In a previous post I discussed how a Veteran becomes a client of ours. However, like every movie intended for a teen audience, it has to be broken up into two parts. Previously we discussed what it’s like to go through an initial assessment of claims, and we discussed the intake appointment as well as your new client paperwork, but what happens when that paperwork comes back to our office? Part two is what happens.
If you sit around our office for a while you will likely hear me say the following: “I wouldn’t send you paperwork if I didn’t think we could help you out.” In other words, once we send you paperwork we are taking you on as a client. It’s not until that paperwork returns to the office and is then submitted to the VA that we are actually your representative. That is why it is so important to return your paperwork in a timely manner. The sooner paperwork is returned, the sooner we can start working on your claim.
You might be wondering what happens in our office once that paperwork is returned. The first thing that happens is a quick check to make sure everything is filled out properly. It’s always good to have a second set of eyes on paperwork. If no errors are found, then your paperwork will be submitted to the VA. At this time your case manager will be tasked to introduce themselves to you. Your case manager is your primary contact point for your claim for the duration of your time with our firm. Case managers are individuals who are specially qualified to keep track of your case. They submit evidence, review forms, follow up on decisions, and really so much more. You might be wondering why you can’t just call in to speak with your attorney. That is actually a great question. Simply put, your attorney is usually not in the building. Our VA attorneys can usually be found in the courtroom representing other Veterans we are attempting to get service connected. This does not mean that you’ll never speak to them. All clients are set up with a prehearing appointment with their attorney prior to their actual hearings.
Submitting paperwork and getting to know your case manager is not the only thing that occurs when we get your paperwork back in the office. We will also request your claim file from the VA. Your claim file is extremely important for your case. Claim files are usually large paper files that contain admin records, entrance and separation exams, VA medical records, C&P Exams, previous claim records, and so much more.
If you’ve received a decision prior to contacting us then we will review it when we receive your paperwork. This is an important step in the early stages of our representation because it gives us a solid understanding of your case. Reviewing previous decisions also helps us know exactly where your case is at in the timeline. We often request that you send in a decision with your paperwork so that we can avoid missing a deadline for filing appeals.
If you haven’t applied to the VA before then we will review your initial application for benefits. We will submit this on your behalf so that we can verify the date in which the VA receives your file. We do this in case we need to argue dates for back pay later on.
Becoming a client of ours is simple process. It may seem a little complicated at time, but we have been doing this quite a while now, and we have streamlined the process. We also have a staff full of friendly individuals who are willing to assist you at every step of the way. If you would like to discuss your case with someone, give us a call today for a free consultation. Our toll free number is 1-877-526-3457. If you would rather we call you at a later time, fill out this form now, and one of our associates will call you at a more convenient time.
