When arguing veterans claims, the best way to prove service connection by aggravation is – unsurprisingly – by showing clear evidence in the veteran’s service medical records of the current disability having worsened. But most veterans don’t have the luxury of providing such straightforward proof. If you feel that the documentation in your service records may not be substantial enough for the VA, there are other methods to successfully establish the service connection by aggravation.
The best alternative is usually to retain the services of a medical expert who can clearly demonstrate the change in severity of your condition before service and after service. The medical records and testimony provided by a private physician, combined with lay evidence from witnesses who can verify the change in your disability’s severity, may be enough to win your claim and start you on the road to receiving veterans benefits.
Be aware that the clearer and more definitive your physician’s statement is, the better your chance at a successful claim will be. Consider hiring a qualified VA disability lawyer to aid in preparing your case.
More Information about Aggravation
Your VA disability lawyer may be able to cite past US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decisions that support your claim of service connection by aggravation. Several cases over the last few decades have dealt with whether or not old VA rulings showed “clear and unmistakable error” (CUE) in finding against the veteran. The results of these cases often have direct bearing on current veterans claims, so make sure that your VA disability lawyer makes a thorough review of the language in these relevant court decisions.
For more information on VA claims visit our website or contact Texas Veteran Disability Attorney Marc Whitehead for your free consultation. Be sure to download a copy of our free e-book!