Atlanta Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer

The process for obtaining VA disability benefits is incredibly complicated and can leave you feeling frustrated and stuck in the system. If you or a loved one has experienced a veteran disability claim denial, all hope is not lost. Through focused legal strategy, it is possible to obtain VA disability benefits through the appeals process. At VetLaw, we work alongside disabled veterans and their loved ones to appeal unfair VA decisions and secure the benefits they deserve. To learn more about how an Atlanta veteran disability appeals lawyer from our can help, consider us at 336-355-8387 today.

For Veterans, By Veterans

What sets VetLaw apart from other law firms is that we were founded by Veterans, for Veterans. Our founding attorney, Brendan Garcia, is a United States Marine Corps veteran who has spent time working as an attorney at Veteran Affairs. Given this firsthand experience with the VA process, Attorney Brendan created VetLaw to provide the necessary legal support to veterans who feel stuck in the process.

We are passionate about fighting for the rights of veterans and that passion is reflected in every aspect of our legal practice. Believing that representation should be available to all, regardless of financial standing, we have implemented the “no win, no fee” structure. If you hire us, there are no out-of-pocket costs for you. Rather, we are only paid when your case is won, and your VA disability benefits are secured. This structure motivates us to work tirelessly to resolve your case and provide high-quality legal representation to every veteran we work with.

What Is the Veteran Affairs Decision Review?

In 2017, Veterans Affairs modernized the appeals process, shifting away from the VA legacy appeals process to the Veteran Affairs decision review system. Under this new system, veterans have three different avenues to appeal an unfair VA decision. These three options include the following:

• Using a Supplemental Claim to provide the VA with new or relevant evidence that may change the prior decision made on your case.
• Seeking a Higher-Level Review to request that a senior review re-evaluates your case.
• Requesting a Board Appeal to bring your case directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals in Washington, D.C. Through this option, you can submit additional evidence, request a direct review, or request a hearing with a Veterans Law Judge. A Board Appeal can be used to appeal an initial claim, a Supplemental Claim, or a Higher-Level Review decision.

Your Atlanta veteran disability appeals lawyer will help you select the Veteran Affairs decision review option that is right for you and guide you through the necessary next steps of the process.

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

If you disagree with Veterans Affairs’ denial of your VA disability claim, it is important that you continue pursuing your case at the appeal level. The first step to appealing a VA decision is completing and submitting the necessary forms to initiate the process. For the Supplemental Claim, this is the VA Form 20-0995 and for Higher-Level Review, this is the VA Form 20-0996. You can request a Board Appeal online using the VA Form 10182. Your attorney can help you navigate this process and avoid the common mistakes that claimants make during the first steps after receiving a denial.

How Can an Atlanta Veteran Disability Attorney Help Me Navigate the Veteran Affairs Appeals Process?

The legal representation that your attorney will provide to you depends on your unique needs and expectations. They can be as involved in the process as you want, and many veterans have called upon our Atlanta veteran disability attorneys to help with the following matters:

• Completing the necessary forms to begin the appeals process
• Gathering medical evidence from healthcare providers to support your claim
• Representing you during a Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing
• Avoiding common pitfalls are often arise during the process

When Should I Hire An Atlanta Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer to Help Me with My VA Disability Claim Appeal?

There is a very specific time limit for when a person can appeal a denial. You must file an appeal within one year of receiving your Statement of Case (SOC), the document that details the VA’s decision on your case. Waiting too long can negatively impact the outcome of your case, emphasizing the importance of hiring an attorney to help with your VA disability claim as soon as possible after receiving your SOC.

Where Is the Closest Veteran Affairs Office to Atlanta?

There are Veteran Affairs offices located in communities around the country to provide support and services to the men and women who served in the armed forces. The closest VA office to Atlanta is the Atlanta VA Regional Benefit Office. The Atlanta Veteran Readiness and Employment Office is also available via phone and online but is closed for in-person services.

What Is a Nexus Letter?

To have your VA disability claim approved is difficult, requiring a great deal of evidence to connect your disability with your military service. Proving this connection is not always straightforward, and the VA may attempt to minimize the extent of your condition and the impact your military service had on your health. A Nexus Letter helps to show the connection between your disability and the events that occurred during your service.

This document is prepared by a physician or other medical professional and explains how your condition is related to your service. While not necessary, a Nexus Letter can make a substantial difference in the success of your case. Your Atlanta veteran disability appeals lawyer can help you secure a Nexus Letter, if this document would better support your case.

Will I Have to Pay Taxes on the Money I Receive for My Veterans Affairs Disability Pay?

No, you will not have to pay taxes on the money you receive for my Veterans Affairs disability pay. Your VA disability benefits are tax-free and do not need to be reported as income on your tax returns.

Hiring an Atlanta Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer Near You to Help You with Your Denial

Securing VA disability benefits is undeniably difficult, but it is not impossible. At VetLaw, we have worked with numerous disabled veterans and their loved ones to navigate the appeals process and successfully secure much needed benefits. To begin your free case review with an experienced Atlanta veteran disability attorney, consider contacting us at 336-355-8387 today.

More About Other Areas We Serve
Georgia veteran disability appeals attorneys
Marietta veteran disability appeals lawyer