Neurological Disorder Lawyers for Veterans

Neurological disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These disorders can range from conditions that are relatively mild and manageable to severe, life-changing disabilities. Some of the most common neurological disorders seen in Veterans include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

This is a common and well-known neurological condition that many Veterans experience due to blasts, falls, and other combat-related incidents. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting in cognitive, physical, and emotional difficulties. Symptoms can include memory problems, headaches, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and even physical disabilities that prevent the individual from working.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and motor control. Veterans who were exposed to certain toxins during service, including Agent Orange, are at a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement), which can severely impair a Veteran’s quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis

MS is a condition where the immune system attacks the protective sheath around nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The cause of MS is not fully understood, but many Veterans are diagnosed with MS after exposure to environmental factors or physical trauma. Symptoms can vary widely but typically involve numbness, weakness, vision problems, and coordination difficulties.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy, which causes recurrent seizures, is another neurological condition that can affect Veterans. Seizures can be triggered by head injuries, which are common in combat situations. Depending on the severity, epilepsy can significantly impair a Veteran’s ability to function normally in daily life.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This is a condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, often as a result of nerve damage. It can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly linked to exposure to toxins or as a secondary condition to other health issues, such as diabetes, which can also be more prevalent among Veterans.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s can also have a significant impact on Veterans, particularly those who have experienced repeated head trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI). These conditions can cause cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes, leading to an inability to live independently.

The onset of these conditions can severely affect a Veteran’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As these conditions progress, many Veterans find themselves unable to work, care for themselves, or maintain their independence.

Neurological disorders not only affect a Veteran’s physical capabilities but also have profound psychological and emotional impacts. The cognitive and physical limitations that come with these conditions can make it difficult for Veterans to perform basic tasks like dressing, eating, or grooming themselves. For many, this loss of independence can lead to feelings of frustration, depression, and isolation.

In addition to the personal struggles caused by neurological disorders, Veterans may also face challenges in maintaining relationships with family and friends. The symptoms of neurological disorders can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and personality, which can strain social connections. Veterans may withdraw from social activities or find it difficult to participate in family events, further deepening feelings of isolation.

The financial burden of living with a neurological disorder can also be overwhelming. Many Veterans find that their ability to work is severely limited or eliminated altogether. In cases where the disorder causes a permanent disability, Veterans may be unable to maintain employment, which can lead to financial instability for them and their families. Even those who remain employed may need to reduce their working hours or take on less physically demanding tasks, which can have a significant impact on their income.

Veterans suffering from neurological disorders often experience a reduced quality of life due to the combination of physical, psychological, and financial challenges. The inability to function at previous levels can cause Veterans to feel a loss of identity or purpose, which can contribute to mental health struggles like depression and anxiety.

Despite the clear connection between military service and the onset of many neurological disorders, Veterans often face significant challenges in securing the benefits they’ve earned. The VA disability claims process is complex, and it can be difficult for Veterans to prove that their neurological disorder is service-connected.

Proving the Service Connection

One of the biggest challenges in securing VA benefits for neurological disorders is proving the connection between the disorder and military service. For conditions like Parkinson’s disease, MS, or TBI, the connection to military service may not always be immediately obvious. Veterans who develop these conditions years after their service may find it difficult to prove that their illness was caused or aggravated by their time in the military.

In some cases, Veterans may need to provide medical records, expert opinions, and evidence that demonstrates how their condition is related to their service. For example, Veterans with TBI may need to provide evidence that the injury occurred during service and led to long-term neurological symptoms. In the case of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Veterans may need to show that they were exposed to certain toxins, such as Agent Orange, that contributed to the development of the condition.

Inadequate Medical Evidence

Medical evidence is critical to a successful VA disability claim, but obtaining the necessary documentation can be difficult for some Veterans. The VA requires comprehensive medical records, diagnostic tests, and expert opinions to confirm the severity of the condition and its connection to military service. 

Veterans who do not have access to the appropriate medical resources or who are unsure of what documents to gather may struggle to provide the necessary evidence to support their claim.

Low Disability Ratings

Even when a neurological disorder is recognized by the VA, many Veterans receive a disability rating that does not fully reflect the severity of their condition. The VA uses a rating system that considers the extent of the disability and its impact on the Veteran’s ability to function. However, this system may not always take into account the full range of difficulties that come with a neurological disorder. 

For example, Veterans with MS may experience a wide variety of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, and cognitive issues. A disability rating that only considers one aspect of the condition may not provide sufficient compensation for all of the challenges the Veteran faces.

The Lengthy Appeals Process

If a claim is denied or rated too low, Veterans must go through the appeals process, which can be lengthy and complex. Many Veterans find themselves frustrated with the time it takes to resolve an appeal, particularly when their health is rapidly deteriorating. Navigating the appeals process without experienced legal assistance can be overwhelming, and Veterans may be at a disadvantage if they do not understand the procedures and deadlines involved.

Given the challenges Veterans face when seeking VA benefits for neurological disorders, legal representation can significantly improve the chances of success. A knowledgeable VA disability lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the claims and appeals process.

Gathering Medical Evidence

A lawyer can help Veterans obtain the medical evidence they need to support their claim. This includes working with medical professionals to gather diagnostic tests, medical records, and expert opinions that confirm the severity of the neurological disorder and its connection to military service. A lawyer can also ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly and on time.

Establishing the Service Connection

A skilled lawyer can help Veterans establish a clear link between their neurological disorder and their military service. This may involve gathering service records, medical documentation, and expert testimony to prove that the disorder is related to the Veteran’s time in service. For example, in the case of Parkinson’s disease or MS, a lawyer can assist in showing how exposure to toxins or physical trauma during service contributed to the development of the condition.

Appealing Denials and Low Ratings

If a claim is denied or rated too low, a lawyer can assist with the appeals process. They can help Veterans understand the reasons for the denial or low rating, identify weaknesses in the original claim, and submit a stronger appeal with additional evidence. A lawyer can also represent Veterans at hearings, ensuring that their case is presented effectively and that all relevant information is considered.

Securing Total Disability Individual Unemployability

For Veterans whose neurological disorders prevent them from working, a disability lawyer can help secure Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits. TDIU allows Veterans to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their disability rating is lower. A lawyer can help document the Veteran’s inability to work and assist in filing the TDIU claim.

Before reaching out to a VA appeals lawyer, there are several important steps to take to ensure your claim is as strong as possible. These actions can help streamline the process and provide your attorney with the information they need to assist you effectively.

• Review Your VA Decision Letter: Carefully read through the VA decision letter to understand the reasons for your denial or low rating. This will help identify any potential weaknesses in your claim and guide your discussions with a lawyer.
• Gather Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records, including those from your VA appointments and any private healthcare providers. These documents will serve as critical evidence in proving the severity of your condition and its connection to your military service.
• Document Your Service History: Ensure you have access to your service records, including any documentation that may show how your condition was caused or aggravated during your time in service.
• Understand Your Claim: Familiarize yourself with the details of your claim, including the specific disability ratings and diagnoses. This will help you clearly explain your situation to the lawyer and streamline the legal process.
  
  

Taking these steps before contacting a VA appeals lawyer will ensure you are well-prepared and give your lawyer the best chance to build a compelling case.