Veterans Benefits' Attorneys in Los Angeles
Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Lawyers
Disability benefits are available to veterans and their families for injuries or illnesses suffered while on active duty in the armed forces, regardless if they occurred in combat or not. To get these veteran benefits you must make a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs will then decide whether or not to give you the benefits and how much to give you.
Denial of Your Claim
If you disagree with the Department of Veterans Affairs' decision, either because they denied your claim completely or because they awarded you less than you feel is appropriate, you can appeal their ruling. To do this, you must file an appeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs. You are allowed to have representation at this hearing. In fact, most people do have a representative go to the hearing with them.
The veteran benefit lawyers at our firm offer complimentary initial consultations to discuss a particular case. Contact us today to schedule a convenient appointment.
The Appeals Process
The first step to appealing the decision is to write a Notice of Disagreement (NOD). This is a written statement which says that, first, you disagree with the decision and, second, you are appealing it. The Department of Veterans Affairs will then mail you a form that you must fill out and return. This form is called the VA Form 9.
After you've filed the NOD and VA form 9, you will eventually have a "personal hearing" with the Board of Veterans Affairs. This board will hear your argument and decide what to do with your veteran benefits claim.
Once the board has made their decision, they will mail you a letter stating their ruling and their reasons for it.
Denial of Your Appeal
If your appeal is denied, you can make another appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This court is entirely independent and separate from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Appealing to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is very difficult and complicated. If you chose to make this appeal, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney.
Do I Need an Attorney for My Veterans Benefits Problem?
Making a Veterans Administration claim or appeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs can be very complicated. A lawyer can help you better understand exactly what benefits you are entitled to. If necessary, an attorney can help you with filing a claim or appealing a decision.
