what lawyer to contact for va disability benefits

by Prof. Rachelle Labadie MD 10 min read

Do I need lawyer for my VA disability claims?

 · Also get lawyers help for veterans disability claims. Contact our attorneys now. Veterans Benefits. call us today at (888) 492-2941. ... will need to work with our attorneys for VA disability claims to find out what you need to file when seeking disability benefits. VA disability compensation lawyers understand the limitations within the ...

Can I hire an attorney for a VA claim?

The California VA disability benefits attorneys at Stone Rose Law are prepared to fight for your rights. Call (480) 498-8998 for a free consultation. ... If your first attempt is unsuccessful, an attorney can also help you appeal a denial. Contact the lawyers at Stone Rose Law to find out how we can help you.

Should I get a VA disability lawyer?

When you call Woods and Woods, you get an experienced, knowledgeable, and tough VA-certified disability attorney. Woods and Woods has fought the VA for thousands of veterans. It’s what we do every day. We’re Nationally Recognized Woods and Woods is a nationally-respected law firm.

How much do VA disability attorneys charge?

 · To have a claims agent or attorney help you, fill out an Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22a). Get VA Form 21-22a to download. If you’re filling out one of the forms, you’ll need to mail it to your nearest VA regional office. Please speak to the service organization or representative before you send your ...

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How do I fight a VA disability claim?

The VA is there to serve veterans, so instead of dwelling on the claim denial, it's time to take action.Option #1: File a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) ... Option #2: Request a senior rating specialist to review your case. ... Option #3: File a Supplemental Claim. ... Don't Forget: Make Copies of Everything. ... Prepare to Wait.

Does the VA investigate disability claims?

When veterans receive disability benefits, VA will assess whether or not a veteran's injuries are likely to improve. If they are, they will schedule a VA claim reevaluation in the future, at which time they will reevaluate a veteran's level of eligibility to receive disability benefits.

What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?

According to a recent Veterans Administration report to Congress, the ten most commonly awarded medical conditions that are getting approved for benefits are as follows:Tinnitus.Limitation of flexion (knee)Hearing loss.Lumbosacral or cervical strain (back and neck strains)Limitation of arm motion.General scars.More items...•

Who can I talk to about my VA disability rating?

800-827-1000If you have questions about your benefits or how to access the tool, you can call us at 800-827-1000.

What is the VA 5 year rule?

The five-year rule states that the VA can't reduce a veteran's disability that's been in place for five years, unless the condition improved overtime on a sustained basis. The veteran will likely need to present medical evidence to prove the material improvement of their condition.

How far back does VA disability back pay go?

This is within the 1-year mark, so his date of eligibility for VA Disability Back Pay is his date of separation. It takes another 9 months before the VA's Rating Decision is reached. Ben will receive VA Disability Back Pay for the entire 18 months between his date of separation and the VA's rating decision.

Can you get VA disability without medical records?

If several attempts to find the missing medical evidence have failed, you can still win your VA disability case if you can find other evidence of the accident or treatment. The evidence in your file may show a sudden drop off in health or a leave from duty that can support your assertion that an event occurred.

What percentage of VA disability claims are approved?

You've been waiting for months to qualify for VA disability benefits, and then you get the news: the VA has denied your claim. The VA denies around 30% of disability claims each year.

What do you say at a VA C&P exam?

Your C&P exam is for you to describe your symptoms and limitations to the examiner. That's it. The last thing you should be doing during this is discussing VA ratings and legal aspects of your case. Do not cite, word for word, the VA disability rating criteria and how your symptoms fulfill it.

How do you get a 100 VA rating?

A veteran can receive a temporary 100% rating when they are hospitalized for 21 or more days for a service-connected condition. A veteran can receive a 100% rating if they are having surgery for a service-connected condition and will require an extensive recovery time that limits their mobility.

How do I increase my VA disability from 60 to 100?

File a Claim for an Increased Rating This is another way to increase your VA disability rating from 70% to 100%. If you are outside of the one-year period to file an appeal with VA's decision, you will likely have to file a new claim for an increased rating.

What does 70 VA disability get you?

All veterans with a 70 percent disability rating receive at least the minimum VA disability pay of $1,444.71 per month. Veterans receive additional compensation if they have dependent parents, minor children, or other family members who rely on their financial support.

Does VA have investigators?

The OIG also oversees health care inspections of VA health facilities, national reviews, criminal investigations and even a special investigations group, which takes a cross-discipline effort.

Does VA investigate veterans?

The VA OIG investigates substantial allegations of whistleblower reprisal against employees of VA contractors, grantees, subgrantees, and personal services subcontractors. The VA OIG reports substantiated allegations of reprisal to the employer and VA for corrective action.

Does the VA conduct surveillance?

The Department of Veterans Affairs made use of undercover agents and covert surveillance strategies against one veteran with multiple sclerosis in a malingering sting.

How long does a VA claim stay in gathering evidence?

between 30 and 60 daysStep #3 of the 8-step VA claim process is “Gathering of Evidence” and is typically the longest step in the process and takes between 30 and 60 days. You might see your claim move back-and-forth between various steps—don't panic—this is completely normal!

How to choose a VA lawyer?

Make sure you choose a lawyer who is VA accredited. First, that means they know what they are doing. Secondly, if the lawyer is VA accredited they most likely won't rip you off. Any lawyer who does business nationwide by representing veterans versus the VA isn't about to lose their accreditation by trying to rip off one veteran

How much does a VA lawyer charge for an appeal?

How much a lawyer can charge for service varies, but attorneys are permitted by law to charge between 20% and 33% for handling an appeal. These fees will be paid to the attorney only if they win the appeal and you are awarded benefits or have your benefits increased. Typically these fees will be paid directly out of the any lump-sum payment you get from the VA.

How much is VA disability retroactive?

For example, say you filed a disability claim on Jan. 1, 2016 but were denied. On Jan. 1, 2017 you hired a lawyer and signed a contract for a 20 percent contingency fee. On Jan. 1, 2018, the VA granted you a 100% disability rating retroactive to the original date of filing (Jan. 1, 2016). The retroactive amount is the 100% monthly payment for the period between Jan. 1, 2016, and Jan. 1, 2018 (two years), which is approximately $80,000.

What is the GI hotline?

The GI Hotline is a network of twenty veterans service groups that provides legal assistance with discharge upgrades (as well as other legal issues for veterans and active service members). Call them at (877) 447-4487. Law School Clinics .

Can a lawyer charge for disability?

Secondly, current law prevents a lawyer from charging you for any assistance in filing an initial claim for VA disability benefits. The lawyer can only charge you for help when you challenge a VA decision on your disability claim. So, most likely, a reputable lawyer won't even touch your case until you have filed for disability compensation ...

Do VA lawyers get paid?

The lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. But, be sure to read your contract with the lawyer before signing it so you understand all the details. A lawyer on the up-and-up is no problem, others can rip you off. Make sure you choose a lawyer who is VA accredited. First, that means they know what they are doing.

Do lawyers work for free?

Most lawyers won't work for free. Any lawyer who says they will help you file a claim and then charge you for it is breaking the law. If you do need help filing your claim, for whatever reason, you should contact a veterans service organization for free help.

How to increase your chances of getting approved for VA benefits?

The first thing to do when trying to increase your chances of being approved for benefits is to obtain your VAC file. This document will list all the pertinent information about your injuries and what the VA lists as the cause. Taking this file to our lawyers for VA claims is a great way to get the ball rolling. Lawyers for veterans benefits can help you to move forward with filing a successful claim for veterans benefits.

How long does it take to get a decision on a BDD claim?

Generally, you will be able to get a decision on your BDD claim in approximately two months. Hiring one of your lawyers for VA claims is ideal for determining your eligibility.

Can you get disability from Agent Orange?

However, it can be difficult to prove that these disabilities were caused by Agent Orange. If you have a disability as a result of Agent Orange exposure, you should apply for disability benefits. Many veterans hesitate to get the legal assistance they need because they are worried about VA disability attorney fees.

Can PTSD be recalled by the VA?

However, a VA doctor must confirm that the stressful experience recalled by a veteran is sufficiently severe to support a diagnosis of PTSD and the veteran’s symptoms are related to the stressor. These new rules should make it easier for you if you’re seeking VA compensation for PTSD.

Does the VA require proof of PTSD?

Under the new rules, the VA does not require independent proof of a stressor where the PTSD is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

Can you list all your symptoms in a VA disability claim?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when filing a disability claim is not listing all your symptoms. Our attorneys for VA disability claims will help you make a comprehensive list of your injuries and the limitations that result. Each symptom listed will have to be researched by the VA. This can help increase the rating your injuries are given, which in turn will raise the amount of money you are entitled to. Make sure you have the necessary lawyer for veterans disability to ensure you are doing all you can to get the benefits you desire.

What to do if VA denies disability?

Learn Your Options: After the VA denies you disability or gave you a low rating, you may not be sure about your options. Some veterans should focus on VA mistakes, some should appeal a flat-out denial, and others should try increasing their veterans disability benefits rating. A VA-certified disability attorney can help you decide what is the best of course of action for your claim.

How to win a VA disability claim?

The way to win your claim is by collecting strong evidence and presenting it to the VA in a clear and concise manner. This is why experience plays a big part in claims. Your VA-certified disability attorney knows exactly what evidence you need.

What are the rights of a disabled veteran?

Learn Your Rights: As a veteran with disabilities, you have rights. These rights include compensation for your service-connected disabilities. The military promised to take care of you if injury from service occurred. Talk to a VA accredited veterans benefits lawyer about your rights as a disabled veteran.

Do lawyers work with veterans?

A large majority of our clients first used free veterans service organizations (VSOs). Our lawyers regularly work with veterans after they have worked with a veterans organization.

Does Woods and Woods represent disabled veterans?

When you call Woods and Woods, you get an experienced, knowledgeable, and tough VA-certified disability attorney. Woods and Woods has fought the VA for thousands of veterans. It’s what we do every day.

Is a VA lawyer worth it?

A VA Accredited/Certified Veterans Benefits Lawyer is worth it.

Is there a precedent for VA disability claims?

There are decades of legal cases and precedents that affect VA disability claims. We have spent years and years researching VA law. Many old cases are relevant to today’s veterans’ claims. Citing a law or legal case from 1987 could be a determining factor in your claim. That’s how hiring a qualified VA-certified disability attorney can make the difference.

What is VA disability compensation?

VA disability compensation. VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions ...

What to do if you disagree with a disability decision?

If you disagree with a decision on your disability claim, you can request a decision review. You can also manage any review requests or appeals you already filed.

What is VA DIC?

Compensation benefits for a surviving spouse and dependents (VA DIC) Learn about getting VA disability benefits as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent.

Can you get VA disability for mental health?

You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you've earned.

How to contact a veteran disability lawyer?

If you are considering hiring a veterans' disability lawyer, please fill out our confidential, free contact form or call us at 1-800-253-5537 for a free, live consultation with one of our VA disability specialists.

How to contact VA disability?

Fill out our confidential, free contact form or call us at 1-800-253-5537 for a free, live consultation with one of our VA disability specialists.

What are the problems veterans face?

Some of the most common problems facing our vets that may qualify them for VA benefits include: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Radiation Poisoning. Cognitive Disabilities.

Can a VA disability attorney help with sleep apnea?

Posted on 06/29/2010 It's possible a VA Disability Attorney can help you obtain benefits for sleep apnea.

Can disabled veterans appeal VA benefits?

Even if they are able to properly submit their application, most are denied and then forced to appeal. Worse yet, the appeals process can take years to complete, leaving a disabled veteran with no answers. Sadly, though their injuries are real , disabled soldiers continue to be denied VA benefits.

Can you qualify for VA benefits if you have Lou Gehrig's disease?

Lou Gehrig's Disease. Hypertension. Cushings Syndrome. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, so if you do not see your particular condition, it's still possible that you may qualify for VA benefits.

Do veterans get disability benefits?

It's a fact that hiring a veterans' disability lawyer greatly increases your chances of receiving VA disability benefits. Today, disabled veterans are arming themselves with the right lawyer and receiving benefits and compensation that never would have been possible in the past.

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