The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides many kinds of benefits to those who have served our country in the armed forces. For example, veterans who find themselves disabled due to a service-related injury may collect payments through the VA’s disability compensation program.
Many servicemembers sustain wounds in combat, training accidents, or experience emotional pain from witnessing traumatic events. They may also suffer from debilitating diseases from exposure to toxic substances in any branch of service.
These benefits can substantially impact your financial future, but many veterans find difficulty in claiming compensation without the help of a VA-accredited attorney. A seasoned Charlotte veterans’ disability lawyer can advise you on how to file an initial claim and help you pursue an appeal in case of a denial.
A successful disability claim requires a former servicemember to prove that they suffer from a disabling condition. Medical records compiled by a VA physician can form the basis of a successful disability claim, as working directly with them allows them to monitor the severity and scope of your condition.
Additionally, your condition must be the result of an incident which took place during your active-duty service. Records from your active duty time that document a battlefield wound, a loud explosion, or consistent exposure to heavy machinery or toxic chemicals may suffice to prove this element of qualification for disability benefits.
Finally, you must have been discharged from the military under honorable conditions. A dedicated Charlotte veterans’ disability attorney can help you understand the VA’s qualifying factors for disability benefits and interpret any denial letters that you may receive. Click here to view the latest 2022 va disability rates.
The receipt of a denial letter does not have to be the end of a veteran’s disability claim. Regardless of the specific reasons for a denial, a former servicemember has the right file an appeal to challenge the VA’s assessment, but in most cases, they have only one year from the date of the denial letter to do so.
There are several appellate paths available to veterans, and choosing the correct one can be vital. For instance, you may request that your local VA reopen your file and consider new evidence. This may be the best option when the VA lists insufficient medical information or a lack of connection between your condition and active duty service as the cause of your denial.
You can also request a hearing before an administrative law judge. While this may take longer, a judge can examine your case in its entirety without influence from a local VA office. Fortunately, a skilled veterans’ disability lawyer in Charlotte can help you pursue appeals and enhance your chances of success.
A veteran who is disabled as a result of an accident that took place during their active duty service may be entitled to compensation. Qualifying disabilities may include physical conditions, mental health problems, or a combination of the two. If a service-connected injury causes a measurable effect on your health or ability to work, you should consult VetLaw’s team of knowledgeable attorneys.
It is not uncommon for a former servicemember to be denied the benefits that they need, but a Charlotte veterans’ disability lawyer can help you navigate this complex process, evaluate the reason for any denial you receive, and—if necessary—help you choose an appropriate path for appeal. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.
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