How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans disability lawyers have medical issues as they join the military, but do not reveal them or treat them. They believe that the issues will be gone after a period of time or improve.

As the years go by, these problems continue to worsen. They now require the VA's assistance to get compensation. The problem is that the VA will not believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans disability lawyer wait for years before submitting a disability claim. They may feel they are able to manage the problem or that it will disappear by itself if they don't seek treatment. For this reason, it is essential to initiate an application as soon as the symptoms of disability become serious enough. Let the VA know if you plan to file your claim at a later date by submitting an intention to file. This will set a more effective date, which will make it easier to recover your money for time you've already missed out on because of your disability.

It is essential to include all relevant proof when you file your initial claim. This includes any medical clinics in the civilian sector and hospital records related to the injuries or illnesses you intend to claim, as well as any military records that pertain to your service.

The VA will examine your claim and request additional evidence from both you and veterans disability lawyer your healthcare providers. Once they have the information they need, they will arrange for you to take an examination to determine your compensation and pension (C&P) to determine your rating.

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

Documentation

In order to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, it's essential that you provide your VA disability lawyer with all of the relevant documents. This could 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, private physician's reports or diagnostic tests as well as other evidence to prove that you have a chronic condition and that it was caused or worsened due to your service in the Armed Forces.

The next step is for VA to review the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is done by using a schedule drafted by Congress that defines which disabilities can be compensated and at what percentage.

If VA determines that you are suffering from a qualifying disability, they will notify you of their decision in writing and then send the appropriate documents to Social Security for processing. If they conclude that you don't have a qualifying impairment then the VSO returns the document to you and you may appeal the decision within a specific time period.

A VA lawyer in Kalamazoo can assist you in obtaining the evidence needed to support your claim. Our veterans advocate can collect medical documentation and opinions from independent medical examiners, as well as a statement from the VA treating physician regarding your disability.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a variety of programs, which extend beyond disability compensation. They can help with 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 records from service, and medical information, to find out which federal programs you're eligible for and to fill out the necessary paperwork to apply.

Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered veterans disability law firm 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.

Once the VA has received all of your evidence, they will go over it, and then give you the rating of disability according to the severity of your symptoms. When you are given a determination by the federal VA, a VSO will be able to discuss with you your ratings and any additional state benefits you may be entitled to.

The VSO can assist you in requesting an appointment with the VA in the event that you are dissatisfied with a decision of the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" for an appeal. These are a supplemental claim or a higher-level review or a written notice of disagreement to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can assist you in deciding which appeal or review option is best for your particular situation.

Appeal

The VA appeals process can be complex and lengthy. It could take a time of up to a year before you receive an answer, based on the AMA option you select and whether your case qualifies for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can assist you in determining the best way to proceed and can also file an official appeal on behalf of you if necessary.

There are three options to appeal the denial of benefits to veterans Each one of them requires the time in a different way. A lawyer can help you determine which option is best for 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 to directly go to BVA the Board, you must submit 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's not required.

A supplemental claim gives you the chance to submit new and relevant evidence to the VA. This includes medical evidence, but also non-medical evidence such as declarations from laypeople. An attorney can present these statements on behalf of you and also request 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.