FAQs

Applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can seem fairly straightforward. However, successfully applying for SSD or SSI requires an understanding of not just what information is required to create a successful application, but also that the information is presented in a manner that is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Having skilled guidance while you are putting together your application can greatly increase the likelihood of your application being accepted. Our social security disability attorneys and staff are happy to meet with you and take care of putting together your application.

Our SSD lawyer brings exceptional experience in helping individuals secure the SSD benefits that they deserve. We will walk you through all of the necessary steps and help you create an application that has the best possible chance for success.

Judges and clients appreciate the way that we, a local law firm, tailor legal services specifically for them. The United States has a number of well-qualified Social Security Disability law firms to help claimants whose claims are denied. Clients select our firm for several reasons, including the following:

• They appreciate the face-to-face interaction that they have with the legal team
• They benefit from time that we spend preparing each client for administrative hearings. We get to know them and their cases in depth.
• They suspect that national law firms would seem more impersonal and removed from their specific situations.
• They are glad to know that we will never sell our clients’ cases to out-of-town law firms, but rather, will remain personally invested in their claims and appeals.
• They observe how adept and detailed I am at applying relevant rules and regulations to their cases involving denied SSD claims – culling key information from more than 1 million pages of laws governing Social Security Disability.
• They are reassured by our commitment to stay up to date on changes in regulations, rules, operating manuals and processes through membership and leadership in professional organizations.
• They learn about how our attorney participates in, plans and teaches CLE (continuing legal education) seminars and stay up to date in all areas of law affecting our clients’ cases.

Absolutely. Contact us today to set up a phone appointment with founding member and VA accredited attorney Brendan Garcia. If you have a copy of your most recent denial letter or VA decision, it is helpful to upload a copy of that HERE prior to receiving your free case review.

VetLaw is not a typical law firm – we are a national law firm dedicated to representing veterans, dependents and survivors who have been denied benefits by VA. Our practice is limited to veterans law issues so that we can provide each veteran with the attention to detail their case deserves. We work nationwide and accept cases pending.

Our initial consultation and case evaluation is free of charge, with no strings attached. If your case involves an appeal before any of the 56 Regional Offices nationwide or before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, we typically charge a contingent fee based on the amount of retroactive pay we obtain on your behalf.

The Equal Access to Justice Act (typically referred to as “EAJA”) applies only to cases appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims. Thanks to the funds available through EAJA, we are able to provide legal representation at this level with no charge to the veteran or claimant.

If you have a denial or other decision issued by a VA Regional Office, then you need to file either a Notice of Disagreement (NOD), or VA Form 9, depending on the type of decision. If you have a final decision issued by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, then you will need to file a Notice of Appeal with the Clerk of Court at the Court of Appeals for Veterans

The Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims (CAVC) is an appellate court which has jurisdiction over all final decisions issued by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. An appeal to CAVC is the first time you will have the opportunity to have your appeal heart by a judge who is NOT an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs.Any decision issued by BVA which has denied benefits,