Filing a Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claim can be a complex process, but with the right resources and guidance, veterans can increase their chances of receiving the benefits they deserve. Whether you are filing a new claim, seeking to increase your current VA disability rating, or appealing a denied claim, having the right information about VA benefits is crucial.
Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick’s CCK VA Claim Builder is a tool designed to help you organize the necessary documentation and increase the strength of your VA claim. By answering a few key questions, you may learn crucial information that will help you better prepared to file or appeal your claim and navigate the VA claims process.
How to File a VA Disability Claim
When filing a VA disability claim, the first step is understanding the types of claims to file. You can file for a service-connected VA disability claim if your condition is related to your military service. Alternatively, if your claim was previously denied, you may be able to file a VA appeal or supplemental claim if the denial occurred over a year ago. Veterans who have a VA rating, but would like to raise their compensation, can file an increased rating claim.
Understanding the specific kind of claim you’re filing is essential, and our Claim Builder can help you research which type best suits your situation.
How the CCK VA Claim Builder Helps Build a Strong VA Disability Claim
Filing a claim involves more than just submitting forms. You must ensure that your claim is well-documented and supported by the necessary evidence. Here are examples of what CCK’s VA Claim Builder considers to help you build a strong VA disability claim:
- Service Connection—You must show that your disability is connected to your service. This may involve providing military service records, buddy statements, and medical records that directly link your condition to your time in the military.
- Medical Evidence—Strong medical evidence is critical. This includes doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, and other relevant medical records.
- Lay Evidence—You can also submit lay evidence (statements from family, friends, or colleagues) that demonstrates the impact of your condition.
- Presumptions—Laws like the PACT Act have make it easier for who served at specific times and places and suffered an eligible disability.
- Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)—Individual unemployability can give the equivalent of full-time disability compensation to veterans whose disabilities prevent them from working.
- Aid and Attendance (A&A)—A&A provides monthly payments to eligible veterans who are housebound or otherwise need another person to assist them with daily activities.
- Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams—In many cases, veterans need to be prepared for VA to request a C&P exam to verify claims and rate their disability.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—Veterans who suffered a stressor during service may meet the requirements for one of the most common mental health conditions.
- Aggravation—Many veterans are not aware that compensation may also be available for conditions that were simply worsened, not directly caused, by military service.
- Secondary Conditions—If you already have a service-connected disability, you may be eligible to file for secondary conditions caused by your original injury or illness.
There are hundreds of factors to consider to get the VA benefits that you are entitled to. Using the CCK VA Claim Builder is a key way to confirm that you’re not missing any key issues or evidence to address before filing your claim.
VA Disability Claims Process Steps
The VA disability claims process involves several steps, from gathering evidence to submitting the claim and waiting for a decision. Here’s a brief overview of the VA claims process steps:
- Submit Your Claim—After gathering evidence, you’ll submit your claim online or by mail.
- C&P Exam—VA may schedule a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess your condition.
- VA Review—VA will review your claim, evidence, and C&P exam results.
- Decision—VA will issue a decision, including your disability rating and the amount of monthly compensation you’ll receive.
Understanding VA Disability Ratings
VA assigns a disability rating between 0% and 100%, depending on the severity of your condition. Your disability rating determines how much monthly compensation you’ll receive. If you’re wondering how to raise your VA disability rating, the Claim Builder tool will guide you through the process by identifying the right evidence needed for your case and helping you understand VA’s rating criteria.
How to Increase Your VA Benefits
If you’re looking to increase your existing VA claim or benefits, you must demonstrate that your condition has worsened since your original rating. VA may require additional medical evidence to show that your disability has deteriorated. You may also need to undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to reassess your condition.
Our Claim Builder tool is designed to help veterans understand how to increase VA benefits by collecting the right information and resources. Whether your condition has worsened, or you believe your original rating was too low, the tool can help streamline the process and increase your chances of receiving a higher rating.
VA Supplemental Claims and Appeals
If your claim has been denied or you feel your rating was too low, you have the option to appeal decisions through the Higher-Level Review process, Board Appeal, or supplemental claim.
The Claim Builder can help you determine which route is best. This is especially important if your benefits were denied over a year ago, as certain time limits apply to supplemental claims and appeals.
CCK Is Here to Serve Veterans
The CCK VA Claim Builder tool simplifies the VA claims process by helping veterans gather the right resources for their claim. Whether you’re filing a service-connected VA disability claim, appealing a denial, or seeking to increase your benefits, the Claim Builder provides a guide to ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
With our tool, you’ll have access to essential information like how to claim VA benefits and how to pursue compensation under the PACT Act if applicable. Additionally, the Claim Builder offers insight into CCK’s VA disability calculator for estimating your potential compensation based on your disability rating.
Unfortunately, no matter how much you prepare, VA frequently make mistakes. If you need help challenging a VA decision, our team of experienced VA-accredited attorneys and advocates may be able to assist. CCK is the nation’s leading veterans law firm, having recovered over $1 billion in wrongfully denied benefits and fought many of the court cases that have defined veterans benefits today.
For assistance challenging a VA decision, call us today or request a free case evaluation to get started.
