When your country needed you, you served with pride and gave your all. Now that you are back in civilian life, you may still feel the toll your service has taken on your mind and body. If you are injured or ill and it can be traced to your service, you deserve compensation.
Through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be entitled to free medical care or monthly payments for yourself and your family. Unfortunately, the application process can be confusing, and the reasons for denials are even more so. A South Carolina Veterans Disability lawyer can help.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, our South Carolina Disability lawyers have over 120 years of combined experience advocating for veterans. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
How a VA Disability Attorney Can Help
Our lawyers can help you avoid many of the typical mistakes that mean a delay to your application or a denial of services. Don’t take chances when it comes to the health and well-being of your and your family.
Some of the ways we make sure the process goes smoothly include:
- Assisting with the application: We will walk you through the steps to apply for VA benefits. We can ensure you complete the appropriate documents and meet important deadlines so you can get the benefits you need as soon as possible.
- Appealing denials: If your application for VA Disability benefits was denied, you can appeal the decision. We can help determine why you were denied and choose the right path through the appeals process.
- Contesting your disability rating: If you believe your disability rating is too low, you can appeal it. One percentage level difference can have a big impact on the benefits you receive. We can help ensure they get it right.
- Improving your chances of approval: By hiring a skilled VA Disability attorney, you can avoid many problems that could result in an appeal from the beginning. The VA application process isn’t always clear, and having a skilled attorney in your corner can help.
- Exploring additional benefits: Based on your medical and financial situation, you may be entitled to other disability benefits in addition to your VA benefits. Our Veterans Disability lawyers in South Carolina can explore your options and let you know where you stand.
For a free legal consultationwith a veterans disability claims lawyer serving South Carolina, call 800-562-9830
What is a Service-Connected Disability?
A disability caused or made worse by your service is considered a service–connected disability. It may be physical or mental. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a system of providing compensation for disabled veterans.
The VA assigns a percentage rating based on the severity of your disability. As your percentage rises, so does the amount and type of compensation you can get from the VA. You will qualify for free health care related to your service-connected disability, but those with a 100% disability rating can access completely free care.
A disability rating of over 20% entitles you to monthly financial compensation. You may also receive additional benefits based on your dependent spouse, children, or parents.
South Carolina Veterans Disability Claims Lawyer Near Me 800-562-9830
Determining Eligibility for Service-Connected Disabilities
Eligibility for VA Disability benefits requires that you served on active duty, served in active duty training, or served in inactive duty training. Furthermore, your injury or illness must be current and impact your mind, body, or both.
In addition to this criteria, you must have either:
- Become sick or injured while you were serving in the military
- Had a previous illness or injury that was made worse by your military service
- Have a disability related to your time in the service that did not appear until your time in the service ended
If you served in a specific theatre, if you were a POW, or if you were exposed to specific harmful contaminants, you may qualify for having a presumptive condition that does not require proof.
What if Your Application for Disability is Denied?
If the VA denies your application for benefits, you have the right to appeal their decision. There is a one-year timeframe when you must file a Notice of Disagreement or Decision Review Request. You can also appeal your rating if you believe it is too low.
A South Carolina Veterans Disability attorney can help you understand your best options for appealing the VA decision and choose which avenue will likely get the results you need.
How to Contest a VA Decision
If your application for benefits has been denied, or if you believe you have been given a disability rating lower than what you are entitled to, you have options. There are three avenues for contesting VA decisions. They are:
- Requesting a Higher–Level Review: This is a good choice when you believe the VA made a mistake. While you can’t present new evidence, you can ask for another review of your case.
- Filing a Supplemental Claim: If you have new information the VA had not considered in your initial review, this is a good option.
- Request a Board Appeal: You can ask a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans Appeals to review your case. They can do a direct review, or you can request a hearing. You have the option of presenting new evidence.
Contact a South Carolina Veterans Disability Attorney
When you have a disability caused by your time in the service, you need a little help. You were there for your country. Now, it is time for your country to return the favor. You aren’t looking for something for free. These are benefits you earned through your service, and you deserve them.
It should not be so difficult for veterans to get the compensation they require. That may not change anytime soon, but for now, you can get assistance from people who understand the process. Our South Carolina Veterans Disability lawyers are here to help.
Our team at Marc Whitehead & Associates has been fighting for veterans since 1992. Contact us today for a free consultation, and tell us your story.