How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans Disability law firms have medical issues when they enter the military, but they don't declare them or address them. They figure they will be cured or disappear after a while.

But as time passes, the problems become more severe. They now require assistance from the VA to receive compensation. The problem is that the VA won't believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans disability law firms wait for years before making a claim. They may feel that they can manage the issue or believe that it will go away by itself if they don't seek treatment. For this reason, it is crucial to file the process as soon as the symptoms of disability become serious enough. If you are planning to pursue a claim in future then inform the VA know by filing an intent to file form. This will enable you to determine a more recent effective date and will make it easier for you to get your back pay.

It is important that you include all relevant evidence when you file your initial claim. You should include all medical records from hospitals and clinics that pertain to the ailments or injuries you're planning to file a claim for, as well as military documents.

The VA will examine your claim and obtain additional evidence from both you and your healthcare providers. Once they have all of the information they require, they'll set up an appointment to take an exam for Compensation and Pension (C&P) to determine your eligibility.

This should be done in conjunction with the separation physical, so that your condition is categorized as service-connected even if it's not percent. It is much easier to request an increase in rating should your condition becomes worse.

Documentation

It is vital that you provide all the necessary documentation to your VA disability lawyer to be able to claim the benefits to which you are entitled. This could include your service records, medical documentation and lay evidence such as letters from relatives, friends members or coworkers who know how your disabilities affect you.

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

The next step is for VA to assess the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is accomplished using a schedule designed by Congress that defines which disabilities are eligible for compensation and at what percentage.

If VA finds that you qualify for disability benefits, they will inform you in writing of their decision. They will also send all the necessary documents to Social Security. If they find that you do not have a qualifying impairment then the VSO returns the documents and you have the option to appeal the decision within a certain timeframe.

A VA lawyer in Kalamazoo can help you gather the evidence required for your claim. In addition, to medical documentation Our veterans advocate can obtain opinions from independent medical examiners and a statement from your VA treating physician on the impact of your disability on your life.

Meeting with a VSO

A VSO can assist with a myriad of programs, which extend beyond disability compensation. They offer vocational rehabilitation as well as employment, home loans and group life insurance. They also can assist with medical benefits and military burial benefits. They will look over all of your records from service, and medical records to figure out which federal programs you are eligible for and complete 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 a claim of any federal benefit.

Once the VA receives all your evidence, they will examine it, and then assign an assessment of disability in accordance with the severity of your symptoms. A VSO can discuss your ratings as well as any other state benefits to which you could be eligible, with you once you receive an answer from the federal VA.

The VSO can help you request an appeal to the VA when you disagree with a decision by the federal VA. In the Appeals Modernization Act, there are three "lanes" that can be used to appeal such as a supplemental appeal, an upper-level review, or a Notice of Disagreement with the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can help you decide which appeal or review option is appropriate for your particular situation.

Appeal

The VA appeals process can be lengthy and complicated. Based on which AMA choice is made and whether or not your case is eligible to be treated with priority and it could take several months to receive an official decision. A veteran disability lawyer can help you determine the best path to follow and can file a formal appeal on behalf of you if required.

There are three options to appeal the denial of benefits to veterans however each one requires the time in a different way. A lawyer can assist you in deciding the best option for veterans disability Law firms your case and can explain the VA disability appeals process so that you know what to expect.

If you'd like to bypass the DRO review in order for you to directly submit your case to BVA the Board, you must complete Form 9 and wait for the regional office to transfer the file to the Board. The BVA will issue a Statement Of Case (SOC). You can request an individual hearing before the BVA but it's not a requirement.

A supplemental claim provides an chance to present new and relevant evidence to the VA. This could include medical evidence and non-medical evidence such as lay assertions. Lawyers can present these statements and request independent medical examinations as well as a vocational expert's recommendation on your behalf. If the BVA refuses your claim for supplemental benefits, you can submit an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.