Navigating the VA disability process can be confusing. Getting the full benefits a veteran is entitled to requires collecting supporting solid evidence and presenting it effectively with a skilled attorney.
VA-certified claims agents and attorneys help veterans dig up the proper evidence, ensure they get a high disability rating, and support them through every step of the process. The results can be life-changing.
Eligibility Assessment
VA disability law firms can assist you in determining which benefits you may qualify for. These tax-free compensation payments are awarded for injuries and illnesses that occurred or worsened during military service.
A successful claim involves proving various factors, including establishing a current diagnosed disability related to some event or injury during active military service. Having a Berry Law attorney understand these requirements can significantly improve your chances of obtaining compensation.
An accredited veterans disability lawyer can also help with appealing a decision by the VA. It is essential to hire an attorney who focuses and specializes in VA disability claims rather than a general practitioner with a shallow knowledge of this area of law. Attorneys that offer this type of representation are usually accredited and work on a contingency basis.
Gathering Evidence
The success of a disability claim often hinges on the evidence a veteran provides to support their case. The required evidence type varies according to the issue or benefit being pursued. Still, it usually comprises medical records and testimony from friends, family, and fellow service members who can attest to how a condition has negatively impacted their life.
An attorney can assist a veteran in gathering all necessary documents and submitting them to the VA for review. This could include the results of a C&P exam, DBQ, and other medical tests, statements from peers and family, private doctor opinions, outside medical evidence, and more.
Certain types of claims, such as PTSD, TBI, and military sexual trauma, require skilled representation that goes beyond what VSOs can offer. But even if a situation is not as intricate or sophisticated as these kinds, a veteran’s ability to receive benefits can be significantly impacted by the help of an expert lawyer.
Appeals
Attorneys know what to look for in the laws and procedures that govern your claim. They can spot violations that a VSO might miss.
They help you with the often complex evidence needed to prove disability. They can also bring in outside opinions and have the time to develop your case efficiently. They can even get you a higher rating for your disability and an earlier effective date than you might otherwise receive.
If you have a denial or are dissatisfied with your rating, attorneys will guide you through the appeals process. You only have one year from your local VA office’s decision to initiate an appeal, and you could lose the right to appeal if you act slowly. Attorneys can charge a fee for their service on your appeal. You can pay them from any lump-sum payment you eventually get from the VA. Attorneys can also take a percentage of any compensation you win from the government for your claims.
Representation
Getting disability benefits from the VA requires more than just a medical professional determining that your condition is disabling. You must also show a link between your condition and your service-related activity. Attorneys specializing in veterans’ disability law can help you establish this connection.
In addition to their legal expertise, these lawyers can provide invaluable insight into the VA’s procedures and policies. They know what the VA looks for when reviewing a claim, and they can anticipate problems that might arise.
Straightforward claims, such as those for PTSD or back injuries, are one thing; complex cases that involve multiple issues, such as Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), require the attention and resources of VA-accredited attorneys. These firms help veterans navigate the VA’s claims process through targeted marketing to obtain the benefits they are entitled to. If you are denied at the initial or appeals stage, a firm can assist you in filing a Notice of Disagreement to challenge the decision.