Veterans Disability Lawyers

A veteran disability lawyer can help you throughout the claims process. From collecting medical and service evidence to filing an appeal against a denied claim, a veteran disability lawyer can help you through the entire claims process.

Select a veteran disability attorney that is solely dealing with these cases, and who knows the VA's system inside and out. This will ensure your case receives the attention it deserves.

Proving Service Connection

The VA will only award disability benefits if it is confirmed that your illness is related to your military service. This is known as a nexus. There are many types of evidence you could prove this connection, such as medical records as well as independent medical examinations (IME), and letters from current health professionals or therapists (especially for mental health issues). Sometimes, veterans suffer from medically-determinable disabilities, but are not able to be connected because of missing or insufficient military treatment records. These cases require the help of experienced New York disability attorneys who are skilled at presenting an entire case and submit evidence backed by unbiased experts.

It is simpler to prove direct service connection for illnesses or injuries that occurred while you were in the military. If you suffered injuries during your military service and now suffer from headaches and concussions, it's much easier to establish a direct connection to the service.

It is a lot more difficult to become connected to a service if you have an existing condition that deteriorated while you were in military service. To show that your time in service aggravated or worsened a pre-existing condition, you'll need to present medical evidence from an expert that is "clear and undisputed".

Appealing a Denial

After filing an application and providing medical evidence The VA will examine the case. The VA typically issues the decision of approving or disapproving benefits. If the decision is unfavorable the veteran has one year to file a Notice of Disparagement. A disability attorney for veterans disability lawyers can assist the claimant through the three decision review options - an additional claim or a higher-level review, or an direct appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

Consider whether the lawyer understands your military experience and the culture of the armed services when selecting a New York veterans disability law firm' disability lawyer. This will make it easier for you and lessen the requirement to explain your situation and experiences in layman's language.

You want a firm who will take on your case throughout the lengthy appeals procedure. Be wary of companies that assist you in the initial stages of your claim and then disappear.

An experienced New York veterans disability attorney can help you through all phases of your claim, including the appeals process. They can help you submit additional medical evidence, request a formal hearing and represent you at any Board meetings to ensure that your case is dealt with fairly. They can also help you win you benefits such as cash compensations, aid or attendance benefits, educational benefits, or unemployability.

Receiving a Better Rating

There might come a time when your disability becomes more serious or your symptoms become more complicated or broad. It is logical in this instance to seek a higher rating. A lawyer for veterans can assist in that procedure, and help you dig up evidence to support your request.

It's not unusual to see the VA to make mistakes that result in being awarded a lower rating than what you deserve. In the event that they fail to notice an injury that you suffer from or ignore a condition that could be combined with other disabilities to get a higher rating it's important to have an expert review your records to look for errors.

You can still submit a higher-level claim or review if you have been rated for more than a calendar year. These are a thorough examination of your file. It could result in a change to your effective date or an updated rating that is more accurate to what you truly feel.

If you believe you're entitled to an assessment of 100 percent, or higher, it's worth applying for a supplemental claim. A disability lawyer can help develop a compelling argument for this rating that is reserved for the most serious disabilities. A mental health problem, for example, may be a reason to get a 100 percent disability rating, as it can hinder employment or result in frequent hospitalizations that are not typically triggering this level for a cardiovascular problem or any other medical condition.

Helping with the Appeals Process

Contrary to what some believe, a VA denial of disability benefits does not mean that an individual is not eligible for benefits. Former veterans have one year to appeal a decision that is not favorable.

An experienced lawyer for veterans can assist a veteran to determine which of the three appeals options is the best option for their situation. They can also help veterans gather the evidence needed to convince a higher level reviewer that their previous decision was not right. They can even provide a veteran with a formal hearing before an Veterans Law Judge.

The greatest benefit of having a New York veteran disability attorney handle your appeal is that they'll give you the attention and care that your claim demands. They are also likely to have extensive experience dealing with VA disability claims and know the rules and procedures in and out. Some attorneys are veterans, so they are aware of the difficulties that disabled veterans face. This can create a distinct kind of empathy that can improve the outcome of a veterans' disability case.

The Sullivan & Kehoe team of experienced lawyers can evaluate your VA disability claims free of charge to determine if we are able to assist you. Call us today to set up an appointment for a free evaluation.