At Chad Barr Law, our primary objective is to ensure that you receive the highest possible VA disability benefits that you rightfully deserve. We understand that navigating the complexities of the VA claims process can be challenging and overwhelming, particularly after experiencing a denial or receiving a lower VA disability rating than you believe is justified for your current condition. It is at this point that you go through the VA appeal process with a Veterans Disability Attorney.
In this critical area, our team of VA accredited attorneys stand ready to make a substantial and meaningful difference for our clients. With extensive knowledge and experience in VA appeals, we possess the expertise necessary to effectively advocate for our clients’ rights. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing essential support, guidance, and legal counsel to individuals seeking assistance, ensuring that they are not alone as they face the often daunting challenges associated with veterans’ benefits and legal matters.
How a Disability Appeal Attorney Can Help with VA Appeals
- Simplify the process
- Increase your chances of success
- Give tailored legal services
- Provide practical and emotional support
- Alleviate stress and concern
- Set out a clear timeline
- Communicate next steps
- Gather and present relevant evidence for conditions
- Ensure timely filing
- Establish a thorough claim (and any new VA disability claims)
- Advocate on behalf of veterans at VA hearings
- Protect a veterans’ rights
The VA Appeal Process
The VA appeal process begins when a veteran disagrees with the VA’s decision about their disability benefits. This disagreement often arises from the VA’s assessment of the severity of the veteran’s disability. If you want to appeal your disability rating decision, please note the following:
- Generally speaking, the deadline to appeal a VA Disability Decision from the Department of Veteran Affairs is one year from the date listed on the Notification Letter.
- There are some decisions that require an appeal within 30 or 60 days.
- Veteran do not lose the ability to appeal a decision if it has been more than one year. You also do not file a new claim if you fail to appeal within one year.
- It is crucial to understand that failing to file your VA appeal within one year can drastically impact your effective date and appeal options.
- The effective date is the date the VA will start to pay you monthly compensation for each medical condition. If you continuously appeal claims by filing all appeals timely, even if it takes you five years, to win service connection, the VA will assign you the effective date you originally filed that claim, which can result in the VA owing you a significant amount of back due benefits. Whereas, if you do not timely appeal a VA decision, generally speaking, the earliest possible effective date is the date you file the appeal. There are several ways to argue an earlier effective date even if you miss the deadline, but it is more complicated. Further, if you miss the deadline to appeal, you cannot file a Higher Level Review appeal or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Instead, you must file a Supplemental Claim, which requires new and relevant evidence.
Next Steps: Initiating Your VA Appeal with an Attorney
- Have you been denied your claim?
- Have you been fighting for years?
- Ready to start your VA appeal?
If you are in need of legal assistance, we encourage you to reach out to Chad Barr Law by calling 888-2-VETLAW. Our dedicated team is prepared to offer you a free consultation with a highly qualified attorney who is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This professional will advocate tirelessly for your rights and ensure that your voice is heard. Remember, you do not have to navigate this challenging journey by yourself. We are fully committed to supporting you every step of the way, and we are here for you whenever you require our assistance.
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