How to File a paterson veterans disability Law firm Disability Claim
The claim of a disabled veteran is a key component of the application process for benefits. Many veterans who have their claims approved receive additional income each month which is tax-free.
It’s not a secret that VA is behind in the processing of claims for disability from veterans. The decision could take months or even years.
Aggravation
veterans disability could be entitled to disability compensation if their condition was aggravated by their military service. This kind of claim can be mental or physical. A VA lawyer who is certified can assist a former military member to file a claim for aggravated disabilities. A claimant needs to prove by proving medical evidence or unbiased opinions that their pre-service condition was made worse by active duty.
A physician who is an expert on the veteran’s disability can provide an independent medical opinion that will demonstrate the seriousness of the pre-service condition. In addition to the doctor’s opinion the veteran will also need to submit medical records and lay declarations from family or friends who are able to confirm the extent of their pre-service injuries.
When a claim for disability benefits from veterans it is important to be aware that the aggravated condition must differ from the original disability rating. Disability lawyers can help an ex-servicemember present enough medical evidence and witness to show that their initial condition wasn’t just aggravated by military service, but that it was more severe than it would have been had the aggravating factor had not been present.
VA proposes to change its two «aggravation standards» in its regulations, 38 CFR 3.306 & 3.310. The differing language used in these regulations has caused confusion and disagreement during the process of claiming. The inconsistent use of words such as «increased disability» and «any increased severity» have been the cause of litigation.
Service-Connected Terms
In order for a veteran to be eligible for benefits, they have to prove that their disability or illness is related to service. This is called showing «service connection.» Service connection is granted automatically for certain conditions, like Ischemic heart disease or paterson veterans disability law firm another cardiovascular diseases that develop as a result specific amputations that are connected to service. For other conditions, such as PTSD veterans are required to provide the evidence of laypeople or people who knew them in the military, in order to connect their condition to a specific incident that took place during their time of service.
A pre-existing medical condition can be a result of service in the case that it was aggravated due to active duty service and not just the natural progression of disease. The most effective way to prove this is to present an opinion from a doctor that states that the ailment was due to service and not the normal progress of the condition.
Certain injuries and illnesses can be thought to be caused or aggravated because of treatment. They are known as «presumptive diseases.» These include exposure to Agent Orange for Vietnam and Korean veterans, exposure to radiation in prisoner of war, and other Gulf War conditions. Some chronic diseases and tropical diseases are believed to have been caused or aggravated from service. These include AL amyloidosis or chloracne, other acneform diseases such as porphyria cutanea tarda tuberculosis, multiple-sclerosis, and diabetes mellitus type 2. For more information about these presumptive conditions, visit here.
Appeal
The VA has a procedure to appeal their decision to award or deny benefits. The first step is to submit a Notice of Dispute. If your lawyer who is accredited by the VA does not take this step for you, you are able to do it yourself. This form is used to inform the VA you disagree with their decision and that you’d like to have a more thorough review of your case.
There are two routes to an upscale review that you must carefully consider. One is to request a hearing with a Decision Review Officer at your regional office. The DRO will conduct a de novo (no consideration is given to prior decisions) review and either overturn the earlier decision or maintain the decision. You may be required or not required to submit a new proof. The other path is to request an appointment before an Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C.
It is essential to discuss all of these issues with your VA-accredited attorney. They’re experienced in this area and will know what is the most appropriate option for your particular situation. They also know the difficulties faced by disabled veterans, which makes them an ideal advocate for you.
Time Limits
If you suffer from a disability that was incurred or worsened in the military, you may file a claim to receive compensation. But you’ll have to be patient when it comes to the VA’s process of review and deciding on the merits of your claim. It could take as long as 180 days after your claim is filed before you are given a decision.
Many factors affect the time it takes for VA to decide on your claim. The amount of evidence you provide is a significant factor in how quickly your application is considered. The location of the field office that is responsible for your claim will also impact the time it takes for the VA to review your claim.
The frequency you check in with the VA to check the status of your claim can affect the time it takes to finish the process. You can speed up the claim process by making sure to submit all evidence as swiftly as you can. You should also provide specific information regarding the medical facility you use, as well as sending any requested information.
If you believe that there was a mistake in the determination of your disability, then you can request a higher-level review. You’ll need to provide all of the facts about your case to an experienced reviewer, who will decide whether there was a mistake in the initial decision. However, this review cannot include any new evidence.