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Why can we only help with an appeal or denial and NOT new claims?

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WAS YOUR VA DISABILITY CLAIM DENIED?

We have helped veterans in California and throughout the nation appeal their denied VA disability claims. If you have received a negative decision from the VA – we can help! Our team will review your case for free to determine your best course of action.

VA Disability Claim Denied?

By some estimates, roughly 30% of VA disability claims are denied each year. Has the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied your claim? Vetus Legal helps veterans of every branch of the U.S. military—along with their survivors and dependents—receive the VA disability benefits to which they are entitled.

Disability Claim Eligibility

The first step in determining why your claim was denied is to ensure you are eligible for VA disability benefits. Veterans must prove they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in a VA disability claim.

Definition of a Qualifying Veteran

The VA defines a qualifying veteran as one that meets specific requirements regarding service period and type of discharge. Service period requirements vary depending on the years in which the veteran served.

For an individual to be considered a qualifying veteran, their service period must have been either 24 consecutive months or for the entire service period in which they were called to active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training.

Exceptions to the service period requirements include:

  • Veterans who served prior to Sept. 7, 1980
  • Veterans who were discharged due to hardship
  • Veterans who were discharged after a disability that was made worse or caused by their service in active duty

Dishonorable discharges generally disqualify a veteran from VA disability compensation. “Other than Honorable” discharges may disqualify the veteran from disability benefits. Still, exceptions exist that allow VA to find such veteran’s service to be sufficiently honorable.

Have a Current Disability

Of course, an essential requirement for VA disability benefits in California is that the veteran is indeed disabled. It’s a good idea for veterans filing for benefits to think about any and all ailments and health issues they suffer from and make a list of them.

It helps the veteran during the claims process if they seek medical treatment for the health issues they’re experiencing instead of just “sucking it up.” Being treated for these conditions will create official documentation outside the claim process confirming the health problems they’re experiencing.

Show the Current Disability is Related to Recognized Service

A veteran filing a VA disability claim must be able to prove that the disabling condition is connected to their service.

Veterans should include the following to help the VA verify that the disability resulted from service:

  • A medical nexus letter from a qualified, medically-trained expert
  • Physician documentation
  • Complete medical records
  • Buddy statements from family, friends, or service members explaining their observations of the frequency, severity, and duration of the symptoms they see and when they first observed them
California VA Lawyers

What Happens if My VA Disability Claim in California is Denied?

The most common reason claims are denied is lack of sufficient evidence, followed by failure to meet eligibility criteria. Veterans seeking disability benefits should consult with an experienced VA attorney to ensure their claim is processed correctly and all necessary evidence is presented.

Appealing Your Denied VA Disability Claim

If the VA denies your disability claim, it does not mean the fight is over. You have the right to appeal the VA’s decision. It is essential to look at the denial letter and identify why the VA has denied your claim. This information will be important when building your case for a VA appeal.

The process is more intensive if you need to go with the option that includes a hearing. The help of a VA attorney will go a long way in guiding you through the appeals process and ensuring a favorable outcome.

Top VA Disability Lawyers in California

At Vetus Legal, our goal is to advocate for your rights and legal benefits as a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or other recognized Uniformed Services.

If the VA has denied your compensation claims, we’re here to work for you by addressing claim denials at the following levels:

We will diligently review your claim, inspect the VA’s decision, and assess your case with expert eyes to give you a candid assessment of your claims.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

VA Claim Lawyers Serving California

If you’ve been denied crucial Veterans’ disability benefits, remember that you don’t have to walk this complicated road alone. Vetus Legal can be by your side every step and advocate for you and help you obtain every VA compensation benefit you deserve.

VA DISABILITY CALCULATOR

Step 1

Enter your disabilities using the buttons below.

If your disability is on an extremity push that proper leg or arm button then push the percentage, if it is not just select the percentage.

Disabilities List (click to remove)

Step 2

Answer these questions below.

Do VA disabilities keep you from working? If so, you should be rated at 100%.

FREE CASE REVIEW

Current Disability Rating

0%

Your monthly payment amount is

-

PRESUMPTIVE CONDITIONS

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.

What do the new presumptive conditions mean for you?

It’s simple: If you meet the criteria, you are automatically eligible for VA benefits. If you feel you are qualified and the VA has denied your claim, contact us immediately.

COMMON VA DISABILITY CLAIMS

  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
  • Anemia
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
  • Chronic Conjunctivitis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
  • Coronary Artery Disease (Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease)
  • Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
  • Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
  • Diabetes Type 2
  • Eczema
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Flat Feet (Pes Planus)
  • Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Hearing Loss
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Ischemic Heart Disease
  • Limitation of Flexion of the Knee
  • Limitation of Motion of the Arm
  • Limitation of Range of Motion of the Ankle
  • Limited Motion of the Jaw (Temporomandibular Disorder)
  • Lumbosacral or Cervical Strain
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Meniere's Syndrome
  • Migraines (Headaches)
  • Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Prostate Gland Injuries
  • Radiculopathy
  • Scars, General
  • Sinusitis
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Somatic Symptom Disorder (Chronic Pain Syndrome)
  • Tinnitus
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Varicose Veins
  • Vertigo

Veterans Resources in California

An estimated 1.8 million veterans reside within California’s borders, a higher number than in any other U.S. state. That’s why the Golden State aims to serve its veterans with various VA resources.

CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED VA DISABILITY ATTORNEYS NEAR YOU

  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • San Jose
  • San Francisco
  • Fresno
  • Sacramento
  • Long Beach
  • Oakland
  • Bakersfield
  • Anaheim
  • Stockton
  • Riverside
  • Santa Ana
  • Irvine
  • Chula Vista
  • Fremont
  • Santa Clarita
  • San Bernardino
  • Modesto
  • Moreno Valley
  • Fontana
  • Oxnard
  • Huntington Beach
  • Glendale
  • Santa Rosa
  • Elk Grove
  • Ontario
  • Oceanside
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Garden Grove
  • Lancaster
  • Palmdale

VA Claims in California FAQs

Should I get a VA disability lawyer?

It’s always a good idea to speak with an experienced VA disability attorney as soon as possible following a denied claim. A wealth of knowledge of VA law and strategies for the appeals process will go a long way in achieving a favorable outcome for your case.

How long does a VA appeal take?

Currently, the average time it takes for the VA to issue a decision on an appeal is less than 12 months at the lower levels but much longer at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Of course, the type of appeal you file will significantly impact the time it takes for a decision. 

For example, requesting a hearing before a veterans law judge on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals could result in a much longer waiting period.

What percentage of VA appeals are successful?

The chances of winning your VA appeal will depend on several factors. The reason for the denial is the most significant factor. 

For example, suppose your initial claim was missing crucial information or proof of claim, and you have access to information that would resolve the denial. In that case, your chances of winning the appeal are higher. 

Working with an experienced VA attorney will increase your chances of success during the appeals process since they’ll be able to guide you and work to complete the documentation of your claim.

NATIONWIDE VA ACCREDITED ATTORNEYS