How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans disability law firm who join the military with medical issues which they don't report or treat. They think they'll disappear or improve after a while.

As time passes as time passes, the issues continue to get worse. Now they need the VA's assistance to obtain compensation. The problem is that the VA won't believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans wait for years before making a claim. They may believe they are able to manage the issue or believe that it will go away by itself if they don't seek treatment. It is crucial to file filing a claim as soon the symptoms of disability become serious enough. If you're planning to submit a claim in the future then let the VA know by filing an intent to submit form. This will help you determine an earlier effective date and will make it easier for veterans disability law firms you to receive your back pay.

When you file your initial claim, it is crucial to include all relevant evidence. You must include all medical records from civilian hospitals and clinics related to the illnesses or injuries you plan to claim as well as military records.

The VA will examine your claim and request additional evidence from you and your healthcare providers. Once they have the data they require, they'll schedule you for an examination to determine your compensation and pension (C&P) to determine your rating.

It is best to do this in parallel with your separation physical to ensure that it is recognized as a service-connected disability, even if the rating is 0%. It is easier to request an increase in rating if your condition gets worse.

Documentation

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

Your VSO can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation. This may include medical records from the VA hospital and private physician's records or diagnostic tests as well as other evidence to show that you have a chronic condition that was caused by or made worse by your time in the Armed Forces.

VA will then evaluate the evidence to determine your disability rating. This is done by using an established schedule by Congress that outlines which disabilities are compensable and in what percentage.

If VA finds that you suffer from a qualifying disability, they will notify you of their decision in writing. They will then forward the appropriate documents to Social Security for processing. If they decide that you don't have a qualifying disability and the VSO will return the documents to you and it is possible to appeal the decision within a specified time.

A VA lawyer in Kalamazoo will assist you with gathering the evidence required for your claim. Our veterans advocate can get medical documents and opinions from independent medical examiners, as well as a statement from the VA treating physician regarding your condition.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can assist with a range of programs that go beyond disability compensation, such as vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans, group life insurance, medical benefits, military burial benefits, and more. They will look over your medical and service records to determine the federal programs available to you and then fill the necessary paperwork.

Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered veterans disability law firms service organizations (VSOs), which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. They are authorized by law to represent a Veteran or a dependent or survivor with a claim for any federal benefit.

When the VA receives all your evidence, they'll review it, and then assign the rating of disability based on your severity of symptoms. A VSO can discuss your ratings as well as any other state benefits for which might be eligible with you once you receive an answer from the federal VA.

The VSO can also assist you to request an appeal to the VA to resolve a problem in the event that you do not agree with a decision of 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 Disability Law Firms Appeals. A VSO will help you determine which appeal or review option is the most appropriate for your particular situation.

Appeal

The VA appeals process can be complicated and time-consuming. Depending on the AMA lane is chosen and if your case is eligible to be processed with priority or not, it could take an extended time to receive an answer. A veteran disability lawyer can help you determine the best path to follow and can file a formal appeal on your behalf if needed.

There are three methods to appeal a denial of veterans benefits however each one takes different amount of time. A lawyer can help decide which option is the best for your situation and explain the VA disability claims process so you know what to expect.

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

A supplemental claim gives you the chance to submit new and relevant evidence to the VA. This can include medical evidence as well as non-medical evidence such as lay statements. An attorney can submit these statements on your behalf and also obtain independent medical examinations and a vocational expert's opinion. If the BVA rejects your supplemental claim you can submit an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.