Just as you were there to serve your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should be there for you when you need help. Unfortunately, many veterans find they have trouble getting approved for the benefits they deserve.
Applying for VA benefits and contesting their decisions after a denial can be complicated. A Nevada Veterans Disability lawyer can advocate for your rights and assist you in getting the VA benefits you’ve earned through your service.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we have over 120 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of disabled Americans. Contact us for a free case evaluation and find out how our Nevada disability lawyers can help.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
How a Nevada VA Disability Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer can help you avoid many of the common errors that will delay your benefits or lead to a denial. When it comes to something as essential as your health, it is important to get it right. Some of the tasks we may be able to assist you with include:
- Complete the application process: Our attorneys are familiar with the VA application process and can guide you through the steps required to file for benefits. We can ensure the correct documents are completed and filed on time.
- Improve your chances of approval: We know how the VA operates, and we can reduce the chances that your benefits claim will be rejected by making sure you follow the right steps. The process can be confusing, so it helps to have someone who knows the ropes.
- Appeal denials: When you are denied benefits by the VA, it isn’t always clear why. We can sift through their explanation and figure out what to do next so you can get the benefits you need.
- Maximize your benefits: We can review your medical and financial situation and ensure you are receiving the level of assistance you are entitled to. If you believe your disability rating is too low, we can help you contest it.
- Help with additional benefits: In addition to what you may be entitled to through Veterans Affairs, we can help you explore other options for compensation and benefits that you may qualify for.
For a free legal consultationwith a veterans disability claims lawyer serving Nevada, call 800-562-9830
Service-Connected Disabilities
A service-connected disability is one that was caused or made worse by your service in the military. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides compensation for eligible veterans. A disability may be physical or mental to qualify for disability compensation.
The VA assigns a disability rating percentage from zero to 100 based on the severity of your injury, and the compensation you may receive is based on that rating. Veterans with a disability rate of over 20% are also eligible to receive additional benefits for dependent spouses, children, and parents.
The VA provides free healthcare for issues related to your disability, but you may have copays for non-related care. However, veterans with a 100% service–connected disability rating can receive completely free medical care through the VA.
Nevada Veterans Disability Claims Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
Eligibility for Service-Connected Disability
We can help you determine if you qualify for benefits. Eligibility for VA Disability benefits requires that you served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training and that you have a current illness or injury that affects your mind or body.
Additionally, you must have either:
- Became sick or injured while you were serving in the military
- Had a previous illness or injury that your service made worse
- Have a disability related to your service that did not manifest until after your service ended
Some veterans who served in specific theatres, were POWs, or were exposed to certain contaminants qualify for presumptive conditions. You do not need to prove these cases.
What if You are Denied VA Disability?
You might think the VA would be eager to provide benefits for every veteran who needs them, but unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. If you are denied benefits you believe you are qualified for, you can appeal the VA’s decision.
You have one year from the date of the decision to file a Notice of Disagreement or Decision Review Request. A Nevada Veterans Disability attorney can help you understand your options and guide you through the next steps in the process.
You may also appeal your rating if you believe it is incorrect. Benefits can be significantly different from one rating level to the next. It is important to get the rating you deserve so you can access the appropriate assistance.
Contesting VA Decisions
Whether you have been denied benefits outright or believe your rating is incorrect, you have three options for contesting the VA’s decisions. You may:
- File a Supplemental Claim: This is a good choice when you have new evidence you don’t believe the VA considered when granting your initial rating.
- Request a Higher–level Review: If you believe the VA has made a mistake, you can request a second look at your review, though you can’t present new evidence.
- Request a Board Appeal: With this option, a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals will review your case. You can present new evidence, request a hearing, or simply ask for a direct review.
While the process may seem confusing, the help of a Veterans Disability lawyer in Nevada can ensure you complete the appropriate paperwork and meet important deadlines.
Get Help from a Nevada Veterans Disability Attorney
You served your country, and you did what you were asked to do. Whether you were in harm’s way or not, your sacrifice is what lets Americans enjoy the freedoms we have today. Why, then, does the country you gave so much to deny you help when you need it?
The VA provides a framework for disabled veterans and their families to get financial help and medical care, but sometimes, the system doesn’t appear to work. Our Nevada Veterans Disability attorneys will help you get the benefits you have earned.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we have advocated for disabled Veterans since 1992. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and tell us how we can help.
