Veterans Disability Claim

When trying to file for disability benefits, the odds might seem to be stacked against you.

Part of the problem is because the VA is so backlogged with claims, the “Decision Review Officers” don’t have the time to fully develop each case.

Here are the 10 most common reasons for Veteran’s disability claim denial.

1. Inadequate information provided in your claim—it’s very possible that you simply didn’t provide enough medical evidence in your disability claim for the VA to make an informed decision regarding your true level of disability.
2. Missed the deadline—Appeals on denied Veteran’s disability claims must be filed within one year of the date of the ratings decision. However, don’t wait until the last minute to file your appeal as you will waste months.
3. Disability is ruled as non-service connected—to receive Veteran’s disability, you have to show that your disability originated from an event that occurred during service. Sometimes, the VA will try to rate your disability as non-service connected, so you have to appeal the decision of the classification of your disability. Frequently, it is necessary to get “buddy statements” to prove certain disabling events occurred while in service.
4. Symptoms aren’t deemed severe enough and given an improper rating—In some cases, the VA will recognize that you’re experiencing certain symptoms from a service-related disability, but they’ll state that your symptoms aren’t at a degree or level severe enough to warrant disability compensation or a higher disability rating.
5. Mistaken reliance on the VA to send the Vet for a Medical Exam. Frequently the key to proving service connection of a disability is getting a “medical nexus exam.” This is where a doctor gives a written opinion as to whether a current medical condition is service connected. The VA often does not provide this and it is necessary for the Vet to get it themselves.
6. Ruled a pre-existing or non-aggravated condition—The VA may determine that a pre-existing condition contributed to your disability, meaning that, in their view, you’re not entitled to any compensation because your condition is not service connected.
7. Filled out the wrong forms—There are certain forms that must be filed before the process can be started. Filing the wrong forms or completing your forms incorrectly can lead to a veteran’s disability claim denial.
8. Lack of professional representation—It’s certainly within your rights to file your claim on your own, but it’s often a good idea to enlist the help of a professional so you don’t make any costly mistakes that cause delays or a claim denial. Experienced representatives know how to gather and present evidence of service connected disability effectively.
9. Mistaken reliance on the VA to fulfill their “Duty to Assist” the Veteran. The VA has a legal duty to assist the veteran in developing their disability claim. This means the VA is supposed to collect the veteran’s military and medical records and anything else necessary to develop their case. This is a mistake as the VA rarely fulfills this duty. The smart thing to do is to collect your own medical and military records and seek your own doctors opinions as to why you are disabled.
10. Claim is still being processed—There’s a chance that your disability claim hasn’t been denied at all. It might just still be in processing. Processing for claims can sometimes take years, so you need to check on the status of your claim before taking any further action.

So, what should you do if you’re facing disability claim denial? The most important thing is to not give up. The truth is that a lot of Veteran’s disability claims are denied at first, but just because your claim is denied doesn’t mean that your claim isn’t justified. You have the right to appeal your claim, and with some expert help, you stand a chance of winning your claim.

The key is to look for an experienced law firm that handles disability claims cases just like yours. You need a lawyer by your side that understands the appeals process, knows the reasons veteran’s disability claims are denied, and more importantly, understands what it takes to win your appeal.

Don’t give up. With perseverance and a helping hand, you can get the VA disability benefits you deserve.

If you were denied Veterans’ Disability Compensation, we are here to help. Call one of our veteran disability lawyers today.

Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form