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!
VA Denials Are Not the End of the Road For California Veterans Seeking Benefits
Receiving a denial from the VA can be a frustrating experience when you are counting on disability benefits to make ends meet or secure your family’s future. At VetLaw, we specialize in providing veterans with legal insight to successfully maneuver through the VA disability claims process.
As VA-accredited veterans disability attorneys, we operate using reliable tactics. Additionally, we possess a thorough understanding of the appeals process. Our team at VetLaw will take into account the nuances of your case to ensure that we are guiding you down the right path towards the best outcome.
You are also welcome to check out reviews from our clients to get insight into our methods, communication style, and level of expertise. VetLaw is proud to represent California veterans when they decide to seek VA disability benefits.
We believe that the appeals process should be a tool for recourse, not a source of discouragement for service members in search of support. Now is not the point to give up; it is the time to call in experienced reinforcements.
You can reach us by calling (855) 434-2492 or filling out our online contact form.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits as a California Veteran
The VA has established certain requirements for former military service members to be able to claim veterans disability benefits. A VA-accredited disability benefits attorney can help you build a case using medical information, service records, statements from fellow service members, and other evidence.
The foundation of any valid veterans disability benefits claim is based on fulfilling the following conditions.
1. Meet the Standards to Be Considered a Veteran
Disability benefits are restricted to individuals who have completed the requisite term of service and exhibited good conduct during their service. Typically, this means you need to have been on active duty for 2 continuous years.
Additionally, your discharge must have been other-than-Dishonorable. Other limitations or exceptions may apply, which can complicate your case for VA disability benefits.
2. Prove You Have an Illness or Injury
You need a formal medical diagnosis to claim veterans disability benefits, which the VA may verify with a C&P exam. Both mental and physical conditions can qualify as disabilities. Additionally, this disability must have some measurable impact on your life so it warrants a disability rating.
3. Connect Your Disability to Your Military Service
The VA maintains a record of presumptive service connected conditions, but it is not an exhaustive list of all of the possible injuries or illnesses that can be related to military service.
California vets need to show that their disability was aggravated or caused by serving in the armed forces to be eligible for disability benefits. For Secondary Conditions, the disability needs to be a product of the original service-related condition.

The VA May Deny Your Claim Based On a Range of Issues
Although the terms may seem straightforward, denials are common. The VA may deny a disability benefits claim for a relatively minor reason. For example, you may be denied for forgetting a signature. Alternatively, the VA may have a substantial reason, like lack of service-connection.
In rare cases, the VA makes a glaring error when denying a claim, such as overlooking a key piece of evidence or failing to apply a regulation to your case. The grounds for the denial will be stipulated in a VA denial letter.
After you have received a denial from the VA, it’s typically a good idea to have an experienced attorney look over your case. The reason for denial may be shrouded in technical VA benefits terminology, so it is often helpful to have a VA-accredited disability claims lawyer interpret the decision letter and explain its implications.
From there, a California veterans disability appeals attorney can gather evidence to rectify the issues with your claim. After that, they will work to demonstrate your right to access disability benefits.
Options for California Veterans Appealing a VA Denial
California veterans should not take a denial from the VA as the final word on whether they are eligible for disability benefits without consulting a VA-accredited veterans disability appeals attorney first. Additionally, you can appeal VA decisions that factor into your disability benefits, such as your disability rating.
California veterans appealing a VA denial under the Legacy appeals system and those filing under the Appeal Reform have different options available to them. After receiving a VA denial, Legacy candidates have a year to submit a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to indicate that you intend to file an appeal to the VA’s decision.
California veterans disability appeals lawyers can help decipher the VA’s reasoning for rejection and then select the best appeal path. Additionally, they can help you prepare to appeal the VA’s decision. Then, you can collaborate to craft a strong case for securing the disability benefits you deserve.