What is the best way to go about fighting for VA disability benefits without having to hire an expensive lawyer?

VA Medical Centers do not award disability ratings, that is the job of the Veterans Benefits Administration. VBA is also responsible for increasing and decreasing disability ratings. VA Medical Centers only provide health care services and the health exams that VBA used to determine a Veteran’s disability ratings. Should you have specific questions about your case, I would suggest contacting your local VBA representatives.

Find a good VSO (Vet Service Officer) so of the best are in the DAV and the American Legion. Give them all of your paper work- Copies, cause they know the ins and outs. Keep your hopes up but be prepared- VA works funny. 23 yrs in, 4 conflicts as 11B, 22 yrs on jump status= VA originally rated my 10% for eac knee, legs, shoulders for a total of 10%. After PTSD, Severe Depression I am now up to 60%.

It's best to go to a VSO. They are usually free and know what they are doing. Attorneys fees are capped at 20% of your back pay. Attorneys cannot charge a fee until the Vet files a Notice of Disagreement with the VA.