How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many Griffin Veterans Disability Law Firm suffer from medical issues when they enter the military, but don't divulge them or treat them. They think they'll disappear or improve after a while.

As time passes as time passes, the issues get worse. Now they need VA assistance to obtain compensation. The VA doesn't believe the VA.

Getting Started

Many veterans are waiting for years before filing a disability claim. They may believe that they can deal with 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 get severe enough. If you intend to file a claim in the future then inform the VA be aware by submitting an intent to file form. This will allow for a later effective date, which will make it easier to receive payment for time that you've missed out on because of your disability.

When you file the initial claim, it is important to include all relevant evidence. You should include all medical records from civilian hospitals and clinics pertaining to the injuries or illnesses you are planning to claim as well as military documents.

When the VA accepts your claim they will review it and seek 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 rating.

This must be done in tandem with the separation physical to ensure that your condition is recognized as service-connected even if it's not percent. It is easier to ask for an increase in your rating if your condition gets worse.

Documentation

To be able to claim the benefits you are entitled to, it is essential that you provide your VA disability lawyer with all of the relevant documents. This could include medical records, service records and letters from family members, friends or coworkers who know how your disability affects you.

Your VSO can help you gather the required documentation. This can include medical records from the VA Hospital, private physician's report, diagnostic tests, and other evidence that proves that you have a debilitating illness and that your time in the Armed Forces caused or worsened it.

VA will then evaluate the evidence to determine your disability rating. This is accomplished using a schedule drafted by Congress that specifies which disabilities are eligible for compensation and at what percentage.

If VA determines that you are eligible for disability benefits, they will inform you in writing of their decision and send all the necessary documents to Social Security. If they find that you don't have a qualifying disability and the VSO will return the document to you, and it is possible to appeal the decision within a specified time.

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, as well as a statement from the VA treating doctor about your disability.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a myriad of programs that go beyond disability compensation, including vocational rehabilitation and employment, home loans, group life insurance, medical benefits including military burial benefits and many more. They will review all of your records from service, and medical information, to find out the federal programs you're eligible for and fill out the necessary paperwork required to apply.

Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered tukwila veterans disability attorney service organizations (VSOs), which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. They are authorized to represent any Veteran or dependent who is a claim of any federal benefit.

When the VA has all the evidence, they will review it and give you a disability score according to the severity of your symptoms. A VSO can discuss your ratings and any additional state benefits, for which you may be eligible, after you have received a decision from the federal VA.

The VSO can help you request an hearing with the VA if you disagreed with a decision of the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" to appeal. These are a supplemental claim or a review at a higher level or a written notice of disagreement to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can help you decide the best appeal/review option for your particular situation.

Appeals

The VA appeals procedure is complex and lengthy. It could take a full one year or more to get an answer, based on the AMA option you select and if your case is eligible for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can assist you in determining the best course of action and file a formal appeal on your behalf if needed.

There are three ways to appeal the denial of veterans' benefits However, each takes a different amount of time. A lawyer can help decide which one is the most appropriate for your situation and explain the VA disability claims process to help you understand what to expect.

If you wish to skip the DRO review and go directly to the BVA You must submit a Form 9 formal appeal and wait for your regional office to transfer your 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 mandatory.

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