Yes, you should get a lawyer for VA Disability. Applying for Veterans Disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with the effects of a service-related condition.
While you can file a claim on your own, many veterans find the process complicated, time-consuming, and frustrating, particularly when claims are delayed or denied. A lawyer can help you strengthen your case and overcome roadblocks so you can secure the benefits you deserve.
If you’re suffering from a service-related condition, you deserve compensation. A Veterans Affairs Disability Benefits Claims Lawyer can guide you in your journey toward obtaining the benefits you’re entitled to.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Should I Get a Lawyer for Veterans Disability?
A lawyer can provide crucial help when filing a VA disability claim, especially if you’ve received a denial or a low disability rating. Here’s why:
- They understand the law. VA disability lawyers are well-versed in veterans’ law, and they know how to prove service connection and challenge rating decisions.
- They know the process. From filing an appeal to navigating the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) or the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), a lawyer can handle the bureaucracy so you don’t have to.
- They can strengthen your case. An attorney can collect missing evidence and work with medical experts to strengthen your application.
- They can identify errors. If the VA overlooked something important in your initial claim, an attorney can catch it and correct it on appeal.
Above all, a lawyer can advocate for you and ensure you’re treated fairly.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?
The VA disability lawyers at Marc Whitehead & Associates work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your attorney will receive an agreed-upon percentage of the back pay you’re awarded if your claim is successful.
If your claim is denied, you won’t owe anything.
Do You Need an Attorney to File for VA Disability?
Legally, you do not need an attorney to file for VA disability. However, if your claim is denied, if you receive a lower rating than expected, or if you’re facing a complex appeal, a lawyer can help you navigate the red tape and improve your odds of success. Veterans with legal representation are generally more successful on appeal than those without it.
How Do VA Disability Lawyers Work?
A VA Disability attorney can handle every aspect of your appeal or complex claim. Specifically, your lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case and identify what went wrong with your original application.
- Gather evidence, including medical records, service records, and expert opinions.
- Draft legal arguments that align with VA standards and laws.
- File appeals through the appropriate channels, whether it’s a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a BVA hearing.
- Represent you in hearings before the BVA or even the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) if needed.
How Long Does It Take to Get Disability if You Use a Lawyer?
It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to obtain VA disability benefits, regardless of whether you hire an attorney. That said, hiring a lawyer often results in a more complete, well-documented claim, which can reduce unnecessary delays and improve your odds of approval.
While a lawyer can’t speed up the VA’s internal timeline, we can help prevent mistakes that would otherwise prolong your case.
Common Challenges in the VA Disability Claims Process
Some of the most common obstacles in the VA disability claims process include:
- Insufficient medical evidence to support the disability
- Service connection issues, where the VA doesn’t believe the disability is related to your military service
- Low disability ratings, which reduce your monthly compensation
- Missed deadlines during appeals or failure to follow proper procedures
A lawyer can help you overcome these roadblocks and others that come up over the course of your case.
When Should You Contact an Attorney for VA Disability?
When dealing with the VA, it’s advisable to contact an attorney as soon as your claim is denied or if you’re struggling to get the rating or back pay you deserve. You should also hire a lawyer for VA disability if:
- You’re filing a secondary service connection claim or total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- You’ve been waiting for months or years with no resolution.
- You’re dealing with multiple appeals or have been to the BVA or CAVC before.
- You have complicated medical conditions or co-occurring issues.
If you’re unsure whether you need legal assistance, a free consultation with a VA disability attorney can help you decide.
Who Is Eligible for VA Disability Benefits?
According to the VA, your eligibility for VA disability benefits depends on whether you meet these criteria:
- You served in the active military, naval, or air service.
- You received a discharge other than dishonorable.
- You have a current medical condition that is connected to your service (either directly, secondarily, or by aggravation).
- Your disability affects your ability to work or perform daily activities.
Call a Veterans Disability Lawyer Today
If you’ve been denied benefits or feel overwhelmed by the VA disability process, you’re not alone. A skilled attorney from Marc Whitehead & Associates can review your case, correct legal or evidentiary issues, and help pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Don’t wait and risk your benefits. Call today to learn about how we can help you win your claim.