Washington D.C. Veteran Disability Appeals Attorneys
We’ve helped thousands of veterans nationwide appeal denied VA claims and win. If you have received a negative decision from the VA, Call for a free case review. If we don’t win, you pay nothing.
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Was Your VA Disability Claim Denied?
We have helped veterans in Washington D.C. and throughout the nation appeal their denied VA disability claims. If you have received a negative decision from the VA – we can help! Our team will review your case for free to determine your best course of action.
Let our seasoned VA disability claims attorneys take your case from a crisis to an opportunity for compensation, as we have done for countless other veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Get in touch with us at (855) 738-6732 or through a contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Washington, D.C. veteran disability appeals lawyers. We can offer a fresh and insightful perspective on your VA disability benefits claim.
Veterans Disability Claims in Washington D.C.
There are three main criteria involved when determining if a veteran in D.C. is able to receive disability benefits from the VA. A veteran will need to prove that they meet each of these criteria in order to file their disability claim with the VA.
1. Definition of Veteran
The VA has specific requirements when it comes to meeting their definition of veteran for purposes of disability compensation. These requirements mainly include the period of service as well as the discharge type.
The minimum service period varies depending on when the veteran served, and the discharge type generally needs to be anything other than Dishonorable. Certain “Other than Honorable” discharges may serve as a bar to benefits as well, however, this depends on the individual veteran’s circumstances.
2. Existence of Current Disability
When filing a claim with the VA, it is important to be very thorough and avoid vague information. A detailed list with full names, body parts, and symptoms for each disability you are seeking entitlement for is crucial for the VA to be able to confirm you meet their criteria. Therefore, you’ll need proof of a specific diagnosis from a healthcare provider for the VA to recognize your claim as credible.
3. Disability is Service-Related
You must be able to connect your disability to your service. Providing the VA with complete medical records, documentation from your doctor, and a medical nexus letter in support of your claim will help them connect the dots on the cause of your disability.
A service connection designation also covers certain pre-existing conditions that your military service either aggravated or accelerated.
Veterans Disability Denials in Washington D.C.
If the VA believes you have not adequately met any of their three criteria, you will be issued a denial. A denial can be issued for any of a variety of reasons. However, one of the most common is the veteran’s failure to provide a medical diagnosis of their disability, or if the VA does not believe that the disability is service-related.
Then, VA will provide a denial letter that will outline their reason or reasons. This will be crucial information when building a strategy to overcome the denial. A Washington D.C. veteran disability appeals lawyer can guide you on how to handle a VA denial effectively.
Washington D.C. Veterans Disability Appeals
A denial is not the end of the road – there are several options available to veterans in D.C. after they receive a denial from the VA. All veterans who receive a denial have the right to pursue an appeal.
Depending on whether your case is considered a Legacy Appeal, or if it falls under the rules of the Appeals Modernization Act, you will need to either file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) or file a form to choose an appeal option.
These options include a Higher Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and a Direct Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. A Supplemental claim involves sending the VA new evidence to consider, while a Higher-Level Review allows a more senior VA evaluator to reassess your case.
A Direct Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is by far the most intensive of the available options. There are several options a veteran can pursue when it comes to their appeal, including a formal hearing, or submitting additional evidence to be considered by the Board.
These formal hearings allow veterans to present their case before the judge who will then make the decision in their case. An experienced Washington D.C. veteran disability attorney will be able to assist throughout the entire appeals process – even as far as representing you at any Board meetings to help ensure a favorable outcome.
Washington D.C. VA Resources
D.C. is home to more than 31,000 veterans, meaning they make up about 4.4% of the city’s adult population. There are numerous resources in D.C. that serve veterans.
There is a regional benefits office located in Washington D.C. for veterans to seek assistance regarding their VA benefits.
There is one VA medical center located in Washington D.C.:
VA DISABILITY BENEFITS CLAIM TYPES
INDIVIDUAL UNEMPLOYABILITY BENEFITS
- Individual Unemployability Appeals
- Individual Unemployability Back Pay Claims
- Individual Unemployability Denials
- Permanent and Total Disability Claims
- Total Disability Individual Unemployability
CHEMICAL & TOXIC EXPOSURE CLAIMS
Contact a D.C. VA Disability Lawyer Today
A Washington D.C. Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyer’s role is to assist you throughout the confusing and often frustrating appeals process. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist with your VA disability claim.
However, once one of our capable veteran disability claims lawyers is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. Then, they will take action on your behalf.
If your VA disability claim has been denied in D.C., then be sure to contact the VA-accredited Attorneys at VetLaw right away to help make sure you get the entitlement you deserve.
You can reach us at (855) 738-6732 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. With VetLaw, you can expect outstanding service and results because that is the standard we hold ourselves to.
MOST COMMON PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
- Arthritis
- Arm & Shoulder Injuries
- Asthma
- Back Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Bronchitis
- Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Pain (Somatic Symptom Disorder)
- COPD
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Diabetes
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)
- Head Injury
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Joint Disorder
- Knee Pain & Injuries
- Lumbosacral Strain
- Migraine Headaches
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
- Neck Arthritis
- Neck Pain
- Non-Battle Injury
- Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Prostate Cancer
- Radiculopathy
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Scars
- Sciatica
- Sleep Apnea
- Spinal Fusion
- Spine Disorder
- Thyroid Disorder
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
- Varicose Veins
MOST COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISABILITIES
If you have been denied VA disability benefits in Washington, DC, then you should speak with an experienced Veterans Disability Lawyer right away. They will be able to help you analyze the reasons for your denial. Additionally, they will assist you in gathering documentation in order to pursue the appeal path that is best for you.
Many service-related conditions grow worse over time. However, the VA can increase a veteran’s disability rating in order to better reflect their true disability. A veteran in DC can request that their rating be reevaluated so long as they can provide documentation showing that their medical condition has worsened since the initial rating was determined.
Winning a VA appeal in DC largely depends on the case you put together. In order to win your appeal, you will need to compile additional documentation proving your service-related injury. Working with an experienced Washington, DC VA disability attorney will significantly increase your chances of winning the appeal. Additionally, they will be able to guide you through the process and make sure your claim is fully documented.
Veterans shouldn’t have to wait longer than 15 days to receive their first direct deposit or check for veterans disability benefits once the VA has issued a decision.
If more than 15 days have lapsed, then you should reach out to the VA about the delay in disbursement. The VA makes disability payments to veterans on a monthly basis going forward.
The VA reimburses veterans for the disability back pay benefits they have collected in a lump sum payment. This is done instead of splitting the amount up into monthly payments like the VA does for future disability compensation.
Back pay benefits are compensation that the veteran has already proven they qualify for. Alternatively, for future disability benefits, the veteran typically has to continue to demonstrate they are eligible in order to keep collecting those benefits.
The VA keeps a record of the physical and mental conditions it offers veterans benefits for. As of 2022, these are several of the most common disabilities among veterans:
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Limitation of flexion in the knee
- Scars
- Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
- Migraines
- PTSD
- Lumbosacral or cervical strain
Although most of the top spots are occupied by physical conditions, mental health issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and anxiety impact a significant number of veterans across the U.S.
However, they may be less likely to seek treatment for mental health conditions as opposed to physical injuries or illnesses, partially accounting for the gap. Additionally, establishing a service connection for a mental illness can be more complex. Consequently, this further limits the number of veterans the VA offers disability benefits to for psychological conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a DC lawyer for VA disability?
If you have been denied VA disability benefits in Washington, DC, then you should speak with an experienced Veterans Disability Lawyer right away. They will be able to help you analyze the reasons for your denial. Additionally, they will assist you in gathering documentation in order to pursue the appeal path that is best for you.
How do I maximize my VA disability in Washington, DC?
Many service-related conditions grow worse over time. However, the VA can increase a veteran’s disability rating in order to better reflect their true disability. A veteran in DC can request that their rating be reevaluated so long as they can provide documentation showing that their medical condition has worsened since the initial rating was determined.
What are the chances of winning a VA appeal?
Winning a VA appeal in DC largely depends on the case you put together. In order to win your appeal, you will need to compile additional documentation proving your service-related injury. Working with an experienced Washington, DC VA disability attorney will significantly increase your chances of winning the appeal. Additionally, they will be able to guide you through the process and make sure your claim is fully documented.
How long will it take for me to receive my disability benefits from the VA?
Veterans shouldn’t have to wait longer than 15 days to receive their first direct deposit or check for veterans disability benefits once the VA has issued a decision.
If more than 15 days have lapsed, then you should reach out to the VA about the delay in disbursement. The VA makes disability payments to veterans on a monthly basis going forward.
Does the VA issue disability back pay benefits in a lump sum payment?
The VA reimburses veterans for the disability back pay benefits they have collected in a lump sum payment. This is done instead of splitting the amount up into monthly payments like the VA does for future disability compensation.
Back pay benefits are compensation that the veteran has already proven they qualify for. Alternatively, for future disability benefits, the veteran typically has to continue to demonstrate they are eligible in order to keep collecting those benefits.
What are the most common service-connected disabilities veterans receive VA benefits for?
The VA keeps a record of the physical and mental conditions it offers veterans benefits for. As of 2022, these are several of the most common disabilities among veterans:
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Limitation of flexion in the knee
- Scars
- Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
- Migraines
- PTSD
- Lumbosacral or cervical strain
Although most of the top spots are occupied by physical conditions, mental health issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and anxiety impact a significant number of veterans across the U.S.
However, they may be less likely to seek treatment for mental health conditions as opposed to physical injuries or illnesses, partially accounting for the gap. Additionally, establishing a service connection for a mental illness can be more complex. Consequently, this further limits the number of veterans the VA offers disability benefits to for psychological conditions.
