For many veterans, the VA disability process starts with a simple goal: getting the benefits you earned through your service. However, what often follows is confusion, delays, and denials that are hard to understand and even harder to fix. VA disability attorneys help veterans challenge unfair denials and fight for the correct disability rating by gathering the right evidence, fixing VA mistakes, and guiding claims through the appeals process.
For nearly a decade, the VA benefits attorneys at VetLaw have stood up for veterans who have been denied VA benefits. Our team focuses exclusively on VA disability law and knows what it takes to move stalled claims forward.
At VetLaw, we believe in clear communication, strong advocacy, and putting in the work our clients count on. If your claim has been denied or underrated, we are ready to help you build a solid appeal and pursue the VA disability benefits you earned through your service.
How Can a VA Benefits Attorney Help You?
Here are just some of the ways a VA benefits attorney can help you move your claim forward and avoid the most common mistakes in the VA system.
Review Your Claim for Hidden Problems
Many VA disability claims are denied or underrated for reasons that are not obvious to veterans. A VA benefits attorney carefully reviews your entire file, including service records, medical records, and prior VA decisions, to find issues that may be holding your claim back.
This can include missing evidence, improper application of VA regulations, or incorrect disability ratings. Identifying these problems early can prevent months or even years of unnecessary delays.
Build Strong Medical Evidence and Nexus Opinions
One of the most common reasons VA claims are denied is a lack of a proper medical nexus. The VA requires clear medical opinions that link a current condition to military service or to another service-connected condition.
A VA benefits attorney knows what the VA looks for in medical evidence. They help obtain detailed nexus opinions that use the correct language, address VA standards, and directly respond to the reasons a claim was denied. This alone can be the difference between approval and denial.
Make Sure the VA Applies the Correct Disability Rating
Even when the VA approves a claim, veterans are often assigned a rating that is too low. VA disability ratings are based on specific diagnostic codes, each with its own criteria.
A VA benefits attorney reviews whether the VA used the correct diagnostic code and properly evaluated the severity of your condition. If the rating does not accurately reflect how your condition affects your daily life, an attorney can challenge it and seek a higher evaluation.
Identify Secondary and Aggravated Conditions
Many veterans are eligible for benefits beyond their original claim. Conditions that develop as a result of a service-connected disability, such as sleep apnea secondary to PTSD or joint issues caused by altered gait, are often overlooked.
A VA benefits attorney looks at the full picture of your health and service history. They identify secondary conditions and aggravation claims that could increase your overall disability rating and monthly compensation.
Choose the Right Appeal Option After a Denial
After a denial, veterans are faced with multiple appeal options, including supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and appeals. Each path has different rules, evidence requirements, and timelines.
A VA benefits attorney helps you choose the option that gives you the strongest chance of success based on the specific reason for the denial. Filing the wrong appeal can result in lost time and missed opportunities to submit critical evidence.
Handle Complex Claims Like TDIU and PTSD
Some VA claims are more complicated than others. Claims involving PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability require detailed evidence and careful presentation.
A VA benefits attorney understands how to build these claims properly, including gathering vocational evidence, employment records, and medical documentation that support the claim. This level of detail is often difficult for veterans to manage on their own.
Track Deadlines and Prevent Costly Mistakes
The VA system is deadline-driven. Missing a filing deadline or submitting incomplete information can set a claim back significantly.
A VA benefits attorney manages these deadlines and ensures filings are accurate and timely. This reduces the risk of procedural errors that can derail an otherwise valid claim.
Represent You Through Appeals and Hearings
If a claim reaches the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, legal representation becomes even more important. In the appeals process, attorneys present written arguments, identify legal errors, and, when necessary, represent veterans at hearings.
Having an experienced VA benefits attorney on your side ensures that your case is effectively presented to to those reviewing and deciding your appeal.
Only Gets Paid if You Win
VA disability benefits lawyers are usually paid only if they win your appeal. Their fee comes out of the back pay the VA awards, not your future monthly benefits. Most attorneys charge a percentage of that back pay, typically between 20% and 33%.
You should not be asked to pay anything upfront. If the VA does not approve your claim or increase your rating, you do not owe attorney fees.
Talk to a VA Benefits Attorney for FREE
You don’t have to face the process alone. If you are facing a denial, low disability rating, or a complicated claim, a VA benefits attorney can help you navigate the complex VA benefits process and pursue the benefits you’ve earned through service.
Contact VetLaw today online or at (855) 957-0520 for a FREE case evaluation.
