Los Angeles Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer
Every year, thousands of disabled veterans are denied the VA disability benefits they deserve. Serving in the United States armed forces guarantees certain rights and benefits, and we believe that all veterans should be able to easily and fairly access this support. At VetLaw, we have spent nearly a decade advocating for the rights of disabled veterans at every step of the Veteran Affairs appeals process, working diligently to secure the VA disability benefits our clients need. To learn more about how our a Los Angeles veteran disability appeals lawyer from our team can help, do not hesitate to contact our office at 336-355-8387 today.
What We Do & Who We Are
VetLaw is a national law firm that was founded by veterans, for veterans. Considering that our founding and lead attorney, Brendan Garcia, is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp with experience working for Veteran Affairs, our services are informed by firsthand knowledge of the VA process. After spending nearly a decade representing veterans from across the United States, we proudly enjoy a high success rate and are confident in our ability to handle even the most complex and stagnant appeals cases.
At our firm, we utilize a “no win, no fee” structure. For you, this means no upfront legal fees. For us, this means a deep-rooted motivation to secure a favorable resolution for your case. After having dedicated so much time to serving in the armed forces, you should have access to high-quality legal representation. This belief inspires every aspect of our legal practice.
What Is the Veteran Affairs Decision Review?
Formerly known as VA legacy appeals, Veteran Affairs decision review is the current system used to appeal a VA decision. If you disagree with a decision dated on or after February 19, 2019, you have three decision review options available to continue your case. These options include the following:
- Submitting a Supplemental Claim, which involves providing the VA with new and relevant evidence that may impact their former decision.
- Requesting a Higher-Level Review if there has been an error made or if a new opinion may alter their former decision.
- Using a Board Appeal to take the case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, where a judge who is an expert in Veterans law will review the case.
If you wish to appeal a denied VA case, it is important to proceed carefully and select the option that is most advantageous to your case. Your Los Angeles veteran disability attorney can provide further guidance on which option is right for you and how to proceed with the Veteran Affairs decision review process.
What Should I Do If Veteran Affairs Denies My VA Disability Claim?
If Veteran Affairs denies your claim, you are not alone. Every year, hundreds of thousands of denied claims are successfully appealed. According to the VA’s 2020 Annual Report, in fact, 40% of decisions were appealed at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with the help of the attorney. This not only underscores the value of the appeals process, but the importance of seeking legal assistance with your case. After Veteran Affairs denies your VA disability claim, do not hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced Los Angeles veteran disability appeals lawyer to discuss your next steps.
How Can a Los Angeles Veteran Disability Attorney Help Me Navigate the Veteran Affairs Appeals Process?
As a premier Veterans disability law firm, we often hear stories of individuals being stuck in the Veteran Affairs appeals process for years, with no light at the end of the tunnel. This common thread is precisely why hiring a Los Angeles veteran disability attorney can make all the difference in your case. Your attorney brings years of experience and successful case resolution to the table, ensuring that you navigate the Veteran Affairs appeals process without delay or disruption.
They will communicate with the VA on your behalf and assist you in compiling necessary medical evidence. They will represent you at a Board of Veterans Appeals hearing and file all pertinent paperwork in a timely manner. Most importantly, however, your attorney will serve as your trusted advisor and advocate, working with you until you win your case.
When Should I Hire An Los Angeles Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer to Help Me with My VA Disability Claim Appeal?
It is important to hire an attorney to help you with your VA claim appeal as soon as possible after you receive your decision notification. You have one year from the date of your decision to file an appeal, making it important to act quickly. A case can remain in the appeals system for several months to multiple years, and hesitating to seek legal assistance can greatly impact the timeline of your case.
Where Is the Closest Veteran Affairs Office to Los Angeles?
If you are located in the Los Angeles area, you enjoy easy and convenient access to several Veteran Affairs offices. The Los Angeles VA Regional Benefit Office is open for in-person services, while VetSuccess on Campus at Los Angeles City College is available by phone or online for help with VA disability benefits claims.
Should I Request a Board of Veterans Appeals Hearing?
In some cases, requesting a Board of Veterans Appeals hearings is the right course of action. The benefits of requesting a hearing may include the following:
- Ability to speak with a judge face to face regarding the facts of your case.
- Provides the veteran with the opportunity to personalize their case. For instance, if you suffer from a psychiatric disorder as a result of your service, you can describe the circumstances that contributed to your condition and how it impacts your life using your own words.
- Allows you to submit additional evidence to support your case, if necessary.
While it is important to consider these benefits, the disadvantages of a hearing must also be acknowledged. There are extensive wait times associated with requesting a Board of Veterans’ Appeal hearing, which can result in further delays during the process. Moreover, it is not uncommon for an individual to be nervous during the hearing, which can cause them to forget necessary details or impact the overall credibility of their case.
Will I Have to Pay Taxes on the Money I Receive for my Veterans Affairs Disability Pay?
No, the money you receive for your Veterans Affairs disability pay is considered tax-free. This means you do not need to report them as income on your tax return.
Hiring a Los Angeles Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer Near You to Help You with Your Denial
As a disabled veteran, you are entitled to certain support and benefits. Unfortunately, accessing these benefits is not always straightforward. If you submitted an application for VA disability benefits and received a denial, you are not alone. At VetLaw, we have helped veterans across the country navigate the appeals process and win their case. Consider contacting us at (336) 355-8387 to speak with an experienced Los Angeles veteran disability appeals lawyer and begin your free case review today.
More California Resources
