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Orange County Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer | Vet Law

Legally reviewed by Brendan Garcia , Partner and Lead Attorney

The Veteran Affairs appeals process is undoubtedly complex and difficult to navigate. Many people feel stuck in the process, left feeling like their case has reached a dead end. The skill and expertise offered by an Orange County veteran disability appeals lawyer can make all the difference in the process. At VetLaw, we help disabled veterans work through the VA appeals process to obtain the disability benefits they deserve. To learn more about how we can help, consider contacting our office at (336) 355-8387 today.

What We Do: Experienced Orange County Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer

As a premier Veterans disability law firm, we fight for the rights of disabled veterans across the United States. Our practice is rooted in real-world experience. VetLaw was established in 2014 by United States Marine Corps veteran Brendan Garcia, who saw the frustration of the VA process firsthand during his time working with Veteran Affairs.

We are passionate about representing disabled veterans who are stuck in the VA process. For this reason, we use a “no win, no fee” structure, which ensures that you do not pay out-of-pocket costs for our services. Rather, we get paid when we win your case. We only take on cases that we are confident in, and work diligently to secure a favorable resolution for our clients.

What Is the Veteran Affairs Decision Review?

In 2017, the Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act was passed to improve the appeals process for veterans and their families. This law provides veterans with a choice regarding how they appeal a VA decision, ensuring faster and easier outcomes. The Veteran Affairs decision review process is the modernized appeals process used for all VA decisions made on February 19, 2019 and after. Under this new system, veterans have three appeals options:

  • Supplemental Claim
  • Higher-Level Review
  • Board Appeal

There is no limit to how many times a veteran can appeal their VA decision, meaning it is possible to utilize different appeals options depending on your unique circumstances. Your Orange County veteran disability attorney can provide further insight into which Veteran Affairs decision review option is right for you.

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

Data from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals indicates that roughly 38% of VA decisions were allowed during the appeals process. This means that appealing is typically the ideal course of action if you disagree with your VA decision. Contacting an experienced Orange County veteran disability appeals lawyer who understands the process and has represented cases similar to yours may be beneficial.

How Can an Orange County Veteran Disability Attorney Help Me Navigate the Veteran Affairs Appeals Process?

If you have experience with the VA process, you know that navigating the Veteran Affairs appeals process can be exceedingly difficult. It is common for cases to be backlogged and for veterans to fall into the common pitfalls that delay the process or result in the VA denying their appeal altogether. Seeking legal assistance can help avoid these issues and ensure that the Veteran Affairs appeals process proceeds smoothly and efficiently. Your attorney can provide guidance on the following matters:

  • Accurately completing any necessary documentation and paperwork
  • Handling all communication with Veteran Affairs
  • Representing you during a Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing
  • Clarifying issues and ensuring that all claims are supported with proper evidence
  • Advocating for your rights and interests

When Should I Hire an Attorney to Help Me with My VA Disability Claim Appeal?

Many people are not aware that there is a time limit placed on the appeals process.

You have a maximum of one year from the date of the VA decision to submit an appeal. Waiting too long can hinder your ability to appeal an unfair VA decision and receive benefits. Moreover, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals faces substantial backlogs that delay the process greatly. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible to help with your VA disability claim appeal is key to achieving a quick resolution for your case.

Where Is the Closest Veteran Affairs Office to Orange County?

While there are VA offices across the country to provide assistance to veterans, residents of Orange do not enjoy close access to a physical office. The closest office to Orange is the VetSuccess on Campus at Irvine Valley College, but their staff is only available online or by phone. For in-person services, the VetSuccess on Campus at Long Beach City College is the closest Veteran Affairs office to Orange.

After I Have Filed My Initial Veterans Affairs Claim, How Long Will I Know Whether I Am Approved or Denied?

After you have filed your initial Veterans Affairs claim, you must wait for the VA to make a decision on your claim. This process can take several months, as the VA must review your application and gather all necessary medical evidence to evaluate whether you suffer from a service-related condition. According to the most current data from Veteran Affairs, it takes an average of 102 days to complete a disability claim. Your Orange County veterans disability attorney can provide a more accurate estimation based on the facts of your case.

What Are the Types of Review Options for Appealing a VA Disability Denial?

As mentioned, there are three types of review options for appealing a VA disability denial under Veteran Affairs decision review. There are notable differences in the types of review options for appealing a VA disability denial, which include:

  • Submitting a Supplemental Claim allows a claimant to provide new or relevant evidence. The evidence will be assessed by a review, who will decide if the new information changes the decision.
  • Requesting a Higher-Level Review is necessary when a person wants a senior review to determine if an error has occurred during the claims process. This second set of eyes may change the decision made by the VA.
  • Seeking a Board Appeal to either re-review a decision, submit new evidence to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, or request a hearing in front of a Veterans Law Judge.

Each option provides different opportunities to review a decision based on the unique circumstances of a case.

Hiring an Orange County Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer Near You to Help You with Your Denial

Hiring an Orange County veteran disability appeals lawyer can help to overturn denial and secure the disability benefits you deserve. If you were denied VA disability benefits and are unsure of how to proceed with your case, we are here to help. Consider contacting VetLaw at (336) 355-8387 for a free case review today.

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