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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 Rhode Island 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?

After spending so much time and effort applying for VA disability, your claim gets denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). You feel lost and helpless, but you are not alone. So many other veterans are denied access to benefits that help them with their service-connected conditions.

Let a VA lawyer from Vetus Legal help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free case review.

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 Rhode Island 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
rhode island va lawyers

What Happens if My VA Disability Claim in Rhode Island 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 Serving Rhode Island

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

We understand how discouraging it can be to get your claim denied. If the VA has denied your compensation claim, we’re here to work for you by addressing claim denials at the following levels:

We will review your claim, inspect the VA’s decision, and assess your case to give you a candid assessment of your case. We are devoted to helping Rhode Island veterans get the compensation they deserve for their service-related conditions.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

VA Claim Lawyers Serving Rhode Island

Applying for VA benefits can be time-consuming. So receiving a denial after all your efforts is devastating. As difficult as it is, don’t give up. Rely on the VA lawyers from Vetus Legal to protect your rights as a United States veteran. We can help you appeal your denied claim to get you the compensation to which you’re entitled.

Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

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 Rhode Island

The State of Rhode Island serves and houses over 50,000 veterans and their families. That’s why Rhode Island aims to provide its veterans with various VA resources.

RHODE ISLAND CERTIFIED VA DISABILITY ATTORNEYS NEAR YOU

  • Providence
  • Warwick
  • Cranston
  • Pawtucket
  • East Providence
  • Woonsocket
  • Cumberland
  • Coventry
  • North Providence
  • South Kingstown
  • West Warwick
  • Johnston
  • North Kingstown
  • Newport
  • Westerly
  • Lincoln
  • Bristol
  • Central Falls
  • Smithfield
  • Portsmouth
  • Barrington
  • Middletown
  • Tiverton
  • Burrillville
  • Narragansett
  • East Greenwich
  • North Smithfield
  • Warren
  • Scituate
  • Glocester
  • Hopkinton
  • Richmond

VA Claims in Minnesota FAQs

What are the most common reasons for a VA claim denial?
  1. The evidence did not show that you have a current disability
    The evidence did not show that your disability was caused or aggravated by your military service
    The record contained incorrect or incomplete information
Are mental health disorders eligible for VA disability compensation?

Yes. Any psychiatric disability, with a few exceptions, is eligible, including:

  • PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Mood disorders (depression, etc.)
  • Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, etc.)
What is the best way to appeal a VA disability claim?

You can submit a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a Notice of Disagreement (Board appeal). A disability lawyer can help you navigate the options to help get your unfavorable decision overturned or your disability rating increased.

NATIONWIDE VA ACCREDITED ATTORNEYS