Veterans Claims: Information From a VA Disability Lawyer
If you have a medical condition related to your service in any branch of the U.S. military, you may be eligible for disability compensation benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“the VA”). You may also be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) benefits as the surviving spouse of a military veteran who had a service-related disability or disease. If you have applied and been denied, that does not have to be the end of your quest.
Applications for veterans compensation and pension benefits can be completed online or in person at any VA service center, but unjust claim denials and administrative problems are common. Persistence may not be enough to overcome an initial VA claim denial. Some cases are in the system for many years, and representation by experienced VA disability lawyers may prove critical to your success with the veterans appeals process. These lawyers have a high success rate in winning cases and can navigate the complexities of obtaining disability compensation.
A skilled and experienced VA disability attorney will have seen the many cases in which veterans who actually qualify for disability benefits have been denied due to missing information or incorrect forms. Or in some cases an applicant may have been approved for veterans benefits but has received a low disability rating. VA disability ratings under 100% generally do not provide enough income to live on, but often the disabled veteran still isn’t able to find or maintain work due to a service-connected disability.
Essential Information Related to Your VA Benefits Eligibility and Claim Denials
If you are evaluating whether to apply for VA disability benefits or want to contest a denied claim, you should know that:
You will be required to prove that you have a current medical or psychological condition considered severe under VA criteria and connected to an event or condition that occurred during your military service — but that condition does not have to be combat-related.
The amount of compensation you receive if approved will be based in part on the VA disability “rating” you are assigned — and this can be appealed and modified.
Total disability is not a requirement for receiving veterans benefits, in fact, many veterans receive partial disability compensation while continuing to work.
Many veterans collect other state or federal government benefits in addition to what they receive from the VA, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if applicable.
You may need to claim an earlier effective date for benefits. VA Regional Offices play a crucial role in the legal process of securing VA disability benefits. Having experienced VA disability lawyers is essential to navigating claims and appeals that may arise in these offices, as they have the expertise to work with VA officials and understand the intricacies of the appeals system.
The VA Disability Claim Process
The VA disability claim process is complex and time-consuming. Being prepared and understanding the procedures can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Counsel Offered Nationwide: Veterans Disability Claims
Our founding partner, attorney Douglas I. Friedman, has lectured, and published on many important veterans issues, including disabilities related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Agent Orange exposure. He is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Veterans Advocates equipped to help military veterans pursue their valid disability claims through disability compensation benefits hearings and appeals, at all levels of the complex government VA system.
Friedman Law Firm - Veterans Disability Attorneys
Our veterans disability law firm is experienced in all aspects of the VA disability claims and appeals process. Hiring experienced VA disability lawyers is crucial to navigate the complexities of obtaining disability compensation, and our team has a high success rate in winning cases. The VA disability attorneys of Friedman Law Firm are knowledgeable in all phases of the VA appeals process. We fight for the veterans compensation you are entitled to, including appealing a denied claim or requesting a hearing. Contact Us today at Friedman Law Firm, P.C., in Birmingham, AL. An attorney knowledgeable in denied VA disability claims will welcome your inquiry.
Friedman Law Firm utilizes many legal strategies to assist veterans who suffer with service connected conditions with their initial claims, increased ratings, or appeals.
Increased ratings
If you are already receiving VA disability benefits and your condition worsens, you may be able to seek an increase in your VA rating and an increase in monthly disability payments.
Secondary service connected conditions
Many veterans develop secondary conditions that stem from, or are worsened by an existing service connected disability. In these cases, disabled veterans can receive a combined VA disability rating for the service connected condition and the secondary condition if they can establish a connection to the primary condition.
Individual unemployability
In some cases, veterans with secondary, or even multiple conditions, can achieve individual unemployability, which offers the same monthly compensation as a 100% VA rating without actually achieving that rating.
Appeals for veterans claims
If your VA disability claim has been denied or you received a disability rating that is lower than your condition warrants, there are many levels of the veterans appeal process that can be explored in order to win your well earned disability benefits.