The law protects veterans who seek compensation for service-connected disabilities. Attorneys help to protect their clients by avoiding pitfalls, filing the correct paperwork, and meeting critical deadlines.
A capable attorney will rest once they explore all possible avenues to fair benefits. This includes reviving denied claims or improving low ratings through new evidence.
Establishing Service-Connection
One of the main requirements for veterans to receive compensation is proving that their current disability was either incurred or aggravated in service. This is referred to as “establishing service connection.” It’s not always easy for a veteran to prove their case.
In some cases, symptoms are not documented in medical records before or during your time in the military and do not manifest until long after your discharge. For example, a condition like peptic ulcers may only appear after you are out of the military. To prove your case, it is essential to get all medical records that document your symptoms and explain how the illness or disability affects you now.
A clear and unmistakable nexus between your present condition and the injury, event, or illness during service is essential to establishing a service connection. This is often accomplished through a medical opinion stating the two conditions are linked.
Getting Your Disability Evaluated Correctly
Congress has passed extensive medical and disability benefits laws for veterans. Unfortunately, the VA does not always interpret these laws in the veterans’ favor.
An accurate VA disability rating is the best way to maximize your compensation benefits. The difference between a 0 percent and 100 percent rating can mean thousands of dollars in tax-free monthly payments.
The severity of your condition is one factor that determines your disability rating. Therefore, you must provide the VA with up-to-date evidence of your symptoms. This could include medical records from private doctors, service-connected disability documents, and statements from friends and family about your limitations.
If you disagree with the rating assigned to your condition, requesting a higher-level review or a supplemental claim may be possible. A veteran disability attorney can help you with this process. He can ensure your appeal is filed correctly and submit any additional documentation necessary to win your case. Make sure to visit these lawyers for veterans PTSD if you need legal assistance.
Getting Your Claim Approved Faster
If your disability is service-connected, it may qualify you for a pension or Social Security benefits. A veteran disability lawyer can evaluate your situation to see what might be possible.
VA-accredited representatives such as those at Woods and Woods can help speed up the process by proactively checking in with DDS (Disability Determination Services) on your case. This can “spur” the examiner to work on your issue more quickly since, as the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Your attorney can also take many claim-related responsibilities off your hands, protecting your health as you navigate the claims process. Your attorney can even stand up to VA officials who mistreat you. That way, you can get the compensation benefits that you deserve. The VA claims process can take a year or longer, but with the right attorneys, you can expedite it as much as possible.
Getting Your Back Pay
In many cases, the injuries or illnesses veterans have suffered have left them with a diminished quality of life. Often, disabling conditions require costly medical care or travel to specialists. When a veteran’s disability claim is successful, the VA will award them back pay that covers past expenses.
Many veterans rely on their compensation benefits for everyday living costs and healthcare and educational resources. In addition to disability compensation, a veteran may receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) and various other support services.
A suitable veteran’s disability attorney can help you maximize the back pay and future payments you receive from the VA. When choosing an attorney, choose one with experience handling complex VA disability claims. The wrong choice could cost you years of back pay and thousands in missed opportunities. You can find a qualified lawyer using the free online veterans’ lawyer directory. Many attorneys there are certified by the VA and can work on veterans’ appeals.