Veterans dedicate their lives to protecting our nation, often at great personal sacrifice. Yet, when it comes time for them to receive the disability benefits they have earned, the process can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even unfair.
If you are a veteran in Texas who is working to secure your VA disability benefits, our Texas Disability lawyers can provide the support and expertise you need. We wrote the book on disability and we have been helping clients for over 30 years.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we proudly stand by our nation’s heroes, guiding them through the complex VA benefits claims process. Let our Veterans Disability lawyers in Texas help you take the next step toward reclaiming the financial security and peace of mind you’ve earned.
Understanding Veterans Disability Benefits
Veterans disability benefits support service members who suffered injury or became ill during their military service. These benefits help cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs that come from living with a disability.
Overview of VA Disability Benefits and Eligibility
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides monthly payments to veterans who have disabilities related to their military service. To qualify, you must show three key things:
- You have a current medical condition or disability.
- The condition was caused or worsened by your time in service.
- There is proof of a connection, called a “service connection,” between your condition and your military service.
What Is a Service-Connected Disability?
A service-connected disability is an injury or illness that was caused or made worse by your time in the military. This could include:
- Direct service connection: A condition that directly results from your military service, such as a broken bone sustained during training.
- Presumptive service connection: Certain conditions are automatically presumed to be service-connected if they develop after exposure to specific hazards (e.g., Agent Orange or Gulf War-related conditions).
- Secondary service connection: A condition that develops as a result of an existing service-connected disability, such as depression stemming from chronic pain.
Service connection is important because it establishes that you qualify for VA benefits. You’ll need medical evidence, service records, or expert opinions to prove this connection.
For a free legal consultation with a veterans disability claims lawyer serving Texas, call 800-562-9830
Common Conditions That Qualify for VA Disability
Many physical and mental health conditions may qualify, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Back and joint problems
- Exposure-related illnesses (like Agent Orange exposure)
- Amputations or other physical injuries
You must have proper medical documentation and evidence showing how your condition is tied to your military service.
Importance of a Service Connection for Claims Approval
A service connection is the key to getting VA benefits. Without it, the VA may deny your claim. This connection can be proven through:
- Medical records from your time in service: These records show when and how your condition started or worsened during your military service.
- A statement from a doctor linking your condition to your service: This statement helps establish a clear connection between your disability and your time in the military.
- Nexus letter: You can provide a nexus letter to prove a service connection for a VA Disability claim. The document is a detailed letter from a qualified medical professional that explains how your condition is “as likely as not” caused by or related to your service.
- Buddy statements from fellow service members who can confirm your injury or illness: Statements from those who served with you can provide firsthand accounts to strengthen your claim.
Texas Veterans Disability Claims Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
We Will Help You Understand Your VA Disability Rating
The VA assigns a disability rating to every service-related condition. This rating is expressed as a percentage, ranging from 0% to 100%, and reflects how much your condition affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
The higher your disability rating, the larger your monthly benefit payment.
- 0% rating: Your condition is connected to your service but doesn’t currently cause significant limitations. You won’t receive monthly payments but may qualify for other benefits, such as healthcare.
- 10% to 90% ratings: You’ll receive monthly payments that increase with your rating percentage.
- 100% rating: This indicates total disability, meaning your condition completely prevents you from working or functioning normally. Veterans with a 100% rating may qualify for additional benefits like housing grants or caregiver support.
The VA explains what to expect after you get a disability rating. If you believe your disability rating is too low, you can appeal the decision. To discuss your case, call us today for a free consultation.
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Our Texas Veterans Disability Attorneys Will Handle Your Claim
Our Veterans Disability benefits lawyers in Texas can be your biggest advocate when dealing with the VA. While you take care of yourself and your family, we will:
Guide You Through the Claims and Appeals Process
We will explain each step of the process so you understand what’s required to qualify for benefits. We also explain how the VA assigns disability percentages and how it evaluates your claim. We will make sure you don’t miss important deadlines and help you avoid common mistakes.
Prove Why You Should Receive Benefits
We understand how to build a strong case for your Veterans Disability claim and present it to help your chances of receiving approval. We will help you gather the necessary evidence, including:
- Medical records from your doctors
- Expert testimony connecting your condition to your service
- Witness statements from fellow service members
With a strong case, the VA is more likely to approve your claim or appeal.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Challenges Veterans Face When Filing for Benefits
The process of applying for VA benefits can be frustrating and time-consuming. Many veterans face roadblocks along the way, including the following:
High Denial Rates for Initial Claims
Unfortunately, the VA denies many first-time applications. This can happen even when veterans provide a lot of information. A denial doesn’t mean you don’t qualify; in many cases, it means the VA needs more evidence as it considers your claim.
Common Reasons for Claim Denials
Some of the most frequent reasons claims are denied include:
- Missing or incomplete paperwork
- Lack of medical evidence showing a service connection
- Failing to meet deadlines for submitting documents
- Errors in the VA’s review process
Difficulty in Navigating the VA’s Appeals Process
If the VA denies your claim, you can appeal. However, the appeals process is often even more complicated than the initial application. You may need to attend hearings, provide more evidence, and deal with strict timelines.
This is where many veterans feel overwhelmed, and this is where we will help. We will:
- Analyze the denial: We can review your denial letter to identify the reasons for the VA’s decision, such as missing evidence, lack of service connection, or procedural errors, and develop a strategy to address these issues.
- Gather and strengthen evidence: We can collect additional medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to build a stronger case and ensure all necessary documentation supports your claim.
- Navigate the appeals process: We will guide you through every step of the appeals process, from filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to representing you at hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
If your case goes to a hearing, our Texas Veterans Disability benefits lawyers will gather evidence to request a higher rating and lead your appeal for you before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).
Call Today for Help from Our Texas Veterans Disability Lawyers
Marc Whitehead & Associates has over three decades of experience representing veterans with all types of Disability claims. Disability is all our attorneys do, and we wrote the book on the subject, so we understand the unique challenges veterans face and have the knowledge to help them overcome them.
We have a deep understanding of the veteran communities in Texas. We know the resources and support systems available in the state and how to help you access them.
Call us today for a free consultation to learn how our Texas Veterans Disability lawyers can help.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
