You fought for your country. You gave your all and then some, and you’ve got the wounds to back it up.
We have helped veterans in Louisiana 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.
You fought for your country. You gave your all and then some, and you’ve got the wounds to back it up.
You invested time, energy, and effort into protecting and serving. Now all you’re asking for is for the government to keep its promise to you—and award the veterans disability benefits that will at least keep your head above water while you navigate civilian life.
At Vetus Legal, we know this struggle all too well, which is why we’re dedicated to getting Louisiana veterans the benefits they deserve. We put our boots on the ground and go up against the VA to get your benefits approved and disability rating increased.
This is one battle you can take the back seat on—starting with a consultation with our VA lawyers serving Louisiana.
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.
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:
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.
Of course, an essential requirement for VA disability benefits in Louisiana 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.
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:
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.
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.
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 work with you through every step of this process, starting by reviewing your claim as well as the VA’s decision. We promise to give you an honest assessment of your claims before we move forward with an appeal.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
At any given moment, VA has a benefits backlog of over 100,000 applications, meaning the odds are stacked against you before you even start.
At Vetus Legal, we’re here to ensure your appeal doesn’t slip through the cracks. Contact our team today to get the VA disability compensation benefits you deserve.
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.
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.
An estimated 283,000 veterans reside within Louisiana’s borders. That’s why the Bayou State aims to serve its veterans with various VA resources.
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 level. 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.
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 experienced veterans disability attorneys 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.