How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many vermilion veterans disability law firm who join the military suffering from medical conditions that they don't seek out or treat. They believe that the issues will be gone after a period of time or improve.

As the years go by and the conditions continue to get worse. Now they need help from the VA to receive compensation. The problem is that the VA will not believe them.

Getting Started

Many veterans are waiting for years before filing a claim for disability. They may believe that they can deal with the problem or that it will disappear by itself, without treatment. For this reason, it is important to start filing a claim as soon the symptoms of disability get serious enough. If you're planning to file a claim in the future then inform the VA know by filing an intent to file form. This will allow for a later effective date, which will make it easier to get back money for the time you've already lost due to your disability.

When you file your initial claim, it's important to include all relevant evidence. Include all medical records from civilian hospitals and clinics pertaining to the injuries or illnesses you intend to claim, and military records.

The VA will examine your claim and obtain additional evidence from both you and your healthcare providers. Once they have all the evidence they require, they will make an appointment with you to take an examination called a Compensation and Pension (C&P) in order to determine your eligibility.

It is best to do this in conjunction with your separation physical so that it is documented as a disability that is service-connected, even when the rating is zero%. It is easier to request an increase in rating if your condition worsens.

Documentation

To get the benefits you are entitled to, it's essential to provide your VA disability lawyer with all the relevant documentation. This could include medical documents, service records, and letters from friends, relatives 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 and a private physician's report or diagnostic tests, Vimeo.com and other evidence to prove that you have a disabling illness and that your service in Armed Forces caused or worsened it.

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

If VA determines that you qualify for disability benefits, they will notify 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 and the VSO will return the documents to you and they will allow you to appeal the decision within a certain time period.

A VA attorney can help you get the evidence you need to prove your claim. In addition to medical records, our veterans advocate can obtain opinions from independent medical examiners as well as a letter from your VA treating doctor regarding the impact of your disability on your daily life.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a myriad of programs beyond disability compensation, such as vocational rehabilitation and employment home loans, group life insurance, medical benefits including military burial benefits and more. They will examine your medical and service records to determine which federal programs are available to you and then fill with the required forms.

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

When the VA has all your evidence, they will go through it and determine a disability classification depending on the severity of your symptoms. A VSO can discuss your ratings and any additional state benefits to which you may be eligible, with you once you receive a decision from the federal VA.

The VSO can assist you in requesting an hearing with the VA if you disagreed with a decision made by the federal VA. In the Appeals Modernization Act, there are three "lanes" that can be used to appeal that includes a supplemental claim, an additional level review or a Notice of Disagreement with the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can assist you in deciding which appeal or review options are appropriate for your situation.

Appeals

The VA appeals process is complicated and lengthy. Depending on the AMA lane is chosen and if your case is processed with priority this could mean it takes a long time to receive a final decision. A veteran disability lawyer can help you determine the best path to follow and can also file an official appeal on your behalf if needed.

There are three avenues to appeal the denial of benefits to veterans however each one requires a different amount of time. A lawyer can assist you in deciding which one is right for your situation and explain the VA disability appeals process to help you know what to expect.

If you'd like to bypass the DRO review to directly go to BVA the Board, you must complete Form 9 and wait for the regional office to transfer the file to the Board. The BVA will then issue an Statement of Case (SOC). You can request a private hearing before the BVA, but it is not mandatory.

A supplemental claim gives you the chance to present new and relevant evidence for the VA. This includes medical evidence but also non-medical evidence such statements made by laypeople. A lawyer can submit these statements and request independent medical examinations aswell as a vocational expert's opinion on your behalf. If the BVA refuses your claim for supplemental benefits, you can submit an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.