If you are a veteran struggling with a full or partial disability that stems from your time in the military, you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. Filing claims for VA disability may seem confusing and overwhelming, particularly if you have PTSD.
While it is possible to file a VA disability claim independently, sometimes it would be a welcome gift, especially in following the slow procedures that require ongoing oversight and follow-up action. Then, should a claim be denied or underrated, the resulting appeals process can require even more expertise and attention.
The good news is that there are various ways to obtain help filing your VA disability claim and, if necessary, an appeal process. Additional good news is that these options may either be free or not require any upfront payment. Veteran Services Officers and lawyers who focus on VA disability claims are the best sources of help with your claim.
What is a Veteran Services Officer (VSO)?
Many veterans opt to work with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) with experience filing VA disability claims. VSOs are often veterans themselves, sympathetic to the plight of the applicant. Compassionate and experienced, a VSO can be a real ally in your quest for benefits.
Working with a VSO can also help ensure a claim is not lost in the shuffle. Because the claims process can be so lengthy, it can be challenging for veterans to remain as vigilant as necessary throughout the many months it takes to be processed. VSO, however, can provide regular updates and ensure that your claim is indeed being handled.
VSOs are specially trained and certified by the VA and always provide their services on VA disability claims free of charge.
What is a VA-accredited attorney?
The decision can be appealed if the VA denies or underrates your VA disability claim. At this stage in the process, there is no better advocate to have than an attorney focused solely on VA disability appeals. They have helped hundreds, if not thousands, of other veterans with their claims and use that experience and insight to make the best case for a successful appeal.
VA attorneys can help you file your appeal and walk you through the appeals process. The lawyer can prepare a strategy to assemble the evidence and legal arguments necessary to meet your goals. Often, a denial or underrating was caused by a fixable error in the initial claim process, sometimes missing evidence.
VA attorneys can also help connect you with experts who can help bolster your claim. n some cases, an independent medical exam, or IME, can help provide specific evidence to support your claim. ME physicians often have lengthy and impressive histories that alone could sway the VA’s opinion in favor of their report.
Unlike VSOs, VA-accredited attorneys and agents may charge you a fee for their representation in appealing or requesting an additional review of an adverse VA decision. These fees are usually paid at the conclusion of your case, delivered directly to the VA out of the awarded disability payments.
Filing a Claim
There are a few ways to file for veterans’ disability benefits. You can apply online using eBenefits. If you prefer to submit an application via mail or fax, you can do so by filling out form 21-526EZ and sending it to the claims intake center.
To complete the application, you will need a thorough list of the medical conditions for which you wish to request disability compensation. Connecting the ailment back to your time in the service is crucial. While you may be tempted to list every health condition you are currently experiencing, the length of time it takes to process the claim depends highly on how many illnesses or injuries are listed. Those hoping to speed up the claims process should list only the disabilities they believe are related to your service.
It can take many months (and sometimes years) for claims to be processed. You may reduce your wait time by utilizing the “Fully Developed Claim” program, which allows veterans to submit all their medical records with their application and indicate to the VA that there is no additional evidence to consider. This saves the VA time, as they do not have to seek out the records themselves.
Assistance with Filing your Claim
While it is possible to file a claim independently, many veterans opt to work with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) with experience filing VA disability claims. VSOs are often veterans themselves, sympathetic to the plight of the applicant. Compassionate and experienced, a VSO can be a real ally in your quest for benefits.
Working with a VSO can also help ensure a claim is not lost in the shuffle. Because the claims process can be so lengthy, it can be challenging for veterans to remain as vigilant as necessary throughout the many months it takes to be processed. VSO, however, can provide regular updates and ensure that your claim is indeed being handled.
Should the VA deny or underrate your claim, can the decision be appealed? There is no better advocate than an attorney focused solely on VA disability appeals. VA attorneys can help you file your appeal and walk you through the appeals process. a lawyer can prepare a strategy to assemble the evidence and legal arguments necessary to meet your goals.
VA attorneys can also help connect you with experts who can help bolster your claim. n some cases, an independent medical exam, or IME, can help provide specific evidence to support your claim. ME physicians often have lengthy and impressive histories that alone could sway the VA’s opinion in favor of their report.
Get the Help You Need
Veterans are known for self-sufficiency, but there is no shame in asking for help. Veterans Law Group has spent more than two decades helping veterans get their benefits. We are able to work with you and experts in the medical and vocational fields to support your VA disability claims on appeal. f you want help with your VA disability claim appeal, complete the questionnaire on our website and submit it for evaluation. Our team will review your case and reach out to you shortly.
