as service-connected even if it's 0%. This will make it easier to apply for an increased rating in the future in the event that your condition gets worse.

Documentation

In order to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, it is vital to give your VA disability lawyer with all the relevant documentation. This can 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 assist you with gathering the required documentation. This may include medical records from the VA hospital, private physician's reports, diagnostic tests and other evidence to show that you suffer from a debilitating condition that was caused by or worsened by your time in the Armed Forces.

VA will then examine the evidence to determine your disability rating. This is done by using a schedule drafted by Congress that defines the types of disabilities that are eligible for compensation and at what percentage.

If VA determines that you are eligible for disability benefits, they will inform 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 disability, the VSO will return the document to you and you can appeal this decision within a specific time.

A VA attorney in Kalamazoo can help you gather the evidence required for your claim. In addition, to medical documentation our veterans advocate can seek opinions from independent medical examiners as well as a letter from your VA treating physician regarding the impact of your disability on your daily life.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can assist with a myriad of programs beyond disability compensation, including vocational rehabilitation and employment home loans as well as group life insurance, medical benefits as well as military burial benefits and more. They will look over your medical and service records to determine the federal programs available to you. They will also fill out the required paperwork.

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 a Veteran or a dependent with an application for any federal benefit.

When the VA receives all your evidence, they will examine it, and then give you the disability rating depending on the severity of your symptoms. After you have been given a decision by the federal VA, an VSO will be able to discuss with you your rating and any additional state benefits you might be entitled to.

The VSO can assist you in requesting an interview with the VA in the event you disagree with a decision of the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" for appeals. They are a supplementary claim or a review at a higher level, or a notice of disagreement to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO will help you determine which appeal/review option is best for your particular situation.

Appeals

The VA appeals procedure is complex and lengthy. It could take a year or longer to receive a decision, based on the AMA choice you make and whether your case is eligible for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can help you determine the best route to take and file a formal appeal on your behalf, if necessary.

There are three options to appeal a veterans benefits denial Each one requires different amounts of time. A lawyer can help you determine which one is appropriate for you and will explain the VA disability appeals procedure so that you know what you can expect.

If you wish to skip the DRO review and instead 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 file to the Board. The BVA will then issue an Statement of Case (SOC). You can request a personal hearing before the BVA, but it is not mandatory.

A supplemental claim provides an opportunity to present fresh and relevant evidence to the VA. This can include medical evidence however, it can also include non-medical proof like lay statements. A lawyer can make these statements and obtain independent medical examinations as well as a vocational expert's opinion on your behalf. If the BVA declines your supplemental claim you may file an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.