Whether you’re filing an initial VA disability claim or appealing a denied decision, having professional legal support will make a significant difference.
An experienced Veterans Disability lawyer in McAllen will work closely with you throughout the process to make sure your claim is handled and filed correctly.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we have been helping individuals like you get the benefits they deserve for over 30 years. Our disability lawyers in McAllen will help you file a strong, evidence-based case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Our McAllen Veterans Disability Attorneys Can Help You
Government bureaucracy involves a lot of paperwork, complicated language, strict deadlines, and confusing rules. Even small mistakes or missing documents can cause delays or lead to a denied claim, which can be even more frustrating for veterans already facing health challenges.
Here’s what our Veterans Disability attorneys in McAllen, Texas, can do for you:
- Explain your rights and VA benefits
- Assist with completing and filing your claim
- Review your medical records for accuracy
- Gather supporting evidence to strengthen your case
- Work closely with your healthcare providers
- Meet deadlines
- Represent you in VA hearings and appeals
- Identify errors in denied claims and file necessary appeals
- Fight for the maximum benefits you deserve
Because we believe knowledge empowers you, we’ve created the free ebook Veterans Disability Claims to help you better understand your rights and the claims process. Download your copy today.
You will have a Dedicated Case Manager
A case manager will guide you through every step of your Veterans Disability case. They will be your main contact, helping you stay organized and informed.
From gathering documents to updating you on progress and deadlines, your case manager will make sure everything moves smoothly. This way, you can focus on your health while we take care of your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a veterans disability claims lawyer serving McAllen, call 800-562-9830
Are You Eligible for VA Benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers monthly payments to veterans with disabilities related to their military service.
These payments, known as VA disability compensation, help veterans who suffer from conditions caused by or aggravated by their service.
To qualify for VA benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- You have an existing medical condition or disability.
- The condition was either caused or aggravated by your military service.
- There is evidence that links your condition to your time in service, known as a service connection.
Service-Connected Disability
A service-connected disability is a condition that was either caused or aggravated by your military service. Establishing this connection is key to qualifying for VA benefits.
To prove it, you’ll need medical records, service documents, or opinions from experts that show the link between your condition and your time in the military.
The main types of service-connected disability include:
- Direct service connection: A condition that is directly caused by your military service, like an injury from a training accident.
- Presumptive service connection: Some conditions are automatically considered service-connected if they appear after exposure to specific risks, like Agent Orange.
- Secondary service connection: A condition that develops because of an existing service-connected disability, such as anxiety or depression caused by ongoing pain from an injury.
McAllen Veterans Disability Claims Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
Understanding the VA Disability Claim Appeal
When you file an appeal, you can challenge the VA’s decision by providing additional evidence, correcting errors, or requesting a more thorough review of your case. There are several appeal options from which you can choose.
Each option has its own process and deadlines, so it’s important to act promptly. A Veterans Disability Appeal lawyer from our team will help you choose the right appeal path and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Higher-Level Review
In this process, a more experienced VA reviewer will re-examine the existing evidence in your case to determine if an error was made in the original decision. No new information can be added, and no hearing is involved.
This review looks for errors in how the VA handled your claim. It’s a quicker appeal option, but you must make sure all your evidence is clearly presented for the best chance of success.
Supplemental Claim
A Supplemental Claim allows veterans to appeal a denied VA disability claim by submitting new and relevant evidence not previously included in their case.
This could include updated medical records, expert opinions, or additional service documents that support the disability claim.
The VA will review the new evidence along with the original file to determine if it affects the decision. This appeal option can be useful if you have gathered new information since your initial claim was denied.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)
The BVA reviews your case, considering all evidence and information provided. You can request a hearing where you present your case in person, or the BVA may make a decision based on written records.
This is often the next step after a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim if you are not satisfied with the results.
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Call a Veterans Disability Lawyer in McAllen, Texas, Today
To increase your chances of success, make sure your claim is complete and includes all necessary evidence. If your claim is denied, you can appeal, but you should not do so without professional legal support.
Our experienced McAllen Veterans Disability attorney can help you take the right steps, reducing the chance of another denial and improving your chances of getting the benefits you deserve. Call Marc Whitehead & Associates today to learn more about your options.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form