Stewart County Veterans (VA) Disability Lawyer

Veterans deserve access to the benefits they were promised and that they earned while serving the country. Over 5.3 million veterans in the United States have a service-connected disability, and many more do not have a VA disability rating for their injuries.

If you are fighting to receive the disability benefits you’re entitled to, you don’t need to go through this alone. The Stewart County VA lawyer at the Law Office of Daniel Martin has extensive experience helping veterans obtain the benefits they deserve.

Whether you’re appealing a denial or seeking a review of a rating you disagree with, a VA disability attorney can help you navigate each step and advocate for you throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

VA Disability Claims in Tennessee

A VA disability claim can be filed online through the Veterans Affairs’ eBenefits portal. Depending on what your claim is based on, you may need some or all of the following forms:

• VA Form 21-526EZ
• VA Form 21-0781
• VA Form 21-8940

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure which forms are needed for your VA disability claim, you may benefit from consulting with a VA lawyer in Stewart County.

Your effective date is based on the date you file your claim, which is why acting quickly to apply is crucial. If the VA takes many months or even years to process and fully adjudicate your claim, you will likely receive back pay that begins on your effective date if approved. It’s also important to note that if an appeal is necessary, you must meet all the deadlines in order to secure your effective date. If you have to reapply, your effective date will change to the date of the new application.

Veterans can receive a disability rating for multiple conditions, and each disability claim will have its own individual effective date based on when the claim for that condition was initially submitted.

Appealing a VA Disability Denial

If the VA denied your disability claim, rated your disability too low, or set an inaccurate effective date, you have the right to appeal the decision. Depending on the type of mistake the VA made with your determination, the Law Office of Daniel Martin may be able to help you pursue an appeal via several routes. Our VA disability appeal lawyer has helped countless veterans seek the benefits they’re entitled to.

The VA disability appeals process can be lengthy, and the stress of dealing with the red tape and hurdles can exacerbate many medical conditions veterans are seeking disability benefits for. Having a qualified VA lawyer on your side is invaluable for your peace of mind and overall well-being, as well as the success of your appeal.

VA Notice of Disagreement

A Notice of Disagreement (NOD) is a type of appeal in which you notify the VA that you disagree with its decision. There is a form that must be submitted, but you can also provide additional documentation and supporting materials to establish why you disagree. It’s a good idea to include as much information and documentation as possible since the VA will have a chance to respond with a Statement of Case (SOC).

The SOC summarizes the disability claim and case; it is essentially the VA’s opportunity to restate why the original decision was made in an effort to defend the choice to deny your benefits. Then, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals reviews the documents and makes a determination. Veterans who receive another denial from the Board can appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Choosing the Right Tennessee VA Disability Lawyer

Before choosing a VA lawyer to represent you in your disability claim appeal, you will want to ensure they are the best fit to represent you. Only you will know what your priorities are, but you may want to focus on the following:

• Overall experience
• Reputation
• Specific experience with VA claims
• Their approach to cases
• Reviews and testimonials
• Communication style

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your attorney and that you trust them to get the job done. Consultations offer a valuable opportunity to determine if an attorney seems like the right fit. Make sure to ask questions during your consultation.

Contact the Law Office of Daniel Martin to schedule a free consultation with our VA lawyer.