Being denied benefits you feel you deserve is a frustrating and disheartening experience. But if your claim has been denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs, you’re not alone.
We have helped veterans in Michigan 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.
Being denied benefits you feel you deserve is a frustrating and disheartening experience. But if your claim has been denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs, you’re not alone.
At Vetus Legal, we help Michigan veterans from every branch of the military, as well as their dependents, get the help they need. From filing your claim to filing a compelling appeal, we’ll help you get all the VA benefits you’re entitled to.
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. Military 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 military 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 Michigan 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 the rights and benefits of Oregon veterans of the United States Armed Forces or other recognized Uniformed Services.
Our law firm can help you address VA claim denials at the following levels:
We will review your claim carefully, examine the VA’s decision, and assess your case. Then, we will give you a candid assessment of your claim and how we can help you.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
If you need to apply for VA benefits—or if you’ve submitted a claim that was denied—you’re not alone. In fact, an estimated 30% of VA disability claims every year are denied. The good news is that Vetus Legal can help many veterans.
We’ll be by your side through every step of the process, advocating for your rights and helping you get every VA compensation benefit you’re entitled to.
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.
Roughly 550,000 veterans live within Michigan’s borders, and almost 20% suffer from an injury or disability with a service connection. That’s why the Great Lake State aims to serve its veterans with various VA resources.
The sooner you hire a VA lawyer, the better. Whether you need help filing a claim or submitting an appeal, Michigan veterans’ benefits lawyers can help you. If you have a lawyer when submitting your claim, you may have a better chance of being approved for your veterans’ disability benefits the first time around.
Alternatively, as soon as your claim gets denied, you should hire a lawyer so they can help you with the appeals process.
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 VA disability 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 veteran’s benefits 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.
Each case is different, and there is no common settlement amount. The amount of VA disability you will receive for your injuries depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries and your ability to work due to your disabilities.
One way to increase your VA disability rating is to submit a claim if your service-related injury has gotten worse since VA granted you disability compensation for that condition.
You can also increase your overall compensation rating by adding another condition with a service connection to your claim. For example, if you discover another injury or disability that you weren’t already aware of, you can file a new claim that includes the recent conditions.
Finally, you can improve your disability rating by working with an experienced VA lawyer. Your attorney will help you compile evidence and submit a solid claim to improve your rating.