Every veteran deserves to have full access to the benefits they’ve earned through service. Unfortunately, obtaining Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability benefits is not always straightforward. Many veterans face delays, denials, and bureaucratic roadblocks that make securing compensation frustrating.
A Louisiana veterans disability lawyer from Marc Whitehead & Associates will help you navigate the system and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Our firm has advocated for veterans for over 30 years, and our attorneys focus exclusively on Disability cases, including VA Disability claims and appeals.
Whether you are applying for benefits for the first time, dealing with a wrongful denial, or seeking a higher disability rating, our experienced Louisiana Disability lawyers will handle the process for you and stand up for your rights.
Call us today for a free consultation.
Overview of How VA Disability Claims Work
Navigating the VA disability benefits system can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Understanding the basics of eligibility, qualifying conditions, and service connection is important when building a strong claim and securing the benefits you deserve.
Overview of VA Disability Benefits and Eligibility
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides monthly disability compensation to veterans with service-connected disabilities.
To qualify, you must meet these eligibility requirements:
- You must have served in active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training.
- You must have a current condition that affects your health.
- Your condition must be connected to your military service—this is called a service–connected disability.
If the VA confirms that you qualify for benefits, you may receive monthly compensation, access to VA healthcare, and additional benefits depending on the severity of your condition.
Common Qualifying Conditions for VA Disability Benefits
Various physical and mental health conditions can qualify individuals for VA disability benefits. Some of the most commonly approved conditions include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders
- Head trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and related cognitive impairments
- Hearing loss and tinnitus due to combat noise exposure
- Back, neck, and joint injuries that affect mobility and daily life
- Respiratory conditions from exposure to burn pits or hazardous materials
- Agent Orange–related illnesses, including certain cancers and diabetes
If military service caused or worsened your condition, you may qualify for VA disability benefits.
A Service Connection Must Be Established Before a Claim Gets Approved
One of the most critical factors in a successful VA disability claim is proving a service connection. The VA will not approve a claim unless you can show your disability is directly related to your military service.
There are three main ways to establish a service connection:
- Direct service connection: Your condition began during or was caused by your time in the military.
- Presumptive service connection: Certain conditions, like Agent Orange exposure-related diseases, are automatically considered service-connected.
- Secondary service connection: A service-connected condition leads to another disability (e.g., knee injuries causing back problems).
Proving a service connection can be difficult, so many veterans turn to our Louisiana Veterans Disability attorneys for help.
For a free legal consultation with a veterans disability claims lawyer serving Louisiana, call 800-562-9830
How Our Louisiana Veterans Disability Claims Lawyer Can Help
Navigating the VA Disability claims process can be complicated, especially when dealing with medical evidence, service records, and VA regulations. A lawyer can:
- File a strong initial claim for you: We will include all necessary medical evidence and documentation for your claim, including your medical records and a nexus letter, a document from a medical professional that links your disability to your military service.
- Handle appeals: If the VA denies your claim, an attorney can appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you deserve.
- Assist with rating increases: If your condition worsens, a lawyer can help you request a higher disability rating to reflect your current health.
- Challenge unfair denials: Many veterans receive wrongful denials due to errors, missing evidence, or VA misinterpretations of medical records. A lawyer can fight back on your behalf.
- Represent you in hearings: If necessary, a lawyer can present your case before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our team works on a contingency basis—this means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We take the financial burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your health and recovery. Call today to explore your options during a free consultation.
Louisiana Veterans Disability Claims Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
Common Issues Veterans Face With VA Disability Claims
Many veterans experience challenges and setbacks when applying for VA disability benefits. Some of the most common issues include:
- Denied claims: The VA frequently denies claims due to insufficient evidence, missing service connections, or paperwork errors.
- Low disability ratings: The VA may acknowledge your condition but assign a lower rating than you deserve, which reduces your monthly benefits.
- Delayed approvals: Many veterans experience long wait times due to backlogged claims and processing delays.
- Difficulty proving service connection: The VA may require extensive medical evidence to connect a disability to military service, which can be challenging to obtain.
Our Louisiana Veterans Disability benefits lawyers will step in and work to resolve these issues so you are not unfairly denied the benefits you have earned.
Click to contact our Louisiana Disability Lawyers today
We Will Help You With a Denied VA Disability Claim in Louisiana
Receiving a VA disability denial can be discouraging, but it does not mean the end of your claim. Many veterans successfully appeal their denials with the right legal help.
Marc Whitehead & Associates has decades of experience in assisting veterans with denied claims, rating disputes, and appeals.
If your claim has been denied or undervalued, our Veterans Disability claim attorneys in Louisiana can:
- Review your denial letter and identify the VA’s reasoning for denying your claim
- Gather additional evidence, such as medical records, expert opinions, and service records
- File a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence
- Request a Higher-Level Review if your case was improperly evaluated
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) if needed
We Will Explain Your VA Disability Rating
Once the VA approves your disability claim, they assign a disability rating between 0% and 100% that is based on the severity of your condition. This rating determines the amount of monthly compensation you receive.
However, many veterans do not understand their rating or feel their rating is too low for the severity of their disability. When you come to us, we will:
- Interpret your VA rating decision: We explain what your rating means and how it impacts your benefits.
- Determine if you qualify for a higher rating: If your condition has worsened or the VA made an error, you may qualify for a rating increase.
- Appeal an unfair rating: If your disability was underrated, our attorneys can help you file an appeal or request a review to pursue the correct rating.
- Understand how combined ratings work: If you have multiple disabilities, the VA uses a complex formula to calculate a combined rating. We will break down the math and ensure you are not shortchanged.
- Explore additional benefits: Some veterans qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which provides full benefits even if your rating is below 100%.
If you have questions about your VA disability rating, Marc Whitehead & Associates can review your case, identify errors, and fight for the benefits you truly deserve.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help from Our Louisiana Veterans Disability Lawyers Today
VA Disability claims can be complex, frustrating, and time-consuming, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. A Louisiana Veterans Disability lawyer from Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you apply for benefits, appeal a denial, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the benefits you earned through your service.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
