How to File a Veterans Disability Case

Many veterans go into military service with medical problems that they do not report or treat. They believe that the issues will disappear after a period of time or improve.

But as time passes, the problems become more severe. Now they need VA assistance to receive compensation. The VA doesn't believe the VA.

Getting Started

Many veterans wait for years before filing a claim for disability. They may feel that they can manage the issue or that it will go away on its own without treatment. For this reason, it is crucial to file filing a claim as soon the symptoms of disability get serious enough. If you plan to pursue a claim in future then inform the VA know by submitting an intent to submit form. This will establish an earlier effective date, which will make it easier to get back pay for the time you've already been denied due to your disability.

It is essential to include all relevant evidence when you submit your initial claim. This includes the medical clinics of civilians and hospital records regarding the illness or injuries you plan to claim, as well any military documents related to your service.

The VA will review your claim and collect additional evidence from both you and your healthcare providers. Once they have all the data they require, they will arrange an appointment for you to take the Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P) in order to determine your eligibility.

This should be done in conjunction with the separation physical to ensure that your disability is recorded as service-connected even if the disability is not a percent. It is easier to ask for an increase in rating if your condition worsens.

Documentation

In order to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, it is essential that you provide your VA disability lawyer with all relevant documentation. This can include medical documents, service records and letters from friends, relatives or coworkers who are aware of how your disability affects you.

Your VSO can assist you in gathering the required documentation. This could include medical records from the VA hospital or private physician's report, diagnostic tests and other evidence to prove that you suffer from a chronic condition and that it was caused by or worsened through your service in the Armed Forces.

VA will then examine the evidence to determine your disability rating. This is done using the schedule that was created by Congress which specifies which disabilities are compensable and at what percentage.

If VA finds that you qualify for disability benefits, they will notify you in writing of their decision. They'll also send all relevant documents to Social Security. If they find that you don't have a qualifying disability, the VSO will return the form to you. you can appeal this decision within a certain time period.

A VA attorney in Kalamazoo can assist you in obtaining the evidence you need to support your claim. In addition to medical evidence our veterans disability lawyer advocate can seek opinions from independent medical examiners, as well as an opinion from your VA treating physician regarding the impact of your disability on your daily life.

Meeting with VSO VSO

A VSO can help with a range of programs beyond disability compensation, such as vocational rehabilitation and employment such as home loans as well as group life insurance, medical benefits and military burial benefits and more. They will review all of your service records, and medical records to figure out the federal programs you're eligible for and then fill out the necessary paperwork to apply.

Many accredited representatives work for VA-accredited/federally chartered veterans service organizations (VSOs), which are private non-profit groups that advocate on behalf of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. They are legally authorized to represent the interests of a Veteran or their dependents or survivors who has a claim to any federal benefit.

After the VA receives all the evidence, they'll review it, and then assign the rating of disability according to the severity of your symptoms. If you are granted a decision by the federal VA, an VSO will discuss with you your ratings and any additional benefits from the state that you may be entitled to.

The VSO can assist you in requesting an appointment with the VA when you disagree with a decision by the federal VA. The Appeals Modernization Act provides three "lanes" for appeals. They include a supplementary claim or a review at a higher level or a written notice of disagreement to the Board of Veterans Appeals. A VSO can assist you in determining which appeal/review option is best for your particular situation.

Appeals

The VA appeals process can be complicated and lengthy. It could take a year or longer to receive a decision, based on the AMA route you choose and whether your case is eligible for priority processing. A veteran disability lawyer can help you decide the best path to take and file an appeal on your behalf if required.

There are three ways to appeal the denial of benefits to veterans Each one of them requires an varying amount of time. A lawyer can assist you in deciding which one is appropriate for your case and can explain the VA disability appeals process so that you know what you can expect.

If you want to forgo the DRO review and go directly to the BVA You must submit an appeal form 9 formal appeal and wait for the regional office of your region to transfer your file to the Board. The BVA will then issue a Statement of the Case (SOC). You may request a personal hearing before the BVA however, it's not required.

A supplemental claim is an opportunity to present new and relevant evidence to the VA. This can include medical evidence, but also non-medical proof such as lay statements. An attorney can present these statements on your behalf and can also obtain independent medical examinations and a vocational expert opinion. If the BVA declines your supplemental claim you can submit an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.