Dickson County Veterans (VA) Disability Lawyer

Have you recently been denied your VA disability benefits? If you’ve served in the US military and suffer from a service-connected disability, you are entitled to the VA’s disability compensation. However, many veterans struggle to build a compelling disability claim that establishes the link between their medical conditions and their military service.

Don’t lose hope if you’ve received a denial notice from the VA; you can appeal the decision and get another chance to secure the disability benefits you need and deserve. The Law Office of Daniel Martin is here to help veterans in Dickson County and the surrounding areas complete their VA disability appeals. The in-depth knowledge and targeted experience that VA-Accredited lawyer Daniel Martin has in fighting for his client’s rights to disability benefits means your appeal will be in good hands. Schedule your free consultation to discuss your case with a dedicated VA lawyer.

Why Do VA Disability Claims Get Denied?

The specific reasons for denials will vary, but they can usually be grouped into five categories:

• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of service connection
• Non-qualifying condition
• Missed deadline
• Incomplete application

The reason for your denial may be outlined in the determination letter or notification you receive from the VA. If you are unsure why your application was denied, or you’d like clarification on your options for appeal, contact the VA lawyer at the Law Office of Daniel Martin.

What to Expect from the VA Disability Appeals Process

Each stage of the appeals process has its own unique requirements and steps, and it’s important that you understand how to complete your appeal properly to ensure the best chance at approval. The first step is knowing which type of appeal fits your unique scenario.

Requesting a Higher-level Review

This is a relatively straightforward appeal step in which you ask the VA to look at your disability claim again. A higher-level or senior claims adjudicator who was not involved in the original decision will review your claim when you request a higher-level review. You cannot submit new evidence at this step, so the focus of this type of appeal is pointing out errors or oversights in the initial disability denial. This option may be your best chance at a successful appeal if you believe your denial was based on reviewer error or some other misapplication of the evidence you submitted initially.

Submitting a Supplemental Claim

If you have new and relevant evidence that you did not include in your initial disability claim, a supplemental claim could be the most appropriate appeal option. When you file a supplemental claim for VA disability, you can present new medical records, expert opinions, or other documents that support your claim and strengthen your case. The VA must review your original application and the new documents you submit when you submit a supplemental claim. This process may take several months but can significantly improve your chances if you have strong supportive evidence that fills in evidence gaps or addresses other deficiencies in your initial claim.

Appealing to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

If you have a particularly complex disability case or previous attempts at appeal have been unsuccessful, you have the option to appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). The BVA is its own entity, separate from the VA’s initial claims department. You can request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge on the BVA or submit your case for review without a hearing. This appeals process can take a year or more, and it is especially helpful to have guidance from an experienced VA lawyer if you plan on appealing to the BVA. Presenting a strong case with thorough supporting evidence is crucial, which most often requires an understanding of legal strategy and an in-depth knowledge of federal law and VA procedures.

Daniel Martin has helped Dickson County veterans access the VA disability benefits they deserve for 13 years. Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to schedule a free consultation and discuss your appeal options.

Legal Guidance from an Experienced Dickson County VA Lawyer

You only have a limited amount of time after you receive your denial notice to request or file an appeal, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Preparing for an appeal is an in-depth and detailed process. If you are struggling with a service-connected disability, you deserve to have someone in your corner to take on the many tasks required when appealing a VA disability denial, including:

• Gathering evidence
• Completing and submitting necessary documents
• Tracking VA regulations and federal laws

The Law Office of Daniel Martin can help you keep track of deadlines, determine the type of appeal that’s appropriate, and present your case in the most convincing way possible. Our team will be here to support and advocate for you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.