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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 Missouri 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?

When you’ve served in the U.S. military, you’re entitled to certain benefits – particularly if you suffer from a physical or mental injury that is service-related. When you’re denied those benefits, it can be a frustrating and infuriating situation. If the Department of Veterans Affairs has denied your VA disability claim, you’re not alone. By some estimates, roughly one in three of these types of claims are denied every year.

That’s why Vetus Legal helps Missouri veterans from every branch of the military (along with their dependents and survivors) get the benefits they’re entitled to through the claims filing and appeals processes.

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 Missouri 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
missouri va lawyers

What Happens if My VA Disability Claim in Missouri 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 Missouri

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.

VA Claim Lawyers Serving Missouri

Being denied benefits you need and are entitled to can be disheartening. If your disability claim with the VA has been denied, you’re not on your own. In fact, your denial doesn’t even necessarily mean this is the end of the road for seeking compensation.

Here at Vetus Legal, we can help. We are a disabled-veteran-owned firm that will be with you through the whole appeals process, advocating for your rights and ensuring you get every bit of disability compensation 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 Missouri

An estimated 400,000 veterans call Missouri home, and one in five of them suffer from a service-related disability. That’s why the Show-Me State aims to serve its veterans with various VA resources.

MISSOURI CERTIFIED VA DISABILITY ATTORNEYS NEAR YOU

  • Kansas City
  • St. Louis
  • Springfield
  • Columbia
  • Independence
  • Lee's Summit
  • O'Fallon
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Charles
  • Blue Springs
  • St. Peters
  • Florissant
  • Joplin
  • Chesterfield
  • Wentzville
  • Jefferson City
  • Cape Girardeau
  • Wildwood
  • Oakville
  • University City
  • Ballwin
  • Liberty
  • Raytown
  • Kirkwood
  • Mehlville
  • Maryland Heights
  • Gladstone
  • Grandview
  • Hazelwood
  • Belton
  • Webster Groves
  • Nixa

VA Claims in Missouri FAQs

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 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.

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 are VA benefit disability ratings?

The VA calculates compensation for disability based on a rating scale. After reviewing your claim, the VA will assign you a disability rating that reflects your service-related disabilities. The scale is from 0% to 100% and is given in 10% increments.

How do I increase my VA disability rating?

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 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