If you’ve been denied benefits or haven’t been awarded the benefits you deserve, you may need a veteran disability lawyer. A lawyer can help you through the VA appeals process and build your case with medical evidence. Attorneys who specialize in veterans disability law know the system inside and out. Here are some reasons why you should hire one today:
They Have Experience
Like it or not, the veteran disability process is complicated; it is difficult to get through without the help of an experienced professional. A lawyer who has the credentials and experience to assist you through a VA disability claim is an absolute necessity.
A reputable veterans disability attorney will dedicate all or most of their practice to veterans law. This means that they have the expertise to assist you in every step of a VA disability claim, from filing through the appeals process.
Seasoned veteran disability attorneys will also be familiar with the types of evidence necessary to support a claim, such as buddy statements, medical records, prescriptions, and hospital bills. They will know where to find this information and how to present it clearly and compellingly. They can also help you file a supplemental claim or request a higher-level review of your case. This could increase your rating, resulting in an earlier effective date for benefits.
They Know the System
If you have been denied your VA disability benefits, you may be able to hire a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) agent or lawyer to help you appeal. A lawyer will be up to date on the law, and they will work hard to dig up evidence in support of your claim. They will also be able to guide you through the landmines that are the VA’s appeals process. A good attorney will not charge you for helping with the initial filing of your application or on appeal. But they should be clear about their fees before they take on your case. Some unaccredited VA lawyers have sprung up recently, drawing attention to questionable practices.
The best attorneys will be focused and have deep knowledge of veterans’ claims. This gives you confidence in their representation and a fair price. They will also be up to date on the latest legislation like PACT.
They Can Help You Gather Evidence
There are a lot of hurdles to jump when it comes to filing an initial claim, and if you miss even one, it can take months to receive a decision. An attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls and get your case started in the right way from the start.
A veteran disability lawyer can also help you gather evidence to prove your condition and get you the compensation you deserve. They can dig up medical records, prescriptions, letters from doctors, and anything else that might paint a convincing picture of your disability. They can also help you find the best possible documentation for presumptive service connection or establish a direct link between your current disability and an incident that occurred during your military service, such as exposure to Agent Orange.
When choosing a firm, ensure they are accredited and ask to see their credentials before signing any contracts. It’s important to understand their fee structure and agreement so you can avoid any surprises down the road. Typically, they will work on a contingency basis for appeals only, meaning they are paid a percentage of any back pay you receive.
They Can Help You Appeal
Many veterans hire attorneys to help them with the appeals process. A reputable attorney will have experience helping hundreds or even thousands of veterans with their appeals, giving them a nuanced understanding of the appeals process.
They will be able to understand how the VA looks at claims and build them so that decision-makers at the highest level will find it easy to understand your claim. They may also help dig up additional evidence and bring in outside experts to support your case, which can make a big difference in getting your claim approved with the highest possible disability rating.
