How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans join military service with medical problems that they do not report or treat. They believe that the issue will go away over time or Veterans Disability improve.

But as time passes, the problems get worse. Now they need VA assistance to get compensation. The VA does not believe the VA.

Getting Started

Many veterans wait for years before filing an claim. They may believe that they can deal with the issue or believe that it will go away on its own without treatment. It is important to file a claim when the symptoms of disability are severe enough. Let the VA know that you intend to make a claim at a later date by submitting an intention to file. This will enable you to determine an earlier effective date and make it easier for you to claim your back pay.

When you file the initial claim, it is crucial to provide all evidence relevant. This includes any medical clinics in the civilian sector and hospital records regarding the injuries or illnesses you're planning to file a claim for, as well as any military records pertaining to your service.

When the VA accepts your claim they will review it and collect additional evidence from you and your health healthcare providers. Once they have the data they require, they'll arrange for you to take an exam for compensation and pension (C&P) to determine your eligibility.

It is recommended to complete this in conjunction with your separation physical to ensure it is documented as a service-connected disability, even if the rating is 0 percent. It is much easier to request an increase in rating in the event that your condition worsens.

Documentation

It is important that you provide all the required documentation to your VA disability lawyer in order to get the benefits to which you are entitled. This could include your service records, medical documentation and even lay evidence, such as letters from family, friends members, or colleagues who understand how your disabilities affect you.

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

The next step is for VA to review the evidence and determine your disability rating. This is accomplished using a schedule designed by Congress that determines the disabilities that are eligible for compensation and at what percentage.

If VA finds that you qualify for disability benefits, they will inform you in writing of their decision. They will also send all relevant documents to Social Security. If they determine that you don't have a qualifying disability, the VSO returns the document and you can appeal the decision within a specified time period.

A VA lawyer can assist you to find evidence to support your claim. Our veterans advocate can also get medical documents and opinions from independent medical examiners, as well as a statement from the VA treating doctor about your disability.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a range of programs, beyond disability compensation. They can help with vocational rehabilitation as well as employment, home loans and group life insurance. They also can assist with medical benefits and military burial benefits. They will look over your medical records 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 service organizations (VSOs), which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. They are legally able to represent an Veteran or a dependent or survivor with a claim for any federal benefit.

After the VA receives all the evidence, they will go over the evidence, and then assign a rating of disability based on your severity of symptoms. A VSO can discuss your rating as well as any other state benefits for which might be eligible, after you have received a decision from the federal VA.

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

Appeals

The VA appeals process is lengthy and complicated. It could take a one year or more to get a decision, depending on the AMA route you choose and if your case qualifies for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can assist you in determining the best course of action and may file a formal appeal on your behalf when required.

There are three methods to appeal a denial of benefits to veterans disability However, each requires different amounts of time. A lawyer can assist you in deciding which one is right for your case and can explain the VA disability appeals process so that you understand what to expect.

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

A supplemental claim is an opportunity to present new and relevant evidence to the VA. This includes medical evidence but also non-medical evidence, such as statements made by laypeople. A lawyer can make these statements and obtain independent medical tests as well as a vocational expert's recommendation on your behalf. If the BVA denies your supplemental claim You can file an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.