Clarksville Veterans (VA) Disability Lawyer

Veterans in Clarksville and throughout Tennessee have earned certain benefits thanks to their military service, and VA lawyer Daniel Martin is dedicated to protecting their right to access these benefits. When you need someone in your corner to fight for the VA disability compensation you deserve, contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to speak with an experienced Clarksville VA attorney.

Who Can Apply for VA Disability?

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be entitled to VA disability compensation. Requirements for this benefit include disability severity, military service details, and onset of the medical condition. Depending on the type of qualifying medical condition, you may need to file VA Form 21-526EZ plus documents like VA Form 21-0781 for post-traumatic stress disorder claims or VA Form 21-8940 for individual unemployability.

The road to approval can take months from the date of the original claim, so ensuring every document is complete and all supporting documents are included is crucial to keep your application on track. Some veterans may qualify for priority processing if they meet certain criteria, including:

• Financial hardship
• Terminal illness
• Former prisoner of war
• 85 years old or older
• Diagnosed with ALS
• Medal of Honor or Purple Heart Award recipient

If you want to request priority processing, you will need to submit an additional form.

What are the Appeal Options After a VA Disability Denial?

The VA’s decision review process is available for veterans who disagree with a VA claim decision, and there are three review options.

Supplemental Claims

If new and relevant information that was not included in your original claim is available, you may be able to request that the VA review your supplemental claim. The requirements for this process are:

• The VA made a decision on a previous claim
• Your claim is not contested

You must meet both of these criteria to request a supplemental claim review. There must also be new and relevant evidence to submit, which means the VA did not consider the evidence previously, and it may prove or disprove an element of your disability claim. You may also be able to request this claim if there has been a change in the law that could impact your claim decision.

Higher-level Review

A higher-level review can be requested after an initial claim or supplemental claim decision. You must file your request for a higher-level review within one year from the date of your decision letter. The VA has set a goal for completing these claims within four to five months, but some cases may take longer, depending on the details and required procedures. For instance, if you request an informal conference, you could be waiting longer for your higher-level review to be completed.

Board Appeal

A Board Appeal could be an appropriate option if you want to appeal an initial claim, supplemental claim, or higher-level review decision. You have one year from the date listed on your decision letter to start the Board Appeal process.

Tips for a Successful VA Disability Application

There are no guarantees when applying for VA disability benefits, but there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of a successful application. While it’s always a good idea to have a VA lawyer help you with your claim, we believe everyone should be familiar with some of the best practices so they can make informed decisions.

Review the VA Requirements

Timelines, effective dates, and government forms are only a few of the factors you’ll need to keep in mind when applying for VA disability benefits. It’s crucial that you comply with all of the VA’s requirements, or you could risk having your claim denied.

Provide Thorough and Accurate Information

Missing or incomplete information in your application will almost always cause delays in the processing time and can often lead to denial of your disability claim. The application process can be lengthy even without delays, so you will want to do everything you can to keep the timeframe as short as possible.

Keep Track of Your Progress and Follow Up

You can check the status of your claim online, and keeping track of the progress also allows you to respond to any requests for additional information or records. It’s not uncommon for the VA to request supplemental documentation or clarifying information. Follow up on the status of your claim to ensure it continues moving through the system properly.

Contact VA Lawyer Daniel Martin for Help with Your Disability Claim

Whether you are unsure about how to get started with your application or you are seeking representation for an appeal, Daniel Martin is here to advocate for you and help you get the benefits you deserve. Careful preparation, thorough documentation, and an in-depth knowledge of the VA disability claims process will improve your chances of approval. You don’t have to do this on your own – contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to schedule a free consultation.