The Benefits of Hiring a VA Disability Attorney

Veterans who develop disabling medical conditions due to their military service may qualify for various benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, applying for VA disability benefits can become time-consuming and confusing for veterans. Veterans can pursue benefits with assistance from an accredited VA disability benefits lawyer. But what are the benefits of hiring a VA disability attorney to help you file a benefits claim?

Understanding the Claims Process

The process of filing for VA disability benefits begins with submitting an application to the VA online through its website or in person at a local VA office. An application must include various supporting documentation, such as medical records, service records, expert reports, and buddy statements. The VA frequently contacts veterans during the application process to request additional or updated information or to ask the veteran to submit to a compensation and pension exam. When the VA denies a veteran’s initial claim, the veteran has the right to appeal that denial by filing a supplemental claim, seeking higher level review, or appealing to the Board of Veterans Appeals. 

The VA denies disability claims for various reasons, such as insufficient medical evidence, inadequate evidence to establish a service connection, or errors on application forms. Even a seemingly minor mistake can lead to the delay or denial of a veteran’s disability benefits claim. 

Key Benefits of a VA Disability Lawyer

VA disability lawyers can guide veterans through the claims process, especially when a veteran appeals the denial of an initial benefits claim. Some of the benefits of hiring legal representation for a VA disability benefits claim include:

• In-depth knowledge of VA law: VA disability attorneys stay up to date on changes in VA regulations, federal statutes, and case law and can present persuasive arguments for a veteran’s eligibility.
• Assistance with gathering and presenting evidence: VA disability lawyers know what evidence veterans will need to convince the VA of the veteran’s eligibility for disability benefits and can help them obtain records, reports, and opinion letters to bolster their claims. 
• Navigating the VA appeals process: Many veterans have their disability benefits claims denied on initial review. An attorney can walk a veteran through their appeal options and help them improve their claims and pursue further review. 
• Higher chances of success: Veterans who have legal counsel typically have higher success rates in VA disability claims, especially in appeals of initial denials. Attorneys can help veterans navigate the claims or appeals process and avoid common mistakes that can lead to unsuccessful outcomes. 
• Contingency fees: VA disability attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning veterans pay nothing upfront to hire legal counsel. In contingency fees, VA attorneys get paid only if they obtain benefits for their clients, receiving a percent of the veteran’s back pay. 

When Should You Consider Hiring a VA Disability Attorney

Circumstances in which you should consider hiring a VA disability benefits attorney include:

• The VA denies your initial disability benefits claim, as an attorney can help you file an appeal.
• Your service-connected condition worsens, as you may qualify for an increased disability rating, and an attorney can help you file a supplemental claim.
• You have a secondary condition (a health condition caused or worsened by a primary service-connected condition) that might qualify you for a higher combined disability rating.
• You qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which can help you access VA disability benefits granted to veterans with 100 percent disability ratings even though you may have a lower rating.

Contact Our Firm Today

When you have a disabling medical condition connected to your military service, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. Contact Veterans Benefits Law Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a VA disability lawyer to learn more about the advantages of having legal representation when you file a disability benefits claim.