Hillsborough County Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer

Legally reviewed by Brendan Garcia , Owner and Lead Attorney

The VA process can be incredibly frustrating. The time, energy, and resources it requires to apply for VA disability benefits is substantial and receiving a denial can leave you unsure of where to turn for help. At VetLaw, our practice is dedicated to helping disabled veterans secure the benefits they need and deserve. An experienced Hillsborough County veteran disability appeals lawyer from VetLaw, will know how to successfully navigate the Veteran Affairs appeals process to overturn unfair VA decisions. To learn more about how we can help, consider contacting our office at 336-355-8387 today.

What We Do

Founded nearly a decade ago by United States Marine Corps Veteran Brendan Garcia, VetLaw was established to demystify the VA process and assist veterans in accessing the services they require. We center our practice around trust and transparency, only accepting payment for our services if we win your case. This “no win, no fee” structure is central to our work, and motivates us to work hard for the success of your case. Now, Attorney Brendan and Appellate Attorney Matthew White represent disabled veterans across the country, making VetLaw the law firm of choice for so many individuals and their families.

What Is the Veteran Affairs Decision Review?

Veteran Affairs decision review is the current process used by the VA to handle appeals. This process has replaced the former VA legacy appeals system. Now, there are three different avenues available to individuals who want to appeal their VA decision. These three options include:

  • Submitting a Supplemental Claim to provide new or relevant evidence that can support your case. New evidence refers to evidence that the VA did not consider during your initial application, while relevant evidence means any information that may prove or disprove some aspect of your case.
  • Petitioning for a Higher-Level Review to request a new review by a senior reviewer. This reviewer will determine whether an error has been made or if a difference of opinion can change the decision.
  • Requesting a Board Appeal to have a Veterans Law Judge to review your case. Using this option, you can request a direct review, submit new evidence, or request a hearing.

The option you use to appeal your VA decision will depend on the unique circumstances of your case and it is important to proceed using a tailored legal strategy. Your Hillsborough County veteran disability appeals lawyer will work with you to understand which option is right for you and guide you through the next steps of the process.

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

There are some important issues to consider after Veteran Affairs denies your VA disability claim. Immediately after receiving your decision letter, be sure that you review the letter carefully and understand the reason for your denial. VA disability claims are denied for a range of reasons, and the legal strategy that you employ moving forward will depend on the basis of your denial. If your claim was denied due to a lack of sufficient evidence, for instance, your next steps will differ from a person who received a denial due to an error in the application process. For this reason, reaching out to an experienced Hillsborough County veteran disability attorney may be helpful after Veteran Affairs denies your VA disability claim.

How Can a Hillsborough County Veteran Disability Attorney Help Me Navigate the Veteran Affairs Appeals Process?

Your attorney will serve as your trusted advisor and advocate at every step of the Veteran Affairs appeals process. A Hillsborough County veteran disability attorney will be able to help you navigate the following aspects of the appeals process:

  • Submitting necessary paperwork to initiate the appeals process
  • Gathering new and relevant medical evidence to substantiate your case
  • Addressing errors that arose during the application process
  • Communicating with Veteran Affairs regarding issues related to your case
  • Representing you at a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge

When Should I Hire A Hillsborough County Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer to Help Me with My VA Disability Claim Appeal?

Hiring an attorney as soon as possible to help with your VA disability appeal can be helpful. This is primarily due to the time limits associated with the appeals process. After receiving your VA decision, you have one year to file an appeal. Waiting too long can impact the outcome of your case. Seeking legal assistance immediately can ensure that your attorney has the time necessary to develop your case and gather all necessary documentation to support your appeal.

Where Is the Closest Veteran Affairs Office to Hillsborough County?

There are Veteran Affairs offices located in communities around the country to provide support and services to veterans. Hillsborough residents enjoy close access to the Veteran Readiness and Employment Office at Tampa Workforce Office as well as the Pre-Discharge Site at MacDill Air Force Base for assistance with VA disability benefits.

What Are the VA Disability Percentages?

Veteran Affairs will assign every individual a disability percentage that reflects the overall severity of their condition. VA disability percentages are used to determine if a person is  eligible for compensation and how much disability compensation they may receive per month. Disability percentages can range from 0 to 100 percent and are calculated in increments of ten percent, with ten percent disability being the minimum VA disability percentage required to receive compensation. Our Disability Calculator can be used to help estimate your VA disability percentage.

What Is TDIU?

TDIU refers to Total Disability Individual Unemployability and is a rating for veterans who cannot work due to their service-related condition. You may qualify for TDIU if you are unable to work due to your disability. If you are eligible for TDIU, you will be entitled to the same benefits as a veteran who has a 100% disability rating.

Hiring a Hillsborough County Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer Near You to Help You with Your Denial

Navigating the Veteran Affairs appeals process can be intimidating. At VetLaw, we work alongside disabled veterans to avoid the common errors that delay the process or result in outright denial. As experienced and knowledgeable Hillsborough County veteran disability appeals lawyers, we understand how to successfully appeal a VA decision and obtain benefits. We offer a free case review to discuss your case in greater detail. Consider contacting us at 336-355-8387 today to begin the process.

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