Just because you are out of the military does not mean that it is completely behind you. The physical and mental health challenges you faced during your time in uniform may be impacting your life after service. Fortunately, the government has a means of providing continuing support for disabilities acquired during or as a result of service, even after you are no longer in the military.
While many people find the thought of filing a Veterans’ disability claim in Huntington intimidating, the legal team at Fight4Vets can help you with all parts of the application process.
The VA grants disability benefits, but only for service-connected injuries. Qualifying for disability benefits requires demonstrating that one of the following applies to your condition:
Some conditions are not considered presumptive and require substantial medical evidence to establish a clear connection between your service and current symptoms. A VA-accredited Huntington attorney can help you file a disability claim by gathering the records, expert opinions, and Lay Statements necessary to support your claim.
Once you have determined that you are eligible, you will need to gather information for your claim, which will include person information and medical records. You can file a new claim for VA disability benefits online through the administration’s website. Alternatively, you may apply for benefits by filling out VA Form 21-526EZ and either mailing it to the VA’s Claims Intake Center or deliver it personally to a VA regional office.
At this point, you must wait for the VA to either approve the claim, deny it, or send a letter for additional information. It can takes months to get a response, so it is in your best interest to make your initial application as complete and accurate as possible.
Do not get discouraged if the VA denies the initial application you filed, as denials are routine. Many are due to a lack of sufficient evidence establishing the nexus between an injury and service. There are three options available to contest a denial under the VA’s modern appeals system. Choosing the correct one depends on the reasons for denial and the type of information you have available to establish your nexus.
You can submit new and relevant evidence that was not included in your original application, such as updated medical evaluations or Lay Statements from fellow service members or family.
You can request a second look by a more senior reviewer. While you cannot submit new evidence, you can request an informal conference to explain why you believe the original decision was incorrect.
Finally, a board appeal allows you to take your claim before a Veterans’ Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You may request a direct review, submit additional evidence, or ask for a hearing. Each appeal path has a different timeline, and an attorney can help you select which is best for you.
Filing a Veterans’ disability claim in Huntington can be more challenging than it initially appears. Whether you served at Camp Dawson, the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, or completed deployments abroad, legal guidance can make a huge difference in getting the benefits you deserve—especially for complex conditions like PTSD, TBI, or chronic orthopedic pain.
While the lawyers at Fight4Vets cannot speed up the claim review process, they can help prevent avoidable mistakes and make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your disability. Schedule a free consultation today and get the support you need to move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
