Veterans Disability Litigation
A lawyer can help a veteran to file an initial claim for disability or to contest an VA decision. However, the law currently prohibits lawyers from charging for assistance with a claim for the first time.
Monk claims that the VA denied him benefits based on PTSD and a discharge that was not favorable. The VA offers a comprehensive appeals procedure to rectify any erroneous determinations.
What Is a VA Disability Claim?
A VA disability claim is an application for monthly benefits that are tax-free. Compensation provides a cash payment to pay for things such as medical care and housing assistance. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides a monetary benefit to parents, spouses, and children of deceased Service members while on active duty, or through service-related injuries.
Tinnitus is the most frequent ailment. This is a symptom that occurs when you hear ringing, hissing, buzzing, or other sounds in either or both ears. It can only be heard by you, and not to others who also suffer from it.
Sciatica is one of the more common conditions. It happens when an injured disk or bone spur causes compression of the sciatic nerve which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. The numbness and pain are felt in the buttocks, lower legs, and feet. It can be extremely.
Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) is the third most straightforward condition to be able to qualify for. It’s when you have repeated nightmares, extreme anxiety, depression, or thoughts that are uncontrollable regarding a specific incident that occurred during your military service. A convincing argument in support of the claim by citing an event that caused stress during service can help you receive the PTSD rating you are entitled to. A head injury that is traumatizing is the fourth most common condition to prove and is usually associated with an PTSD diagnosis.
How do I make a claim for a VA Disability?
There are many steps to be followed to submit a claim. The first step is to submit medical evidence, such as medical opinions or lab reports, X-rays and lab reports to establish that your condition is within the VA’s definition of disability. It is usually beneficial to get a lawyer to gather the medical evidence and submit it as part of your initial application, so that the VA can process it faster.
You must then undergo an exam for Compensation and Pensions (C&P). A federal VA rater will perform this exam. They will look at your physical and emotional symptoms in order to determine if you qualify for disability benefits. You must have all the documentation required to maximize your chances of receiving benefits.
You will receive a decision letter once the C&P examiner reviews your medical evidence and completes the examination. This letter will include an introduction, the decision of your impairment and the amount as well as a list and an explanation of the medical evidence that was reviewed as well as any reasons for their decision.
Our firm can help you in the appeals process if your claim has been denied or you have received a rating which does not adequately compensate you for the issues you are experiencing. We can assess why your claim was denied and craft a comprehensive and strategic appeal to resolve the issue in your favor.
What can I do to challenge a VA decision?
VA offers three options to those who are dissatisfied with a decision. First the Senior Reviewer will examine the same evidence and determine whether the original decision could be changed due to a change of opinion or an error. This is a viable option for a person who does not have any new evidence to submit and can be completed within one hundred and fifty days.
You can also submit a Supplemental Claim. It is an appeal where an individual with a disability can submit new evidence, but it must be new and relevant. It may also contain non-medical evidence, like lay statements. These are sworn statements by those who know how your disability affects you. This type of appeal should be filed within one year following the decision.
A third alternative is to file a formal appeal with the Board of Veterans Appeals. This involves filing a Notice of Disagreement using VA Form 21-0958. The regional office will draft an SOC (Statement of the case) when the appeal is filed. This will include a list of evidence considered, as well as the laws and regulations used to make the decision, and the reasons for why the decision was favorable, not favorable, or indeterminate.
If the BVA decision is affirmed in the end, the only alternative is to appeal the case to a federal appeals court. This is the most difficult and expensive option, but it could be the only way to ensure a fair outcome for your client.
How much will a lawyer Charge for appeals?
A skilled veteran disability lawyer will help you understand the appeals process. He or she will swiftly identify what is lacking from your claim to make it eligible for review and help you determine the best method to appeal a decision. Analyzing the reasons for the denial, assisting you in making medical evidence to back your claim, and presenting your evidence in an appropriate way are all aspects of the job.
If the court orders that a disabled veteran pay alimony or child maintenance and child maintenance, the veteran can’t ignore this order and continue receive VA compensation benefits. This is a law that is well-known and there are penalties for ignoring an order of a court.
A recent settlement in a class-action lawsuit could be a major victory for fayetteville veterans disability lawyer with PTSD. Medical News Today reports the settlement will result thousands of marinette veterans disability lawsuit who were previously denied disability benefits from receiving lifetime benefits.
Jim is a 58 year veteran who suffered a stroke that left him permanently disabled. He has a Pension benefit from the VA but also receives SSI and Medicaid payments. Jim is interested in knowing what the expected $100,000 settlement will affect his ability to claim these benefits. Jim recognizes that he must show that he has financial need to continue receiving the monthly pension payment but wonders what can be done to reduce the impact on his other sources of income.