The right attorney can help you recover tax-free disability benefits from the VA. If your claim is denied, an attorney can file a Board Appeal with or without new evidence or even an appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
When choosing an attorney, look for testimonials and a history of successful claims. Also, consider whether the attorney is a member of NOVA (National Organization of Veteran Advocates).
Qualifications
A reasonable veteran disability attorney will help you determine the right level of benefits for your condition. They will also help you file the correct forms and gather the necessary evidence. They will also help you file a supplemental claim or request a higher-level review by the Board. They will also assist you in reopening a denied claim and requesting an upgrade of your character of discharge based on new evidence. They will also take your case to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims if necessary.
When choosing a veterans disability lawyer, make sure they are VA accredited. This is crucial to ensure your lawyer has the skills and knowledge to represent you successfully. They should be familiar with the complex rules and regulations governing veteran claims. A good veteran disability lawyer will also know how to establish that your current condition was caused or aggravated by your service in the military.
Experience
When choosing an attorney for a veteran disability case, experience matters. The most experienced attorneys will have the knowledge and skill to maximize the chances of a successful claim. They will deeply understand the VA appeals process and can provide effective representation throughout each stage.
The best way to learn about an attorney’s experience is to ask about it. If an attorney does not give a specific response or appears unsure of the answer, this should serve as a red flag.
Knowing when to hire a veteran disability lawyer is essential. A law firm with extensive experience will have the skills and resources to represent veterans in all claims and appeals. This includes filing a VA disability claim, appealing a denied claim at the BVA, or taking your case to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
Reputation
A reasonable veteran disability attorney can help you with all your options for getting fair VA benefits. This includes filing a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal. They will advise you on the best option for your case and increase your chances of a successful outcome. They will also know how to get your medical records from private physicians and organize a C&P exam, which is sometimes critical.
They will understand that the VA is overworked and make mistakes. They will help you submit more substantial evidence and plug holes in the VA’s reasoning. They will also be able to explore options for additional appeals up to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
It is essential to choose an attorney with a genuine concern for disabled veterans. This means they participate in or donate to veterans’ organizations and causes. It is a red flag to see an attorney only interested in veteran disability claims as another source of income.
Fees
The right firm will have the resources and connections to hire the best forensic medical experts. Rather than paying these experts out of your pocket, the law firm will front the cost and recover the expense from your back disability benefits award.
This helps you avoid paying for something that might not benefit your case.
A good veteran disability lawyer will be honest about fees and costs from the initial case consultation and through all appeals. If they try to hide the details, that is a red flag.
Current law prevents VA disability lawyers from charging a fee for assisting with filing an initial claim. They can, however, charge for help with challenging a decision on a disability claim.
