To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
If you are a Veteran who is suffering from service-connected injuries, you may be entitled to monthly disability benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). These benefits fulfill part of the two-way promise that Veterans and the country make to each other by providing financial support and access to essential services for those facing service-related physical and mental conditions.
While the process of securing these benefits can be more challenging than you might think, a Veterans disability lawyer in our Charlotte office may be able to get you on the right track. The VA-accredited attorneys at Jan Dils, the nation’s largest Veterans law firm, can offer guidance and advocacy so you get the help you need.
Disability benefits address a wide range of physical and mental conditions connected to military service. While some conditions are presumed to be service-connected, many others require detailed evidence to establish the nexus between the injury or illness, and the Veteran’s time in service.
Common physical injuries giving rise to benefit eligibility include damage to the knees, ankles, neck, and spine. Training exercises, physical demands, or accidents during service often lead to these injuries. Chronic conditions like PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome, chronic back pain, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and even Type 2 diabetes may qualify if the Veteran can link them to military duties.
Common mental injuries and conditions that can produce benefit payments include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse issues. These conditions can have a long-term impact on Veterans’ quality of life. They may even interfere with a return to civilian life in a much more substantial way than physical disabilities.
Dealing with exposure-related cancers and other severe ailments is another common problem for many Veterans—particularly those who served in certain regions where chemical exposure was common. Establishing eligibility for these conditions may require medical documentation and statements— Lay Statements from colleagues who can attest to the service-related origins of the condition. A VA disability attorney in Charlotte, NC can help applicants understand the evidence needed to establish a claim.
Disability benefits provide financial compensation and access to essential healthcare and services, allowing Veterans to support themselves, get care for their injuries, and support for their families. In fact, those with dependents usually qualify for additional compensation.
The compensation awarded depends on the severity of the disability and its impact on the Veteran’s ability to work or carry out daily activities. A Charlotte lawyer can provide advice about how different disabilities can impact VA benefits. You can even check out our Veterans disability calculator to gain some sense of what benefits you might be entitled to every month.
While VA benefits are supposed to be able to replace income, they are not asset- or income-based. Employment or retirement income does not reduce the amount of benefits a Veteran can receive.
Securing benefits can get complicated—especially if military service exacerbated an existing condition. Veterans must demonstrate a clear connection between their current disability and military service. Even with thorough documentation, the VA may deny claims due to insufficient evidence, errors in evaluation, or other reasons.
Fortunately, a denial does not have to mean the end of the road. Veterans have three ways to appeal claims. A Charlotte Veterans disability attorney can help someone choose whether filing a Supplemental Claim, seeking a higher-level review, or appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is the best choice in their situation.
Veterans can file a Supplemental Claim if new and relevant evidence emerges that was not considered during the initial claim review. This evidence must directly relate to the condition in question and can include updated medical records or new expert opinions.
Higher level review involves a review by a more experienced claims examiner. This review does not allow the Veterans to submit additional evidence. Instead, it relies on the theory that the original examiner made an error.
Veterans can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for more comprehensive review options. They may request a direct review based on the existing record, submit new evidence within 90 days, or request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. However this appeals process tends to take the longest. A Veteran in Charlotte can work with a disability benefits lawyer to determine the appropriate appeals pathway for his or her claim.
Complex regulations and strict requirements for documentation can be burdens on those looking for VA benefits, resulting in denials for valid claims. Veterans may face biases or administrative hurdles that can hinder their ability to secure benefits.
A Charlotte Veterans disability lawyer at Jan Dils can simplify the process by ensuring claims are accurately prepared and supported by compelling evidence. We can help make the case that your injury or condition was started or exacerbated during your time in the service, and appeal any claim that appeared to be improperly denied. Call us for a free consultation and learn what you can do to secure these much-needed benefits.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
