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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 Minnesota 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?

Did you know that an estimated one in three VA disability claims get denied every year? If you’ve been denied crucial benefits, you’re never alone.

Here at Vetus Legal, we help Minnesota veterans—in addition to their dependents—navigate the claims process as well as the appeals process after a claim denial. We’ll help you get the VA disability benefits you’re entitled to.

Disability Claim Eligibility

The first step in determining why your claim was denied is to ensure you are eligible for VA disability benefits. Military 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. 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 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 Minnesota 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
minnesota va lawyers

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

The most common reason claims are denied is lack of sufficient evidence, followed by failure to meet eligibility criteria. Veterans looking to receive 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 legal 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 Minnesota

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.

Veterans’ Lawyer Serving Minnesota

It’s a disheartening and frustrating situation when you’re denied the benefits that you both need and are entitled to. If you’ve been denied the VA disability benefits you need, you don’t have to navigate the road toward compensation alone.

Vetus Legal will be with you through the whole process—from helping you file your claim to appealing a denial. We’ll provide you with the legal representation you need to get the care 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

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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 Minnesota

Over 300,000 veterans reside within Minnesota’s borders, and nearly one-in-three of them struggle with a service-connected disability. That’s why the Gopher State aims to serve Minnesota veterans with various VA resources.

MINNESOTA CERTIFIED VA DISABILITY ATTORNEYS NEAR YOU

  • Minneapolis
  • St. Paul
  • Rochester
  • Bloomington
  • Duluth
  • Brooklyn Park
  • Plymouth
  • Woodbury
  • Maple Grove
  • Lakeville
  • Blaine
  • St. Cloud
  • Eagan
  • Eden Prairie
  • Burnsville
  • Coon Rapids
  • Apple Valley
  • Minnetonka
  • Edina
  • St. Louis Park
  • Moorhead
  • Mankato
  • Shakopee
  • Maplewood
  • Cottage Grove
  • Richfield
  • Roseville
  • Inver Grove Heights
  • Brooklyn Center
  • Andover
  • Savage
  • Fridley

VA Claims in Minnesota FAQs

How can a Minnesota VA disability lawyer help me?

MN lawyers can help you with many services, such as filing a VA claim, increasing your VA rating, or appealing a VA disability denial. When you work with a lawyer, you have a legal advocate on your side who knows the ins and outs of VA law. They can help you compile evidence, file paperwork, and create a strong claim.

Applying for VA disability benefits can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Let an experienced VA layer help you.

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 veterans 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.

How do I increase my VA disability rating?

One way to increase your VA 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 more service-related conditions 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 rating by working with an experienced VA lawyer.

Your attorney will help you compile evidence and submit a solid claim to improve your rating.

NATIONWIDE VA ACCREDITED ATTORNEYS