I am in desperate need of getting help with my disability claims. I'm in need of a law firm to help me. I need suggestions/reommendations?

PO3 Shauneille Peoples — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:20:07 -0400

I had most of my injury surgies at Andrews AirForce base hospital. The VA is saying that means I get no benefits for my injuries. I find that hard, and they won't go to Andrews to get information saying I had the surgeries.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 12:34 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:34:25 -0400

updated your topics for greater reach

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Aug 29 at 2023 12:36 PM

SSG Michael Noll — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:36:05 -0400

You have to provide medical documentation I was always told. Can you request a copy of your medical records? I turned in a copy and have my original copy and x-rays as well.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 12:53 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:53:34 -0400

Most of the claims that are submitted directly by the claimant fail to get recognized as there is insufficient medical information and other information on which to base an acceptance of a claim... You don't need an attorney as there are certified resources in the DAV in your area to assist you with filing a claim...they can help and advise you what VA forms you need to provide and if you provide the information on requested on the form, the correct documentation will be forwarded directly to the correct VA claim center and the Service Officer will follow it through...More information may be needed, but they will assist you...but you have to maintain contact with your designated Service Officer working with you... Message me if you want to contact a DAV Service Officer near you.

Kerry Harkins
Commander and CSO
DAV Chapter 90
Norwood, Massachusetts

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 29 at 2023 1:55 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 13:55:29 -0400

OK, let me get a bit of additional information. I assume that if you were treated at Andrews that you were still on Active Duty, is that correct? Did those surgeries correct the damage from your injuries? Do you have documentation that the injuries were service related?

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 29 at 2023 2:52 PM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 14:52:59 -0400

PO3 Shauneille Peoples, I'm skeptical of that being the correct interpretation of whatever the VA told you unless you have a new claims processor that is completely out of their element. The VA is required to assist in getting the government records so someone at the VA saying that they won't do it doesn't sound right. I'm not talking about how much REAL assistance they gave in getting the records, I'm just referring to someone actually telling you that "we're not going to ask for them".

Regarding the injuries, I assume you are having ongoing issues because of those injuries - if not, then there is no claim to make with the VA (I'm not saying this does apply to you - I'm just stating in case it might). For example, if you broke you leg in the Navy but it recovered fully and you had no ongoing issues (pain, limited range of motion, etc.), then there's no compensation to be made regarding your military service.

Back to the records (I assume you don't have a copy and that you already checked the box of "Navy junk" in your basement) - If the VA tried to find the records and couldn't, another possibility is that the Navy (when you separated) or the Air Force (where you were treated) screwed-up and sent your records to someplace they weren't supposed to.

You have 1987 to 1996 listed as your dates of service with the Navy which means your medical records should have been sent by them to the VA's Records Management Center (the Navy sent them there between 1994 and 2013). You can double-check with them, but it would be pretty gross negligence for the claims processor not to see your records were onsite.

If for some reason your records weren't sent there, they may (not likely, but possible) still be at Andrews AFB*. They SHOULDN'T be there as standard DoD policy is to move them to the archive spot (which at that time would still have been the VA Records Management Center) if they haven't been accessed in over five years.

As Sgt Private RallyPoint Member mentioned below (I'm partial to the DAV as well), you should never go through the VA process yourself. Veteran Service Organizations (DAV, VFW, etc.) all have VA accredited* individuals who can help with your claim and it won't cost you anything. If you DO go the lawyer route, make absolutely sure you go with one that is accredited by the VA* as ONLY accredited individuals can legally represent you to the VA (basically if they aren't accredited, you're just paying them for advice in putting together a claim).

Another place to try for your medical records is to contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)* at the National Archives. The records SHOULDN'T be there, but assuming there were mistakes that occurred and those mistakes were cosmically aligned, they could have ended up there.

Again, two steps you should do - Contact a VSO for assistance (again, partial to the DAV, but any accredited one can help) and try to find the records yourself.

Good Luck!
----------------------------
* VA Duty to Assist - https://www.va.gov/resources/vas-duty-to-assist/
* Andrews AFB - the 316th Medical Group runs the hospital there and would have had your records when you were treated. Contact them to see if they are still there ( [login to see] / Phone: [login to see] / Fax: [login to see] ) - https://andrews.tricare.mil/
* VA Accreditation - https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/
* Search for VA accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) Representatives - https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
* NPRC - https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/medical-records.html

VA’s duty to assist | Veterans Affairs

Find out what “duty to assist” means and what happens if we find a duty-to-assist error.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 3:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:44:05 -0400

Contact the DAV, they will help you out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2023 5:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 17:39:27 -0400

PO3 Shauneille Peoples This Attorney Group produced positive results for me... they get 20% IF they are successful...

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 30 at 2023 3:16 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:16:47 -0400

You need only to contact the DAV.

Response by SGT David Schrader made Aug 30 at 2023 6:45 PM

SGT David Schrader — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:45:51 -0400

I would try to meet up with a Veterans Service Officer from DAV, VFW, American Legion. I also had a friend that received a lot of help from Wounded Warriors Foundation .

Response by SSG Dale London made Sep 1 at 2023 5:14 AM

SSG Dale London — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:14:50 -0400

First, the fact that you were treated at a military installation is actually great for you if you are looking for VA compensation. It will be much easier to establish a service connection because it will all be in the official record. Also, bear in mind that service connection does not necessarily mean not that you were injured BY your service, only that you were injured while in service or that your service was as likely as not (50/50) involved in worsening an existing condition.
Two important questions:
1 - Have you already completed and submitted an application for VA disability benefits?
2 - If so, have you been denied service connection or, instead, been rated at 0%? If you were denied, you need to work on establishing a nexus for service connection. If you were rated at 0% your service connection has been recognised but your level of impairment falls below the threshold for compensation *at this time*. Apply again later.
If you have not yet submitted an application, do NOT go to a lawyer to help you with your application. They are prohibited by law from charging you to assist in making an initial application but some lawyers finagle a way to do it anyway. There are groups out there who will do it for free and have a great track record. The Disabled Veterans of America (DVA) are great, as is the VFW (who helped me get 100% on my initial application).
If you have already submitted, then a lawyer may be your best bet. Start here on Rally Point and ask people who have gone through the process for advice. Most lawyers will want a cut of your initial payout - which is fair if they've helped you get it. But be sure to check on them to make sure that they are accredited to work with the VA Appeals Board, that they have a good track record, and that their fees are on par with other lawyers working in this field
Top Tip - In any case, contact DVA or the VFW and talk through your case with one of their VSOs. It's free and they know their stuff.
Good luck and thank you for your service.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 13 at 2023 12:58 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:58:47 -0400

Possibly wasting your money, since if you win- they get a cu up front. Almost all veteran groups have advocates that are trained to chart the Map of VA requirements and it is free. American Legion, DAV are 2 of the best.

Response by LT Mike Anda made Oct 19 at 2023 10:05 PM

LT Mike Anda — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 22:05:43 -0400

Petty Officer Peoples, there are many good resources posted. The local DAV Officer may be able to help with the paperwork and submissions for you. The VA makes their decisions off the 32 CFR Book C. If the language is in your file to support a percentage of disability, they’re likely to grant it. If not, you may need to go to your current medical provider to make sure the language is there to support your claim. I needed to hire someone to help because I wasn’t mentally in a place to deal. I ended up going with a private company that takes a portion of the back pay and handles it for you. Here is her email, she did great work for me, you can let her know I referred you and she’ll take a good look at your file and let you know. They don’t work unless they think you have a case and facilitate. Jennifer Thomas [login to see]

All the best!

LT

Response by SGT Jon Goldsberry made Oct 21 at 2023 6:24 AM

SGT Jon Goldsberry — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 06:24:56 -0400

As Kerry Hawkins stated, the DAV is an excellent organisation to help with your Disability claims. And the best part is they do not charge you for their help. Every DAV officer I have worked with has done everything they can to assist in so many ways, not just with my Disability claims. As far as someone from the VA saying you get no disability because you got treatment at an active duty hospital? Run from them! Report them! Doesn't matter of you were treated by the Air Force.or a civilian doctor. If you have issues that are documented in your service medical records, then you have the right to file a claim. Do go to a lawyer who will charge you for the service so many service organizations provide for free, and they do it well! There are others who provide this free service as well but I believe DAV is best. Barring that, there are also state officers and, in some cases, county officers, whose entire function is to assist veterans with their benefits (GI Bill, VA Loans, etc) at no cost to the veteran.

I'm really sorry you are learning the hard way. Go to your local DAV. They WILL happily straighten out the issues ans file all necessary forms to the correct office so you can get the benefits you EARNED. They are jot a priveledge to be taken away. You served honorably so you are entitled to them. Get them. Good luck

Response by SGT Michael Turner made Oct 28 at 2023 10:39 AM

SGT Michael Turner — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 10:39:18 -0400

Go to Wounded Warrior program and enroll in the Alumni program. Once you are in the program Wounded warrior will help you.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Oct 28 at 2023 12:39 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 12:39:58 -0400

Try the Board of Appeals, it may help. Also, many lawyers with do the case for free, especially those teaching in a law school. Good luck, Semper Fi

Response by CPO Kurt Baschab made Oct 28 at 2023 4:34 PM

CPO Kurt Baschab — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:34:56 -0400

First off , every injury that you every had while on active duty, on or off , during or after working hours is consider a injury that happen on active duty.
why?
when on active duty or under orders we are consider on duty 24-7
it does not matter where you were treated as long as it is documented in your health care records or PDR. if it has not been documented in your records , as far as the VA is concerned , it never happen !

I recommend you Go Talk to a DAV ( Disable American vet) REP or check with the VFW,( Veterans of foreign wars) OR AMERICAN LEAGION , they have personal that will help write up your claim for free, some city's, even have a disable veteran office and they will help you write up your disability claim for free.

You can also go straights to your local VA , call and ask if they have a local (DAV) (VFW) OR American Legion Representative working at the VA , you can make a anointment to see him or her, I have yet not seen a (DAV), (VFW), American Legion REP, at the VA .
as for law firms, I need more information's , what state do you live in, I can give you the name of the law firm in my state of FL, that not going to help you if you live in NEW YORK.

Response by SPC Stuart Bispo made Oct 28 at 2023 10:29 PM

SPC Stuart Bispo — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 22:29:02 -0400

Veterans Guardian [login to see]

Response by SGT Karen Emanuelson made Nov 4 at 2023 7:35 PM

SGT Karen Emanuelson — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 19:35:01 -0400

I want to second what Sgt Kerry Harkins said about the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Those folks are ROCK STARS & fought for me for over 25 years. I know I'm an odd case--but I CONTINUALLY had all my claims denied by the VA for 25 years. I had a hearing with a VA judge on 14 Feb 2014 & my representative for that hearing was a DAV fellow up in Denver I'd never met or talked to before. He POURED over my claims & records--even working on them overnight. This man, Steve was his name--was absolutely AMAZING. I asked him if he thought the VA kept denying all my claims because I refused my ETS physical & he said YES & wondered why would I do such a thing. Well...in the last physical of my life decades ago, I went to a "demand" physical (I had no choice but to go) when I was pregnant with my daughter & the physician sexually assaulted me during the "physical." Steve explained that to the VA judge--her eyes got HUGE & he told her we're not filing on that today & will get to that later. WELL in November of the same year I started going to Comp & Pens (compensation & pension exams) and in the new year, I started winning. Started off at 30% & in 5 years, made it to 100%. I know you're frustrated with the 3 years, but the VA tends not to move quickly or very well for the most part. Here's the upside: You will get back pay! I got 7 years back pay & used the $$$ as a down payment on my ranch. So--get in touch with the DAV & let them help you. Another group of folks who helped me were at the VBA which has an office in the VA I go to in Colorado Springs. The important thing is to not give up.

Response by PO2 Steve Spillane made Nov 23 at 2023 8:11 PM

PO2 Steve Spillane — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 20:11:50 -0500

Hey I am a fellow NAVY veteran. I started trying to do a claim back in 2005. There’s so many little quirks took me forever to figure it out. I will leave my email in here. I have a lot of suggestions I just don’t want to post everything will take forever I recently just got 100%. I know what to do so is my email [login to see] . Happy Thanks Giving and hang in there. Look forward to hearing From you. Regards, Steven BM3

Response by SN Don Soileau made Dec 17 at 2023 12:14 PM

SN Don Soileau — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 12:14:23 -0500

Disabled American Veterans, D.A.V., helped me get to 100% with a little help from the American Legion plus indespensible help from Combat Craig on YouTube.add to that a lot of time.

Response by LtCol Bruce Janis made Jan 1 at 2024 6:06 PM

LtCol Bruce Janis — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 18:06:44 -0500

I was 30% by the VA. The service groups thought that was fine. Then contacted an enrolled agent, certified by the V.A.. He got all the paperwork in order, fought for me at a hearing, and upped it to 70%, with my also being Individually Unemployed. His fee…10% of all back pay. Better 90% pd something than 10% od nothing. all along, the service organizations; DAV, VFW, AmericanLegion, all Pooh-poohed my choice, but again, were not interested in doing more than drinking coffee in the V.A. Center.

Response by SPC David C. made Jan 1 at 2024 10:34 PM

SPC David C. — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 22:34:03 -0500

Deuterman got results for my wife in two weeks flat. That's after the VA spent three years telling her to take a hike and DAVE proved themselves to be absolutely useless. Not sure if they stretch out to your area, but a private law firm that deals specifically with the VA is the way to go and totally worth their weight in gold.

Response by SMSgt Frank Mitchell made Jan 9 at 2024 12:37 PM

SMSgt Frank Mitchell — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:37:12 -0500

My advice is to contact Veterans Guardian. They got me from 50% to 100%. Yes there is a fee = 5X your increase. They do all the paperwork but you may have to pay a referred doctor. This people are awesome!

Response by LTC Douglas Garst made Jan 10 at 2024 6:13 PM

LTC Douglas Garst — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 18:13:24 -0500

Google your State Veterans Affairs office, for example if you live in Virginia then Google Virginia Veterans Affair Office, that office will help you with filing your claim, get medical documents, etc.l

Response by LTC George Monsson made Jan 10 at 2024 10:37 PM

LTC George Monsson — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 22:37:49 -0500

I'm late to the discussion, it just popped up for me 5 months after you originally posted. Are you still in need of assistance?

Response by SGT Kerry Sommers made Jan 11 at 2024 5:55 PM

SGT Kerry Sommers — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:55:28 -0500

Don't give up. The VA will put up many road blocks. I have been waiting a year now and it is still in processing. Every time I call VBA I get a different or confusing answer. The last time they called me and apologized and said that my claim was completed but it was put back into the cloud by mistake. They apologized profusely. A week later they told that it never happened. My VSO is not very proactive. It is really frustrating. I have cancer, kidney disease, and I am on 6 liters of oxygen. I will probably die before they decide. It so sad.

Response by SFC Stephen Brixen made Jan 12 at 2024 2:57 PM

SFC Stephen Brixen — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 14:57:51 -0500

I used VetDefender and with in a year she was able to help me get awarded 100% P&T. She is a great woman and truly cares about her veterans.

Response by SPC C O made Jan 12 at 2024 5:33 PM

SPC C O — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:33:12 -0500

This is the website for VA accredited attorneys, etc. I live in Arizona and used Woods and Woods who are out of Indiana. https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp

OGC - Accreditation Search

Response by SSgt Harry Smith made Jan 12 at 2024 5:42 PM

SSgt Harry Smith — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:42:03 -0500

I finally got mine approved by the following company, which does not charge you if your claim is not approved, and if it is approved, they only charge you 25% of your first check:

Victory disability [login to see] [login to see]

They so assisted me with obtaining my Social Security disability. They charge the same as they do for VA claims. Very helpful, but be patient! It doesn’t happen right away, but it will happen!

Response by SPC Michael Budzinski made Jan 14 at 2024 3:27 AM

SPC Michael Budzinski — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 03:27:46 -0500

A law firm is a waste of time. Most important things to do are go to every single appointment and ask to document in notes all problems found. If going to any outside doctors get their notes and add to your medical files. As far as a veteran’s advocate? Many people don’t realize that the VA’s regional office has their own. IMO they are the most qualified and knowledgeable counselors can find. They also have everything at their fingertips and easily can advise what steps need to be taken. If lucky can find a compassionate person. Once my counselor found taking too long and went to that person’s desk, took my file moving forward personally. People believe that the VA purposely deny claims. In my experience it’s always about the lack of the right information in your file. When denied they usually determine this, but don’t offer any information how to obtain. So it’s up to you to make sure that your doctors fully describe your injuries and for you to push to resolve or indicate all symptoms related to your disabilities. This usually is a long process. As your diagnosis worsens your claims gradually increase. Main problems usually generate from having a serious issue trying to get full compensation without this gradual increase of information in your VA file. A lawyer can do zero except take a chunk of your back pay when awarded arrears in compensation. Can’t fast track the process.

Response by SPC Michael Budzinski made Jan 14 at 2024 3:40 AM

SPC Michael Budzinski — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 03:40:03 -0500

For any to say an organization like the DAV or the American Legion is an excellent choice is purely based on their experience. Unfortunately it all comes down to the person despite the VSO. There are compassionate people, intelligent and resourceful individuals and of course there are ignorant POS’s too that simply fill out forms. It all comes down to you advocating for yourself and keeping in contact with whoever is assisting you asking what is needed. Please read my other post. It’s a long difficult process for most, plus when get where you want? It’s often not worth the price paid. Why suicide rates are so high. I would do anything to go back to a 50% health.

Response by MSgt Michael Dow made Jan 14 at 2024 7:36 AM

MSgt Michael Dow — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 07:36:13 -0500

try Veterans Guardians. it’s not free but anything collected only happens if you are awarded veteran benefits . They helped me after years of working through the VA

Response by CPL Jason Northedge made Jan 14 at 2024 1:41 PM

CPL Jason Northedge — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 13:41:24 -0500

If you want my 2 cents. If your claim has been denied twice get an attorney. You can find one that does 20% or less. Normally an ex jag officer. The VA has lied and cheated to try not to pay me. But if you have a legit claim fight! But you'll need an attorney. This is coming from 8 yrs of fighting.

Response by TSgt David Olson made Jan 14 at 2024 2:43 PM

TSgt David Olson — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:43:10 -0500

I was diagnosed by the VA initially for hearing loss and tinnitus. I filled out the paperwork, and attached necessary documentation to support my claim. Five months later I received notice from the VA that my claim had been approved. Now I was in the “system”. During a screening for Agent Orange the psychologist diagnosed me with PTSD. At my local VA health clinic I was interviewed by the psychiatrist, who diagnosed me with PTSD. Accordingly I submitted the claim forms and documentation to support my claim. Some months later I was notified that I had been approved for a disability rating for PTSD. At this time my PTSD was becoming worse, and my psychiatrist was worried about my workplace environment. He had been treating me with a prescription drug. Because of his concern he increased the dosage level, and during the session he typed a letter to the VA benefits office outlining his opinion, and concern regarding my outlook. I attached the letter to the new claim for my condition, and sent it to the DAV service officer for delivery to the VA. Six weeks later I received the notice from the benefits adjudicator giving me a 100% disability rating for PTSD. During all this process, several years, I completed all my paperwork, excluding official documents. No you do not need a lawyer. The DAV, VFW, and other service organizations have people who can assist you with the process. The responsibility lies with you to make sure you have all the official documentation to support your claim. Failure to not provide the documentation supporting your claim, will result in denial.

Response by PO3 Bobby Quisenberry made Jan 14 at 2024 5:52 PM

PO3 Bobby Quisenberry — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 17:52:40 -0500

I used Trajector! They have the medical staff, the testing, the write up experts and the legal people. You can't go wrong. They will walk you through everything and even find things you are disabled for which you didn't realize. You will pay for their services but usually that amount will be only from the time it is filed until the time the VA starts paying so it is as if no money comes out of your pocket. I am 100% satisfied with them regardless of the govt saying you shouldn't or don't need to pay anyone to help you. I wouldn't have even done it had they not took the helm and did everything.

Response by LCpl Craig A. Charbonneau made Jan 14 at 2024 10:22 PM

LCpl Craig A. Charbonneau — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:22:38 -0500

I really don’t think you need the help
Of a law firm that’s going to take your money. Contact the DAV and they will represent you at no charge. They hss as be the knowledge and experience on 10s of thousands of claims
Best of luck

Response by TSgt Louis Nieves made Jan 15 at 2024 12:20 AM

TSgt Louis Nieves — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:20:06 -0500

find a vso officer thru the dav.org.

Response by SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman made Jan 15 at 2024 2:50 PM

SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 14:50:32 -0500

When I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer (Agent Orange, Vietnam), I had the surgery done at City of Hope. When I later applied for VA disability benefits, I began to receive $56 a month. It seemed like a trivial amount for losing an organ that is necessary for having children. A few years later, I met a vet who was part of an organization that provides free legal service to vets with disabilities. I signed up and went for an interview. He asked all the right questions and I discovered that many of the maladies that I have were service related. They filed the paperwork with the VA and I now get $657 per month. I suggest you contact Gold Coast Veterans Foundation email: [login to see]

Response by Cpl Brian Ruby made Jan 15 at 2024 6:18 PM

Cpl Brian Ruby — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:18:38 -0500

Took me over 40 years to get the VA to acknowledge my hearing loss. Fighting with the over the contaminated water I drank, showered and swam in at Lejeune right now. Good luck.

Response by PO1 RIchard Petty made Jan 15 at 2024 7:49 PM

PO1 RIchard Petty — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 19:49:56 -0500

Do you have Facebook and part of group Veterans 2 Veterans Info group, they give a lot of advice and share how to file claims. Also, one of the admins Yvonne Maria Brooks she holds seminars on how to improve our filings and ratings. They are very helpful, also go to nearest DAV, VFW and they will help.

Response by MSgt Jeanette Evans made Jan 15 at 2024 9:39 PM

MSgt Jeanette Evans — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 21:39:00 -0500

PO3 Peoples - Most likely you do not need an attorney - yet. It does depend on where you are in your claim process. If you have just received a denial - then "ANY" of the Veteran Service Organizations in your area likely have "Accredited" Veteran Service Officers (VSO) who can assist you with filing the "PROPER" next step paperwork.

It is ILLEGAL for an attorney to file "initial" disability claims for veterans. Attorneys may ONLY file appeals. And IF you do sign up with one - they will take a huge percentage of any award they might obtain for you. Attorneys are NOT trained in law school on VA Law (or at least they didn't used to be). It is something they might choose to learn on their own. So there is no guarantee an attorney would do any better than a VSO.

An 'Accredited' VSO is trained specifically in VA Law. You can do a search for VSO in your area - or go to Legion.org and there is a 'find a service officer' button then look up your state. Or any of the other Service Organizations - DAV / VFW and some other Orgs. In most states - there are County Service Officers - but a good majority of those individuals only do initial claims - not appeals. Then there are 'Accredited' VSO's located in almost all the the State Veterans Offices.

The ONLY time you would need an attorney to assist with a claim is if your appeal has reached the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (USCAVC). And most frequently there is a law firm attached to the Veterans Service Organization representing you that will represent you at no cost - they are paid via EJA - Equal Justice Act funds.

I am a retired Veteran Service Officer from the State of Nevada and also from The American Legion. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions (I am still accredited).

Response by FN Steven Santucci made Jan 17 at 2024 10:32 AM

FN Steven Santucci — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:32:40 -0500

Contact an attorney. I use Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC. This office is in Buffalo NY, and they use phone and video for hearings. You don't have to be there. Their Phone # is [login to see] or [login to see] which is one of the Case Manager for Veterans. They got me 50% and I had 0. The VA will take off 20% of what you rate at. Its well worth it they do the majority, keep records, if you have a video with a VA Law Judge, they will talk to you first, then they do the talking for you and you can talk too but the way they present your case to the judge is great. I had another hearing, and I am waiting for the results. Good luck.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made Jan 17 at 2024 11:41 AM

Cpl George Matousek — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:41:22 -0500

Try to find a lawyer to help you. Semper Fi

Response by LT Mike Anda made Jan 17 at 2024 11:43 AM

LT Mike Anda — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:43:25 -0500

Injuries need to be defined under 32 CFR Book C.

https://benefits.va.gov/WARMS/bookc.asp

I would find your injuries here with associated ailments and percentages. See your primary care and have the descriptions added in medical treatment notes that match the description directly from the CFR Schedule of Ratings. If you need help, DAV does it for free. It’s a pain in the butt, had to learn all this to get mine approved as well as get an assist from DAV. All the best!

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2024 11:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:57:34 -0500

Here are some links I would recommend you check out first: https://www.legion.org/
or https://www.dav.org/
or, long shot https://www.va.gov/POST911VETERANS/

The American Legion a U.S. Veterans Association

The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the U.S. through diverse programs and member benefits.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2024 2:14 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:14:00 -0500

Lawyers charge 20% of back pay. DAV is free.

Response by SGT Charles Maggart made Feb 29 at 2024 10:42 PM

SGT Charles Maggart — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:42:10 -0500

Facebook. VA claims insider. Better than an attorney. Only pay if you get a rating. Check them out.

Response by MSgt George Murray made Mar 18 at 2024 5:32 AM

MSgt George Murray — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:32:32 -0400

You need to talk to a VA advocate. They can get the ball rolling for you.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made May 11 at 2024 5:32 PM

Cpl George Matousek — Sat, 11 May 2024 17:32:16 -0400

I have been waiting 9 years for my Agent Orange claim for cancer. Had BOA hearing in March 2023, sent to VA for exam, told definitly from Agent Orange, still waiting to hear from them. They gave the PTSD disability within a month of applying . Now I have colon/rectal cancer, my cancer doctor says it is from agent orange, filed another claim with Va. Semper Fi