How a disability lawyer can increase your odds of winning your appeal
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest, most well-funded government departments in the U.S. It receives well over $200 billion every year. Unfortunately, the size of the department can sometimes work against the interests of veterans.
It’s common for this large bureaucracy to make mistakes. Even if you meet all of the VA’s requirements and deadlines, receiving your disability benefits might prove a long and difficult struggle.
If you’ve been denied, don’t lose hope. You can still win your disability benefits on appeal.
When to hire a VA disability attorney
How can I benefit from hiring one of the best VA disability lawyers near me?
After all, you probably don’t want to hire an attorney unless it’s totally necessary. If your disability claim is denied unfairly, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek legal representation. This is one instance where hiring an attorney is absolutely the right move.
No one should ever make you feel ashamed or embarrassed for fighting for a better life for yourself. By fighting for personal justice, you are helping make a better world for all veterans.
After receiving a disability claim denial, some veterans choose to represent themselves in court, but this is generally a bad idea for a few reasons. For starters, most veterans are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of disability law. VA-accredited attorneys, on the other hand, are familiar with the hundreds of rules and regulations that affect disability claims.
Furthermore, these specialist lawyers follow each new federal court case dealing with veterans’ rights. Without this specialized knowledge, one’s chances of reversing a denial are greatly diminished. Because our system of law is based on precedents, the law changes as federal judges weigh in.
The outcome of your disability claim could determine the shape of your life moving forward. An unjust claim denial could doom you to a life of economic hardship and uncertainty. If you’ve sacrificed your health in the service of our country, you have every right to a disability pension.
Putting together an appeal can be a complex process
A successful VA disability claim consists of 3 elements:
- A current medical diagnosis showing you are disabled. Your disability can be physical or psychological in nature.
- You experienced an illness, injury or harmful event while in the military.
- A connection between the first and second elements (a medical nexus).
If any 1 of these 3 elements is missing, the court will deny your claim.
For any layperson, it can be tough to put together a successful appeal. To win an appeal, you must navigate paperwork, requests for information and medical appointments. Your disability can make it especially difficult for you to navigate this involved process.
If you represent yourself in court, you might miss deadlines or otherwise fail to meet the requirements of the court. Disability claim lawyers are familiar with these legal processes that can seem convoluted to ordinary people.
Our disability attorneys offer personalized legal services
There are some nonprofit offices that attempt to help veterans with their claims. Unfortunately, these groups tend to be understaffed and underfunded. Despite their good intentions, these groups aren’t likely to provide you with the level of attention you need.
The federal government has put safeguards in place to defend the rights of veterans. That’s why the VA must accredit all attorneys before they are allowed to help veterans with their disability claims. This ensures that all such attorneys meet minimum ethical standards.
Besides increasing your chances of overall success, hiring an attorney can also reduce your personal stress levels. Dealing with bureaucracy and the court system alone can feel like an endless struggle. With an experienced attorney by your side, you’ll likely feel as if a substantial burden has been lifted.
How much does it cost to hire a VA disability attorney?
When you are looking to hire a VA disability attorney, you should make your choice carefully. Choose a lawyer with experience and a successful track record in this type of law.
Many veterans worry about paying legal fees. However, there are generally no up-front costs associated with hiring a VA disability lawyer. This means that even if you are financially struggling, you can still likely access the legal expertise you need to succeed.