How to File a veterans disability law firms Disability Case

Many veterans who join the military with medical issues which they don't report or treat. They believe that the issues will go away over time or improve.

But years pass and those problems become more severe. Now, they require the VA's assistance to get compensation. The problem is that the VA will not believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans wait for a long time before filing an claim. They may feel that they can manage the issue or that it will disappear on its own without treatment. It is important to file a claim as soon as the symptoms of disability are severe enough. If you are planning to submit a claim in the future then inform the VA know by filing an intent to submit form. This will help you determine a more recent effective date and make it easier to claim your back pay.

It is important that you 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 illnesses or injuries you intend to claim, as well as military documents.

When the VA accepts your claim they will review it and gather additional evidence from you and your health medical professionals. Once they have the information they require, they'll arrange for you to take an examination for compensation and pension (C&P) to determine your eligibility.

This should be done in conjunction with the separation physical, to ensure that your condition is documented as service-connected, even if it is 0 percent. It will be easier to request an increase in rating should your condition gets worse.

Documentation

In order to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, it is essential to provide 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 are aware of how your disability affects you.

Your VSO can help you gather the necessary documentation. This could include medical records from the VA Hospital as well as a private physician's note and diagnostic tests, as well as other evidence to prove that you have a disabling illness and that your participation in Armed Forces caused or worsened it.

The next step is for VA to evaluate the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is done by using a schedule drafted by Congress that designates the disabilities that are eligible for compensation and at what percentage.

If VA finds that you suffer from a qualifying disability, they will inform you of this decision in writing and send the relevant documents to Social Security for processing. If they conclude that you do not have a qualifying disability, the VSO will return the document to you, and they will allow you to appeal the decision within a certain time period.

A VA attorney can help you find evidence to support your claim. Our veterans advocate can collect medical documentation and opinions from independent medical examiners, and also a statement from the VA treating physician regarding your condition.

Meeting with a VSO

A VSO can help with a wide range of programs, ranging from disability compensation. These include vocational rehabilitation, employment, home loans and group life insurance. They can also assist with medical benefits and military burial benefits. They will review all of your service records and medical records to find out what federal programs you're 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 claims for any federal benefit.

When the VA has all of your evidence, they will evaluate it and assign a disability rating based on the severity of your symptoms. After you have been given a decision by the federal VA, you will be contacted by a VSO will discuss with you your ratings and any other state benefits you might be entitled to.

The VSO can assist you in requesting an hearing with the VA when you disagree with a decision of the federal VA. In the Appeals Modernization Act, there are three "lanes" that can be used to appeal: a supplemental claim, a higher level review or a notice of disagreement to the Board of veterans Disability law firms Appeals. A VSO can assist you in deciding the best appeal/review option for your situation.

Appeal

The VA appeals process can be complex and time-consuming. It could take a full year or longer to receive a decision, based on the AMA lane you choose and if your case qualifies for priority processing. A veteran disability attorney can help you decide the best route to take and make an appeal on your behalf if necessary.

There are three different ways to appeal a Veterans Benefits denial however each one takes different amount of time. A lawyer can help you decide which option is the best for your situation, veterans disability law firms and also explain the VA disability claims process to help you understand what to expect.

If you want to skip the DRO review to directly go to BVA the Board, you must fill out 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 can request an individual hearing before the BVA but it isn't mandatory.

A supplemental claim gives you the opportunity to provide new and relevant evidence for the VA. This includes medical evidence but also non-medical evidence, such as statements from lay people. Lawyers can submit these statements and obtain independent medical examinations as well as a vocational expert's recommendation on your behalf. If the BVA rejects your supplemental claim, you can submit an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.