Veteran Disability Appeals Attorney Serving All 50 States

Has Your VA Disability Claim Been Denied? We Can Help.

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How Can a Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer from VetLaw Help Me?

  • Are You Waiting For The VA's Decision?

    Some veterans who are disabled apply for disability compensation and receive the compensation they deserve without much trouble. Unfortunately, most veterans encounter resistance when they attempt to make a claim. In order for a VA disability attorney to help you, you typically must have been denied at least one time before an attorney can assist you. If you are waiting for your decision, we encourage you to learn more how the appeals process and how we should be your first call if you find out your VA disability benefits have been denied.

  • Have You Received a VA Denial?

    If you have already received a denial, many people wait until it is too late to contact our office regarding their VA disability claim. Unfortunately, veterans only have one year from the date Veteran Affairs mails its decision to file an appeal. Waiting too long to take action can jeopardize the success of your case and prevent you from obtaining the benefits you need and deserve. For this reason, it is important for you to contact a nationwide veteran disability attorney as soon as possible regarding your VA disability claim.

  • Are You A Family Member of A Veteran Seeking Help?

    There are several resources available to support the surviving family members and loved ones of veterans. The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly benefits to the surviving spouses, parents, and dependent children of veterans only for service-connected deaths, meaning the cause of death must be shown to be related to military service. For more information on DIC and other resources for families, in addition to disability compensation, read more below or schedule a free case review to understand more about benefits for families.

About VetLaw

We understand that many veterans are deterred from seeking legal assistance due to costs. Many people fear the out-of-pocket expenses associated with hiring legal representation, and do not seek out help for that reason. At VetLaw, we believe that legal representation should be accessible to all. For this reason, we use a “no win, no fee” pay structure. If we do not successfully resolve your case, you do not pay for our services. This pay structure not only inspires us to work diligently for our clients and their families, but motivates us to fight for you.

Providing Accessible Legal Representation to All

We understand that many veterans are deterred from seeking legal assistance due to costs. Many people fear the out-of-pocket expenses associated with hiring legal representation, and do not seek out help for that reason. At VetLaw, we believe that legal representation should be accessible to all. For this reason, we use a “no win, no fee” pay structure. If we do not successfully resolve your case, you do not pay for our services. This pay structure not only inspires us to work diligently for our clients and their families, but motivates us to fight for you.

Happy Vet returning home

How Can a Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer from VetLaw Help Me?

The Veteran Affairs disability appeals process is undeniably complex and difficult to navigate. Many veterans report feeling stuck in the process, unsure of how to proceed or where to turn for help. Seeking assistance from an experienced nationwide veteran disability appeals lawyer at VetLaw can be beneficial, as your attorney will be able to:

  • Review your case and provide personalized legal guidance based on your unique circumstances
  • Assist you in gathering new and relevant medical evidence to support your case
  • Manage all correspondence with Veterans Affairs
  • Ensure that all necessary deadlines are adhered to in order to avoid delays
  • Help you avoid the common pitfalls that veterans experience during the process

The right attorney for you will listen to your concerns and craft a tailored legal strategy to meet your goals. They will approach your case with compassion and care, communicate with you transparently, and work with you until your case is won. At VetLaw, this is the type of service we provide to every client.

What Our Clients Say

Absolutely the best attorney for getting your VA benefits. After 7 years of denial, I found Brendan Garcia of VetLaw, He reviewed my case, set up a plan , scheduled my video hearing in front of a Veteran law judge, flew out to Phoenix to be there with me during the hearing. Hired a doctor to help draft a report to help my case. When all the smoked cleared, I’m now collecting max disability monthly, back pay beyond my wildest dreams. Brendan Garcia never stopped. He is an expert in Veterans law. Best decision of my life was to have him on my side. Bar none, Brendan is a terrific VA benefits attorney!

VetLaw represented my father with his service-connected disability compensation claim. After researching many other law firms regarding my father’s case, reading reviews and much more, we decided VetLaw was the best firm to represent my father’s case. Brendan Garcia and Emily McGaffigan are excellent professionals that are geniune and truly care about veterans! They are attentive, cordial, extremely helpful, responsive both via phone calls and emails, kept us informed regularly and treat everyone with dignity, honor and respect. Thank you from a greatful veteran who was awarded 100% service-connected disability! VetLaw is reasonable and we highly recommend them. We believe VetLaw is a valuable instrument of justice and representation for veterans!

After a 12 year battle with the VA, and multiple local lawyers, I was referred to VetLaw. I finally felt like my case mattered and felt in good hands right from the beginning. They were super nice, knowledgeable, and very professional. They took the time to check in frequently to update me on the status of my claim. The also were very prompt in addressing any questions or concerns I had with regards to my case. I was very pleased with VetLaw and their services and would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of VA claim assistance!

I processed my VA Agent Orange appeal for over 4 years and could not get satisfaction out of the bureaucratic maze. I then contacted Brendan Garcia, who is a former Marine and has, in the past, worked as an attorney for the VA. He knows the ins and outs of the “system ” and has been able to get my appeal through the proper channels which has resulted in my being awarded 100% disability. He kept me informed during the entire process, was easy to work with and has lots of empathy for aging disabled veterans. I feel very fortunate to have found and hired Mr. Garcia.

Being a veteran and choosing to take on the big government beauocracy alone can be a perilous endever. Years ago the rules changed after decades that veterans could not be represented by professional legal counsel. It’s like the system was stacked against us veterans who needed to be saavey enough to win claims against the madness that is the Veterans Benefit Administration (VHA). I know, because I was up to my neck in getting my claims honored. One day after being denied yet once again, I just said enough going it alone or working with Veterans Servoce Organization (VSO) who seem to have left me with the impression that my case was too complex to properly handle so that’s when I reached out to a true legal professional, my attorney Brendan Garcia. In a reasonable amount of time we have been successful before the Veterans Board of Appeal and at my local Veterans Administration Regional Office (VARO) on matters as complex physical body claims which deal with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and (PTSD) non-combat. Brendan is such a fighter that he will not give up because others said it can not be done. Do yourself a huge favor. Call Brendan, talk with him, let him lead the way to a successful outcome to your challenges with the VA, I know this because he helped me resolve a decade old battle in which I ultimately won.

I have been dealing with the VA for Bladder cancer for over Three years. It was denied once then approveded for only 1 year back pay and temporary based on my future success in treatment. I contacted VALaw and they started a new claim. two years later and I finally received the prior two years back pay and a permanent status. I cannot be more pleased with VetLaw for making it right.

Where do I begin? I have been dealing with the VA for almost 14 years since leaving Active Duty in 2008. For YEARS I stayed at my 10% rating simply due to not knowing where or how to get the further compensation I felt I was entitled to. I am an OIF veteran, and I had plenty of issues I struggle with day to day. For most reading this, we know dealing with the VA Disability compensation process can be a part time job filled with plenty of frustration, disappointment, and added stress. Years later I began pursuing my own claims. After many appointments, and claims/appeals, I was almost where I knew I should be. I had an appeal that was denied by the VA, and this was the first time I thought about reaching out to a Veterans Lawyer for help. I did not know how to appeal an appeal, and I thought I exhausted all options at this point. I knew the VA was not handling this claim correctly, and I began looking hard at getting a Lawyer. There are plenty of options online for Veteran Lawyers who claim to specialize in VA claims. I called a handful who after reviewing my records said they could NOT take my case because they felt they could not do anything to help me further. I began thinking I was in limbo. I contacted VetLaw, and after ONE simple phone call, they filled me with hope that I was not in fact out of options. They told me they could take on my case, and get me the compensation I deserve. Teresa was my main point of contact, and she was just outstanding! She was always there via phone call, or email to quickly answer any and all of my questions. VetLaw handled EVERYTHING for my appeal, and was very good in keeping me updated on everything. I was expecting up to two years for my appeal to go thru the claims process. VetLaw did exactly what they said, and got me my compensation within a few MONTHS! I am now 100% P&T and I simply could NOT have done it without them! I HIGHLY recommend them to ANY veteran who is in a similar situation.

Brendan Garcia is my attorney for all my VA claims & issues at present and will be always in the future. I Started with a DAV representative, totally useless, then had about 7 different appointments with different so called attorneys that claim that they can handle VA issues. Unbelievably, they were also useless and unfamiliar with VA procedure, it was evident. Not to mention about dozen that I called and never had a reply. Finally, one attorney before Mr. Garcia was a former Veteran, had to fire him, he never communicated, wasn’t prepared and almost lost the appointment date for a RO hearing, fired him in a heart beat. I was stressed, 2 days before the RO hearing, I was searching, researching all over the Internet. Finally, I ended up on Mr. Garcia’s website, reading every thing on his site. Of course, when I read that he is a Marine Veteran as well as I am a Marine Vietnam Era Veteran, that made my day and I immediately called the number on his website. He pulled miracles, immediately he had the VA RO meeting postponed so he can review all the records. When the day came to see the RO, Mr. Garcia drove for about 3 hours to our RO meeting without any compensation from anyone but himself, he didn’t have to do at all. Here is the best thing that I read on his website that will help any Veteran; Following his second year of law school, Brendan was a summer law clerk at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C. This is where he was first introduced to the major problems veterans face when they try to obtain benefits from VA. Following law school graduation in 2011, Brendan was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow and chose to spend his time as a fellow with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Throughout the fellowship, he spent time working with the Office of General Counsel, Compensation Service (formerly C&P, or Compensation and Pension Service), and the Office of Business Process Integration (including the Veterans Claims Intake Program). Besides the above, some may see the next statement as biased, yes it is biased but true, that he’s a Marine, as a Marine he doesn’t quit, has honesty, integrity and willing to help all us Veterans under any and all circumstances. Impeccable ethics and an unparalleled work ethic make him an outstanding attorney who is capable, meticulous, and diligent. I’m going to outline some points about him.

• He was ALWAYS available and quickly returned my calls, text and emails even on the weekends

• One sincerely rare attorney that really cares about you and your case!

• He is absolutely authentic, genuine, and full of passion to represent his clients.

• He will treat you like family, and handle your case like his own life depended on it.

• He profoundly has his heart in helping people, and not only that; he has the superb and impeccable knowledge, skill, talent, and experience to handle any VA case.

• He works tirelessly at all hours, including weekends, to represent Veteran and take care of them.

• He left no stone unturned trying to find a solution to my case, and guided me every step of the way.

• He is committed to his clients, willing to work hard and truly cares about his client’s well being, not just the case.

• He kept me updated on his case progress and made sure my expectations were in line with the many possible outcomes.

• He works extremely hard to take care of his clients, his stamina is unbelievable, that’s because he is a Marine.

• He went above and beyond the call of duty what I thought a lawyer would ever do

• He will fight for your rights, he knows, he also has VA disability I would highly recommend Mr. Brendan Garcia to anyone looking for a skilled attorney in the VA process of red tape that’s impossible to comprehend with new VA laws and lot of VA discrepancies that you hear in the news, totally impossible without an experienced attorney in that field I feel fortunate to have hired the perfect attorney, you will be too!

I would like to thank Mr. Garcia for his assistance in resolving my VA Appeals. I have worked with Mr. Garcia for several years on multiple appeals and he has been a pleasure to work with throughout the process. He is a true professional and has a wide area of expertise. Mr. Garcia does not quit working for you until he gets your appeal resolved in a manner which accurately reflects your entitlements. He is persistent and thorough and has the Veteran’s best interests at heart. Thank you again Mr. Garcia, it was a working with you and your staff.

I submitted my own claim and was denied. I submitted an appeal and was denied, I submitted an appeal to higher court and was denied. I contacted VetLaw and was treated just awesome. They answered all my questions and kept me up to date on everything. If I didn’t understand something, they explained it to me. I can’t thank them enough because I was approved for my husband’s monthly disability benefits and back pay to the date he passed away.

I was ready to give up trying to get my benefits when I contacted VetLaw. They were courteous and extremely helpful. They explained how they could help get what I deserve. I had no idea how to get my denial letter and they put me on a conference call with the VA and had my denial letter in minutes. I got monthly updates until last week when I was approved. Veterans needing help with getting benefits really should go to VetLaw.

I have a VA claim that has history going back 50 years. On sending Brendan a quick synopsis of the claim he phoned me very shortly after receiving my information. He without any promises said he would be interested in pursuing my situation. I gathered up a very lengthy file that required a notice to the VA as to whether I would be entering an appeal; Brendan locked in that appeal. What impressed be is his professional interest in an extremely difficult case that will involve many , many hours of research on his part. His agreement (professional feed) over this agreement was very fair –no fee if the appeal fails — and if it succeeds : very very favorable to me and to his efforts. I am active in the VFW and will refer his services to any veteran that has a problem with the VA. Most importantly, Brendan is a very conscientious and professional Veterans Counsel. Enough said My Name is Michael, Navy Veteran 1954/58

I have been trying to get unemployability. was denied. so, I when to a VSO they told me I need to get this and that, not much help. I was at a loss what to do next. so, I called Vet Law. my case worker was Teresa. 9 months later. 100% P&T! Got monthly updates, could not be happier with service and outcome. THANK YOU, VET LAW.

I would like to take a few moments to tell you something extremely important. To all DISABLED VETERANS: I realized after years of quiet requests on my own and even with help from V.S.O. Officers, I was going nowhere with the VA. I am a service connected vet from Lebanon ’82/’83. My situation was a no brainier. I had continued to work 34 years in great pain, as not to burden tax payers. I had asked politely for modest pension increases multiple times, to no avail. I saw an add online for Veterans Law Firm. This is when I called Brendan Garcia. He took my call personally, looked up my record from his office and in less than 14 months, took care of everything in a military, no frills, proper way. He got me the benefits I earned so long ago. I had put off my request for as long as possible. My wounds are extensive. My life is forever a challenge, but Brendan helped this warrior withstand these wounds, with honor and dignity. That was not possible until the system was reminded and pressed by my forever friend, Brendan Garcia, Military Atty and veteran. (THANK YOU! Brendan)!!

I can’t say enough about the assistance I received from the folks at Vet law. Mr. Garcia and Teresa were a God send. I have been doing this whole VA process on my own and have been struggling. I contacted Vet Law and they got in touch with me very quickly. If I had questions they answered them. I always knew through them how things were going. Needless to say I wish I had found them sooner. I will be recommending them to Veterans I know and those I meet along the way if they need assistance don’t hesitate to reach out to Vet Law. Through them I received benefits I didnt even know that I was entitled to. They are true to their word and they work to get you everything they possibly can. Thank you Vet Law.

I found VetLaw through a google search because I needed assistance with my VA claim. They were in touch with me immediately and began assessing and working on my claim instantly. I did not have to do a lot of explaining as to why I deserved an increase in my rating whereas in the past I explained to everyone that was supposed to be assisting me, the veteran. VetLaw gave me assurance that I was not alone in this process that they are well qualified to help. VetLaw fights for Veterans.

Founded by

A Veteran

No Win

No Fee

Representing Veterans In All

50 States

Our Attorneys

Brendan Garcia, partner and lead attorney for veteran disability benefits

Brendan Garcia

Adam Werner of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, parent firm of VetLaw

Adam Werner

Michael Hoffman, partner and lead attorney in veteran disability benefits

Michael Hoffman

Matthew Greig

Our Values & Approach

VetLaw is made up of a team of compassionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to advocating for the rights of veterans across the country. United by the core belief that all veterans should be able to access the benefits they need and deserve, our team has spent a decade building a practice that upholds the interests of veterans and ensures that they are seen as more than just a number in the system.

Our legal practice is made up of two nationwide veteran disability attorneys, Founder and Lead Attorney Brendan Garcia and Appellate Attorney Matthew White. Lead Attorney Brendan Garcia has taken his Marine Corps experience and time spent working as an attorney for Veterans Affairs and created a practice to address the common concerns and challenges faced by veterans at a systemic level. Appellate Attorney Matthew White was called to service due to his family connection to the armed forces and a deep desire to help veterans navigate the appeals process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Types of Review Options When Filing a VA Disability Appeal?

The Veteran Affairs decision review process is used to appeal a decision made on or after February 19, 2019. This process replaced the VA legacy appeals system, modernizing the process and prioritizing timely decision-making.

Under this new system, veterans have three review options when filing a VA disability appeal, which include:

  • Supplemental Claim: if you have new or relevant evidence that was not already reviewed by Veteran Affairs, submitting a supplemental claim allows you to provide this evidence.
  • Higher-Level Review: this option is beneficial for individuals who believe an error occurred during the claims process. Here, a senior reviewer will reassess your claim and determine if a second option changes the outcome of your case.
  • Board Appeal: requesting a board appeal takes your case directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C. Through this option, you can request a direct review, submit additional evidence, or petition for a hearing in front of a Veterans Law Judge.

The review option that you use to file a VA disability appeal will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. A knowledgeable nationwide veteran disability appeals lawyer can provide further insight into which type of review option is right for you.

What Veterans Affairs Disability Resources Are Available for Surviving Family Members of Veterans?

There are several resources available to support the surviving family members and loved ones of veterans. The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly benefits to the surviving spouses, parents, and dependent children of veterans for only for service-connected deaths, meaning the cause of death must be shown to be related to military service.

With DIC, the cause of death does not have to be service connected prior to the veteran dying, but if it wasn’t, the widow must show a connection to service to win entitlement to DIC. The exception to this rule is if a veteran was 100% for at least 10 years prior to death. We know these rules are not always easy to follow and your nationwide veteran disability appeals lawyer from VetLaw can help you understand the eligibility requirements and navigate receiving compensation under this program.

In addition to disability compensation, the VA also provides the following resources to the surviving family members of veterans:

  • Education and training assistance to cover the costs of tuition, housing, books, and supplies
  • Career and employment counseling to understand your career options and navigate the potential barriers to success
  • Healthcare
  • Housing assistance, offering three loan guaranty programs to help refinance a mortgage or purchase a new home
  • Life insurance coverage to provide financial assistance to the surviving family members of veterans
  • Burial and memorial services
  • Pensions

Your attorney or local Veterans Affairs office can provide further insight into the resources available to you and your family, and help you apply for any benefits that you are eligible for.

What do I do if my VA claim is denied?

You have the right to appeal. The appeals process is a review process that allows you to choose from three decision review options:

  • Supplemental Claim
  • Higher-Level Review
  • Board Appeal

Why are VA claims denied?

The top three reasons for a VA disability claim denial:

  • No medical diagnosis of a disability
  • No clear “nexus” to prove a service connection
  • No evidence of current disability symptoms

What percentage of VA disability claims are denied?

Today, 31% of disability claims are denied—and 60% of those denials are in error.

How long does a VA appeal take?

The average wait time for a VA decision is around 107 days. The VA’s goal is to issue all decisions within 125 days.

How long does it take for a BVA decision?

The estimated time it takes to decide appeals to the BVA is 365 days. However, if a hearing is requested, it will take more than 365 days.

What Is the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA)?

The BVA is the appellate body of the VA and has the ability to overrule decisions made by a regional VA office.

Can you receive VA disability benefits for life?

Yes. VA benefits are granted to veterans as long as they remain disabled at the same level of impairment and even until their death.

Does the VA try to deny claims?

The VA has no mandate to deny claims. However, they will deny your request if it is not filed using the correct form.

signing contract

The Veteran Affairs decision review process is used to appeal a decision made on or after February 19, 2019. This process replaced the VA legacy appeals system, modernizing the process and prioritizing timely decision-making.

Under this new system, veterans have three review options when filing a VA disability appeal, which include:

  • Supplemental Claim: if you have new or relevant evidence that was not already reviewed by Veteran Affairs, submitting a supplemental claim allows you to provide this evidence.
  • Higher-Level Review: this option is beneficial for individuals who believe an error occurred during the claims process. Here, a senior reviewer will reassess your claim and determine if a second option changes the outcome of your case.
  • Board Appeal: requesting a board appeal takes your case directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C. Through this option, you can request a direct review, submit additional evidence, or petition for a hearing in front of a Veterans Law Judge.

The review option that you use to file a VA disability appeal will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. A knowledgeable nationwide veteran disability appeals lawyer can provide further insight into which type of review option is right for you.

Vets cemetery

There are several resources available to support the surviving family members and loved ones of veterans. The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program provides monthly benefits to the surviving spouses, parents, and dependent children of veterans for only for service-connected deaths, meaning the cause of death must be shown to be related to military service.

With DIC, the cause of death does not have to be service connected prior to the veteran dying, but if it wasn’t, the widow must show a connection to service to win entitlement to DIC. The exception to this rule is if a veteran was 100% for at least 10 years prior to death. We know these rules are not always easy to follow and your nationwide veteran disability appeals lawyer from VetLaw can help you understand the eligibility requirements and navigate receiving compensation under this program.

In addition to disability compensation, the VA also provides the following resources to the surviving family members of veterans:

  • Education and training assistance to cover the costs of tuition, housing, books, and supplies
  • Career and employment counseling to understand your career options and navigate the potential barriers to success
  • Healthcare
  • Housing assistance, offering three loan guaranty programs to help refinance a mortgage or purchase a new home
  • Life insurance coverage to provide financial assistance to the surviving family members of veterans
  • Burial and memorial services
  • Pensions

Your attorney or local Veterans Affairs office can provide further insight into the resources available to you and your family, and help you apply for any benefits that you are eligible for.

Flag Folding

You have the right to appeal. The appeals process is a review process that allows you to choose from three decision review options:

  • Supplemental Claim
  • Higher-Level Review
  • Board Appeal

The top three reasons for a VA disability claim denial:

  • No medical diagnosis of a disability
  • No clear “nexus” to prove a service connection
  • No evidence of current disability symptoms

Today, 31% of disability claims are denied—and 60% of those denials are in error.

The average wait time for a VA decision is around 107 days. The VA’s goal is to issue all decisions within 125 days.

The estimated time it takes to decide appeals to the BVA is 365 days. However, if a hearing is requested, it will take more than 365 days.

The BVA is the appellate body of the VA and has the ability to overrule decisions made by a regional VA office.

neck injury

Yes. VA benefits are granted to veterans as long as they remain disabled at the same level of impairment and even until their death.

The VA has no mandate to deny claims. However, they will deny your request if it is not filed using the correct form.

Hiring a Veteran Disability Attorney to Help You Appeal Your Denial 

If you are considering appealing your denial, or if you are already in the midst of the process, hiring a veteran disability attorney can make all the difference in the success of your case. At VetLaw, we work closely with disabled veterans and their loved ones to successfully appeal your denial and secure VA disability benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible. To begin your free case review, consider contacting our team of experienced nationwide veteran disability attorneys at 336-355-8387 today.

Winston-Salem

301 N. Main Street Suite 2107 | Winston-Salem, NC 27101

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3299 NW 2nd Ave Boca Raton, FL 33431

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133 Grand Ave, B | Coral Gables, FL 33133

New Orleans

900 Camp St, Suite 405 | New Orleans, LA 70130