How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans go into military service with health issues which they don't report or treat. They think that the problems will be gone after a time or improve.

However, as time goes by, those problems get worse. They now require the VA's assistance to receive compensation. The problem is that the VA won't believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans are waiting for years before filing a claim for disability. They may feel that they are able to handle the issue or believe that it will go away by itself, without treatment. It is essential to file a claim when the symptoms of disability are severe enough. If you are planning to pursue a claim in future you should let the VA be aware by submitting an intent to submit form. This will enable you to determine an earlier effective date and make it easier for you to claim your back pay.

It is essential to include all relevant proof when you file your initial claim. It is essential to include all medical records from civilian hospitals and clinics that pertain to the injuries or illnesses you're planning to file a claim for, and military records.

The VA will examine your claim and gather additional evidence from you and your healthcare providers. Once they have the information they require, they'll schedule you for a compensation and pension exam (C&P) to determine your eligibility.

This must be done in tandem with the separation physical to ensure that your disability is categorized as service-connected even if it's not%. It will be much easier to request an increase in rating in the event that your condition worsens.

Documentation

In order to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, it is essential to give your VA disability lawyer with all relevant documentation. This can include medical documents, service records as well as letters from family members, friends or coworkers who know how your disability affects you.

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

VA will then assess the evidence to determine your disability rating. This is done using a schedule created by Congress that defines which disabilities are compensable and at what percentage.

If VA determines that you are eligible for disability benefits, they will inform you in writing of their decision. They'll also send all the necessary documents to Social Security. If they determine that you do not have a qualifying disability then the VSO will return the document to you and you can appeal this decision within a certain time period.

A VA attorney can help you get the evidence you need to prove your claim. Our edinburgh veterans disability attorney advocate can obtain medical records and opinions from independent medical examiners and also a statement from the VA treating doctor about your disability.

Meeting with VSO VSO

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

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 a dependent with claims for any federal benefit.

When the VA has all of your evidence, they will evaluate it and assign a disability rating depending on the severity of your symptoms. A VSO will discuss your rating, and additional state benefits for which you could 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 an issue if you disagree with a decision of the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" for an appeal. These include a supplementary claim or a higher-level review, or a notice of disagreement to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can help you decide which appeal or review option is best for your situation.

Appeals

The VA appeals process is complex and lengthy. It can take a year or more to receive a decision, depending on the AMA option you select and if your case qualifies for priority processing. An experienced disability attorney can assist you in determining the best course of action and make an appeal on your behalf, if needed.

There are three options to appeal the denial of Fairfax Veterans Disability Lawsuit' benefits, but each one takes an varying 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'd like to bypass the DRO review for you to directly submit your case to BVA the Board, you must submit Form 9 and wait for the regional office to forward the file to the Board. The BVA will issue a Statement Of Case (SOC). You may request an individual hearing before the BVA but it's not required.

A supplemental claim gives you the chance to present new and relevant evidence to the VA. This can include medical evidence, but also non-medical evidence such as statements from lay people. An attorney can make these statements on behalf of you and also request independent medical exams and a vocational expert's opinion. If the BVA rejects your supplemental claim You can file an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.