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Do I Really Need an Attorney to File a Disability Claim?

If you are a Veteran living with the lasting effects of a service-connected injury, you already know how much it can affect your daily life. From chronic back pain to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these conditions can impact your ability to work, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the activities you once did. Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process can be confusing, and mistakes on your application can delay benefits you have earned.

That is where we come in, as the largest Veterans law firm in the country, we focus solely on helping veterans secure the VA disability benefits they deserve. Our VA-accredited attorneys understand how to build strong claims for conditions that are not always easily linked to service, including both physical and mental health conditions.

Understanding Service-Connected Injuries

A service-connected injury is any physical or mental condition that resulted from, or was aggravated by, your time in the military. These can include:

  • Musculoskeletal injuries such as knee, ankle, neck, or spine damage
  • Traumatic bran injury (TBI)
  • PTSD or other mental health conditions
  • Chronic pain related to an in-service event
  • Conditions aggravated beyond natural progression during service

For many Veterans, the challenge is establishing a “nexus,” the link between the event that occurred in service and the disability you are experiencing now. Without a clear connection, the VA may deny your claim or assign a lower rating than you deserve. We can help you gather the right evidence and present it accurately.

VA Ratings and Why Accuracy Matters

The VA assigns disability ratings in 10% increments, from 0% to 100%. A 0% rating means the VA acknowledges your condition is service-connected but does not believe it meets the threshold for monthly compensation. However, even at 0%, you can still receive free healthcare for that condition at any VA Medical Facility.

Veterans with completely disabling conditions receive a 100% rating. Those rated at least 30% disabled who have a spouse, child, or dependent parent may qualify for a higher monthly compensation rate. Accuracy is critical, since an error in your application or missing evidence could result in the wrong rating. Our attorneys cannot speed up the VA’s process, which averages 4-8 months, but we can ensure your claim is as strong and complete as possible.

What Happens if Your Claim is Denied

A denial is not the end of the road. The VA offers three main appeal options:

  1. Supplemental Claim – File with new and relevant evidence not considered in the original decision.
  2. Higher-Level Review – Request a senior reviewer to reexamine the case for errors or differences of opinion, without new evidence.
  3. Board Appeal – Have a Veterans Law Judge review your case. You can choose a direct review, submit more evidence, or request a hiring.

We can guide you through the option that fits your situation best.

Get Legal Help with Your VA Disability Claim

If you are struggling with a service-connected physical or mental condition, do not face the VA claims process alone. We have helped thousands of Veterans across the country secure the benefits they deserve, and we offer free consultations to review your case.

Your service matters. Your injuries matter. Let us fight for the benefits you earned. Call us today or fill out our online form to get started with your free consultation, our check out our VA benefits calculator to get an initial idea of what you might be able to receive.

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