How to File a Veterans disability law firms Disability Claim

A claim for disability from a veteran is a request for compensation due to an injury or illness that is connected to military service. It could also apply to dependent spouses or children who are dependent.

A veteran might need to submit evidence in support of an claim. Claimants can accelerate the process by attending their appointments for medical examinations and submitting required documents promptly.

Identifying the Disabling Condition

The possibility of ill-health and injuries that result from service in the military, including muscle and joint disorders (sprains, arthritis and so on. veterans disability law firms are prone to respiratory issues and hearing loss, among other ailments. These injuries and illnesses are eligible for disability benefits at a higher rate than other types due to their long-lasting consequences.

If you were diagnosed with an injury or illness while on active duty or in the military, the VA will need proof that this was the result of your service. This includes both medical clinic and private hospital records regarding your illness or injury and also the statements of friends and family regarding your symptoms.

The severity of your issue is an important aspect. If you're active younger vets may recover from certain muscle and bone injuries. As you get older however, your chances of regaining your health diminish. This is why it is important for a veteran to file a claim for disability early on, while their condition isn't too severe.

If you are a recipient of an assessment of 100% permanent and total disability are able to apply for Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI/SSDI). It is helpful to the Veteran if they provide the VA rating notification letter sent by the regional office. This letter should indicate that the rating is "permanent", and that no further tests are scheduled.

Gathering Medical Evidence

If you want your VA disability benefits to be approved you must provide medical evidence to prove that the condition is severe and disabling. This could include private medical records, a letter from a physician or other health care provider who treats your health issue, as well as evidence in the form of pictures and videos that show your symptoms or injuries.

The VA is legally required to make reasonable efforts to acquire relevant evidence on behalf of you. This includes both federal and non-federal records (private medical records, for example). The agency should continue to search for these records until it is certain that they do not exist or further efforts would be in vain.

When the VA has all of the information required, it will prepare an examination report. This is based on the patient's history and the symptoms, and is usually presented to a VA examiner.

The examination report is used to decide on the disability claim. If the VA determines that the illness is caused by service the claimant will receive benefits. If the VA disagrees, the veteran may contest the decision by filing a Notice of Disagreement and asking for an examiner at a higher level to review their case. This process is referred to as a Supplemental Statement of the Case. The VA may also reopen an appeal that was previously denied if it receives new and relevant evidence to support the claim.

How to File a Claim

To prove your claim for disability, the VA will need all of your medical and service records. You can submit these documents by completing an eBenefits application on the VA website or in person at a VA office near you, or via mail using Form 21-526EZ. In certain situations, you may need to submit additional documents or forms.

Finding civilian medical records that confirm your condition is also important. This process can be speeded up by providing the VA with the complete address of the medical care facility where you received treatment. Also, you should provide dates of treatment.

The VA will conduct an exam C&P after you have submitted the required documents and medical evidence. This will consist of physical examination of the affected part of your body. Additionally, depending on how you are disabled, lab work or X-rays might be required. The examiner will draft an assessment report, which he or she will send to the VA.

If the VA decides that you are entitled to benefits, they'll mail a decision letter with an introduction, their decision to approve or deny your claim and the rating and the specific disability benefit amount. If you are denied, they'll detail the evidence they looked over and the reasons for their decision. If you contest the decision, the VA will send an additional Statement of the Case (SSOC).

Make a decision

It is crucial that claimants are aware of all the forms and documents needed during the gathering and review of evidence phase. The entire process can be delayed if a form or document is not completed correctly. It is important that claimants take their exams on time.

The VA will make an official decision after reviewing all evidence. The decision will either be to accept or reject it. If the claim is denied you may file a Notice of Disagreement to request an appeal.

The next step is to create the Statement of Case (SOC). The SOC is an accounting of all the evidence considered, the actions taken, decisions made and the laws governing those decisions.

During the SOC an applicant can also add new information to their claim or have it re-adjudicated. This is known as a Supplemental Claims or Higher-Level review, or Board Appeal. Making changes to an existing claim can assist in expediting the process. These appeals allow a senior judge or veteran law judge to review the initial claim for disability and make a new decision.