How to File a veterans disability lawyer Disability Claim
A veteran’s disability claim is an important component of his or her benefit application. Many veterans who have their claims accepted receive a monthly income that is tax-free.
It’s not a secret that VA is behind in the processing of claims for disability from veterans. It can take months or even years, for a decision to be made.
Aggravation
A veteran may be able to receive disability compensation for a condition that was caused by their military service. This type of claim can be physical or mental. A skilled VA lawyer can assist the former service member to file an aggravated disability claim. A claimant must prove using medical evidence or independent opinions, that their medical condition prior to serving was aggravated by active duty.
Typically, the best way to demonstrate that a pre-service issue was aggravated is through an independent medical opinion by an expert doctor who is specialized in the disability of veterans. In addition to a physician’s declaration the veteran will also need to submit medical records and lay declarations from friends or family members who can confirm the seriousness of their pre-service ailments.
It is crucial to remember when submitting a claim for disability benefits for veterans that the aggravated conditions must be different from the original disability rating. An attorney who is a disability attorney can help a former servicemember on how they can provide enough medical evidence and testimony to establish that their health condition was not merely aggravated through military service, but actually worse than it would have been without the aggravating factor.
VA proposes to revise its two «aggravation standards» in its regulations 38 CFR 3.306 & 3.310. The difference in the wording of these provisions has caused confusion and disagreement regarding the claims process. Particularly, the inconsistent use of terms like «increase in disability» and «any increase in severity» has been the cause of disputes and confusion.
Service-Connected Conditions
To be eligible for benefits, a veteran must prove that their condition or disability was caused by service. This is known as «service connection.» Service connection is automatically granted for certain conditions, such Ischemic heart disease or another cardiovascular conditions that develop because of specific amputations linked to service. veterans disability law firm suffering from other ailments such as PTSD, must provide witness testimony or lay evidence from those who were their friends during their time in the military to connect their condition to an specific incident that occurred during their time in the military.
A pre-existing medical issue can also be service related in the case that it was aggravated due to active duty service and not due to the natural progression of disease. The best method to prove this is to present an opinion from a doctor that states that the ailment was due to service and not the normal development of the condition.
Certain injuries and illnesses are presumed to have been caused or worsened by service. They are known as «presumptive diseases.» This includes exposure to Agent Orange for Veterans Disability Lawyer Vietnam and Korean veterans, exposure to radiation in Prisoners of War, and various Gulf War conditions. Certain chronic diseases and tropical diseases are believed to have been caused or caused by military service. This includes AL amyloidosis, as well as other acneform illnesses, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Multiple Sclerosis Tuberculosis as well as Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. For more information on these probable conditions, click here.
Appeals
The VA has a procedure to appeal their decision on the issue of whether or not to grant benefits. The first step is to file a Notice of Disagreement. The VA-accredited attorney you have chosen will file this on your behalf, but if they do not, you can file it yourself. This form is used by the VA to inform them that you do not agree with their decision, and want a higher level review of your case.
You have two options for an additional level review. Both options should be considered carefully. One option is to request a private hearing with a Decision Review Officer from your regional office. The DRO will conduct a de novo review (no deference given to the decision made previously) and then either reverse or affirm the earlier decision. You may or not be able to present new evidence. You may also request an appearance before an Veterans Law judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Washington D.C.
There are many aspects to consider when selecting the best route for your appeal, and it’s crucial to discuss these options with your attorney who is accredited by the VA. They’ll have experience in this field and know the best option for your specific case. They are also well-versed in the challenges that disabled veterans face and their families, which makes them an ideal advocate for you.
Time Limits
If you suffer from a physical or mental impairment that was incurred or Veterans Disability Lawyer worsened during your military service, you can file a claim to receive compensation. However, you’ll need to be patient with the VA’s process of review and deciding on your claim. It could take up 180 days after the claim has been filed before you are given a decision.
There are a variety of factors that affect the time the VA will take to reach a decision on your claim. The speed at which your application will be considered is mostly determined by the amount of evidence that you submit. The location of the VA field office which will be reviewing your claim can also impact how long it takes.
How often you check in with the VA to check the status of your claim could also affect the time it takes to process. You can accelerate the process by providing evidence promptly and being specific in your information regarding the addresses of the medical care facilities you use, and submitting any requested information immediately when it becomes available.
If you believe that there has been a mistake in the decision made regarding your disability, you may request a more thorough review. This involves submitting all the relevant facts of your case to a senior reviewer who can determine if there was an error in the initial decision. However, this review can’t contain new evidence.