Free Case Review Text us (336) 355-8387 Call Us
Fort Worth

Fort Worth Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer | VetLaw

Legally reviewed by Brendan Garcia , Partner and Lead Attorney

Get a detailed and personalized assessment of your VA disability benefits claim by speaking with a Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyer.

Summary

  • The VA denies a significant share of the veterans disability benefits claims it receives annually, leaving veterans without critical financial aid.
  • Forth Worth veterans can challenge VA denials through Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, or Board Appeals.
  • Veterans have one year to appeal a denial. Prompt legal assistance from Texas VA disability appeals lawyers ensures deadlines are met and avoids the challenges of reopening a claim later.
  • Fort Worth veterans disability benefits attorneys assist with evidence collection, navigating VA processes, and addressing unique challenges like pre-existing conditions to secure disability benefits.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs receives hundreds of thousands of VA disability claims each year. Unfortunately, many of these claims are denied, leaving disabled veterans with no financial assistance for medical bills, living expenses, and other needs.

As a nationally recognized veteran disability law firm, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the men and women who served our country. An experienced and compassionate Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyer from our team will work alongside you to secure the benefits you need and deserve, as efficiently as possible.

To learn more about how we can help you manage the VA appeals process, consider contacting us at (336) 355-8387 today. You can also reach us by filling out an online contact form.

VetLaw: By Veterans, For Veterans

Established in 2014 out of a need for more comprehensive legal services focused on helping veterans navigate the VA process, VetLaw has grown into a flourishing and successful veterans’ disability law firm.

Our founding attorney, Brendan Garcia, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps who understands the challenges of the VA process firsthand. Our proven record of success speaks for itself and demonstrates our ability to handle even the most complex legal issues for our clients.

Above all, we strive to offer the highest quality representation to disabled veterans, working tirelessly to secure VA disability benefits and appeal denied claims at all levels.

Accessible Legal Support for Texas Veterans With VA Claim Problems

Many people are discouraged from seeking legal assistance due to the costs. We acknowledge this, and have implemented “no win, no fee.”  This means that there are no upfront costs when hiring a VetLaw Fort Worth veteran disability attorney.

Our no win, no fee structure represents a broader effort to ensure transparency and integrity in our legal practice. We are confident in our ability to win your case, and we are willing to wager our business on that confidence.

What Is the Veteran Affairs Decision Review?

The Veterans Affairs decision review is a relatively new system, replacing the VA legacy appeals process for all claims denied after February 19, 2019. Under the Veterans Affairs decision review system, claimants have three methods to choose from if they wish to appeal a denied claim. These methods include:

These three methods offer numerous opportunities for disabled veterans to appeal a denied claim. If one method does not work, it is possible to use another eligible option to appeal the claim. A knowledgeable Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyer can review your case in detail.

Then, they can provide further insight on which option is right for you depending on the unique circumstances of your case. They will also have an in-depth knowledge of VA regulations and conventions, allowing them to steer your claim more effectively.

What Should I Do If Veteran Affairs Denies My VA Disability Claim?

Having your VA disability claim denied can be discouraging, but it does not indicate the end of the road for your case. If Veterans Affairs denies your disability claim, you have the option to submit additional evidence using a Supplemental Claim. Or, you can petition for re-evaluation through Higher-Level Review or a Board Appeal.

Your strategy following a VA disability claim denial will depend largely on why your claim was denied and the evidence you have pertaining to your condition. In some cases, submitting additional evidence is sufficient for overturning the denial.

Other times, errors occur during the process that must be addressed, or a difference of opinion is required to change the decision. Your Fort Worth veteran disability attorney at VetLaw will help you organize your materials following a claim denial and successfully initiate the appeals process.

How Can a Fort Worth Veteran Disability Attorney Help Me Navigate the Veteran Affairs Appeals Process?

The Veterans Affairs appeals process is undoubtedly complex and the VA handles a massive caseload of disability claims. Therefore, claims often require a tailored legal strategy successfully navigate the system and secure disability benefits.

An attorney will be able to assist with compiling all necessary documentation and medical evidence, filing an appeal with the VA office near you, and arguing an appellate case before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

The guidance and expertise offered by a Fort Worth veteran disability attorney can greatly impact the outcome of your case by avoiding all potential pitfalls and mitigating the overall likelihood of denial.

When Should I Hire a Fort Worth Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer to Help Me with My VA Disability Claim Appeal?

If your VA claim was denied, you have one year to appeal the decision. Too often, claimants wait to hire an attorney to help with their VA disability claim appeal and are left unable to appeal the decision altogether.

Or, they have to face the considerable challenge of reopening a previously denied claim, which may have been avoided by consulting with a Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyer sooner.

Successfully appealing a denied VA disability claim takes time, requiring a tailored legal strategy and, in some cases, the procurement of new evidence to support the claim. To ensure that you are able to initiate and navigate the VA disability claim appeal process, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible.

fort worth texas veteran with a disability sits on steps outdoors displaying his prosthetic leg

Where is the Closest Veterans Affairs Office to Fort Worth?

Veterans Affairs offices are located in communities across the United States to provide veterans with the services and support they are entitled to. The closest VA office to Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Vet Center located on 6620 Hawks Creek Avenue.

More Texas Resources

At What Percentage Does the VA Consider a Veteran Disabled?

Individuals who apply for VA disability benefits are assigned a percentage of disability corresponding with their condition(s). The VA gives these percentages in 10% increments and they range from 0% (no disability) to 100% (fully disabled).

A 0% disability rating offers no monthly compensation but may qualify some veterans for ancillary benefits such as healthcare. A veteran with a disability rating of 10% or higher is eligible for monthly compensation. As such, a disability rating of 10% or higher is considered disabled for the purposes of VA disability benefits.

If you are unsure of whether your condition qualifies you for benefits, consider speaking with an experienced Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyer or using VetLaw’s Disability Calculator to estimate your disability rating.

What Is the Process After I File My Initial VA Disability Claim?

After filing your initial VA disability claim, Veterans Affairs will confirm that they have received your application and will begin reviewing your claim. If the information you provided with your initial VA disability claim is sufficient, then VA will begin the process of gathering and assessing all evidence regarding your condition(s).

This can include your military service records, buddy statements, and medical documents. During this process, the VA may send you a request for additional evidence supporting your eligibility.

Once the claim is complete, the VA will mail you a package containing the details of their decision. You can also check your claim status online throughout this process for the most up-to-date information on your case.

Hiring a Fort Worth Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer Near You to Help You with Your Denial

The VA disability claim process is extensive and time-consuming, and receiving a denial can be disheartening. It is at this point that many disabled veterans seek legal guidance from Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyers to assist with the process. If you are considering filing a VA disability claim appeal, we are here to help.

Consider contacting VetLaw at (336) 355-8387  or submitting an online contact form to begin the process today. Our team will take a close look at your VA claim denial and outline a strategy to appeal for the veterans disability benefits you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the veteran population of Fort Worth, Texas?

The most current Census data on Texas veterans shows that approximately 42,439 veterans lived in Forth Worth as of 2022. Tarrant County, where Fort Worth is located, has one of the largest veteran populations in the state of Texas, which has the greatest number of veterans in the country. Nearly a third of Texas veterans have a disability.

Can Fort Worth veterans seek VA disability compensation for a pre-existing condition?

If you entered the military with a health issue and experienced conditions that aggravated your injury or illness, you may qualify for VA disability benefits. You still need to prove the progression or worsening of your symptoms is related to your military service and receive a rating of 10% or higher to qualify for benefits.

Further, you need to present evidence that your condition was pre-existing and that your military service accelerated or exacerbated your symptoms beyond what would have happened naturally if you hadn’t served.

Note that not all pre-existing conditions are eligible for VA disability compensation. Pre-existing condition claims can be some of the most complex VA disability cases to prove, even with comprehensive medical records and a nexus letter from a provider, as the VA tends to be skeptical of these claims.

Therefore, Forth Worth veterans with pre-existing conditions should speak with a VA disability appeals lawyer about pursuing benefits.

Do I need to submit my military service records to the VA for a disability benefits appeal?

The VA should already have a copy of your discharge paperwork, along with your military medical records, by the time you file an appeal. They are obligated to request a copy of your service records as a part of the initial claims process, although you can also submit them yourself.

However, you should also secure your own copy of your records so your Fort Worth veteran disability appeals lawyer can see what information the VA is basing their decisions on and identify what other evidence to collect in support of your claim.