Veterans who served our country deserve every benefit they’ve earned. Yet the process of obtaining disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs often proves frustrating and confusing. Many veterans find themselves denied or undercompensated despite legitimate service-connected conditions.
We see this happen far too often in our practice. Our friends at Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law across the country discuss how the claims process has become increasingly complicated over the years. A veterans disability lawyer can make the difference between a denial and approval, or between a 30% rating and the 70% rating you actually deserve.
Why VA Disability Claims Get Denied
The VA denies thousands of claims every year. Sometimes it’s because of missing medical evidence. Other times the connection between your military service and your current condition isn’t clear enough in the paperwork.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Insufficient medical documentation linking your condition to service
- Missing service treatment records
- Failure to attend C&P (Compensation and Pension) examinations
- Incorrect disability rating assigned to your condition
- Claims filed after applicable deadlines
Many veterans assume they can handle the process alone. After all, you filled out paperwork in the military. But VA claims involve specific medical and legal terminology that can trip up even the most organized person.
What A Veterans Disability Attorney Actually Does
Legal representation for VA claims isn’t like hiring a lawyer for a lawsuit. These attorneys understand the VA’s rating system, know which medical evidence carries weight, and can spot errors in how the VA evaluated your claim.
They gather your service records, obtain supporting medical opinions, and present your case in the strongest possible light. If your claim was denied, they can file appeals and represent you at hearings before the Board of Veterans Appeals.
According to the VA’s own data, represented veterans have significantly higher success rates in appeals. That’s not coincidental.
When You Should Consider Legal Help
Not every claim needs an attorney. Simple, straightforward cases with clear medical evidence often go through without issues. But certain situations benefit from professional representation.
You should consider hiring a veterans disability lawyer when:
- Your initial claim was denied
- You believe your disability rating is too low
- You have multiple service-connected conditions
- Your condition involves complex medical issues like PTSD or traumatic brain injury
- You’re facing a Board of Veterans Appeals hearing
The Appeals Process Takes Time
One thing we always tell veterans: the appeals process isn’t quick. It can take months or even years to work through the system. The VA processes millions of claims annually, and backlogs remain a persistent problem.
But that doesn’t mean you should give up. Many veterans receive thousands of dollars in retroactive benefits once their appeals succeed. These payments go back to the date of your original claim.
Understanding Attorney Fees
Veterans disability attorneys work on contingency. They only get paid if you win your case. The fee is capped at 33.33% of past-due benefits by federal law. You won’t pay anything upfront, and attorneys cannot charge for help with initial claims.
This structure ensures attorneys take cases they believe in and work hard to maximize your benefits.
Your Benefits Matter
We know how important these benefits are for veterans and their families. Disability compensation helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and provides financial stability you’ve earned through your service.
If you’re struggling with a denied claim or believe your rating doesn’t reflect the true impact of your service-connected conditions, don’t wait. The sooner you address issues with your claim, the sooner you can receive the benefits you deserve. Connect with a qualified attorney who focuses on veterans disability law to review your case and discuss your options.