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CCK Law Veterans Disability Lawyer Serving Atlanta, Georgia

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Nearly 700,000 U.S. military veterans live in Georgia. This is the eighth-highest veteran population of all the states. Over 260,000 of these veterans are receiving disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Based on our experience serving tens of thousands of veterans since 1999, many Georgian veterans have unfiled or unresolved increased rating claims or appeals but have been unable to obtain benefits due to misinformation, VA errors, or their disabilities.

Any veteran with a chronic medical condition stemming from military service is entitled by law to disability benefits from VA. VA offers eligible veterans monthly compensation based on the veteran’s combined disability rating, as well as other benefits like VA health care for reduced or no cost, training programs, and grants for adaptive housing.

Unfortunately, VA claims and appeals can be complex and time-consuming, and even VA struggles with interpreting and applying benefits consistently. This is particularly true for difficult situations like:

If you are one of these veterans or their dependents who need assistance with a complex claim or appeal, then Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick (CCK Law) may be able to assist you. Call CCK Law at (800) 544-9144 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation.

Who We Are: CCK Law is the leading veterans law firm in the United States. Since 1999, we’ve argued many of the cases that have shaped veteran disability law. We have over 100 individuals accredited by VA or admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, America’s Top 100 Attorneys, and others. We have published over 3000 free blogs, videos, and resources for veterans, sharing our knowledge of the VA claims and appeals processes.

Understanding VA Disability Claims in Atlanta, GA

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 16,797 veterans living in Atlanta. Fulton and Cobb counties alone are home to thousands of veterans who may benefit from VA compensation. Serving so many veterans in the Atlanta, GA, and surrounding regions has given CCK Law a number of insights and recommendations.

This guide will help highlight some of the most common issues and tips, but veterans may also use CCK Law’s free VA Claim Builder tool—an online resource that can help veterans organize necessary documentation and increase the strength of their initial claim.

Securing VA Disability Benefits

VA’s claims processors see a considerable number of claims each year. VA claims and appeals that are complete and well-supported have the best chance of being processed quickly and correctly.

One of the most crucial parts of a complete claim or appeal is sufficient evidence to establish service connection for each disability. This evidence must then be filed with VA using a formal claim process.

There are three elements that must be proven to support service connection:

  1. Current diagnosed disability: There must be a clear and current medical diagnosis of the disability.
  2. In-service event, injury, or illness: Evidence must be presented that shows an event, injury, or illness occurred during military service.
  3. Nexus: A medical nexus (i.e., link) must connect the current disability with the incident that occurred during service.

For more information on establishing service connection, check out some of CCK Law’s articles on the subject:

Types of Evidence to Support a VA Compensation Claim

To establish a successful claim for VA disability compensation, the evidence presented must be both pertinent and compelling. Veterans should collect and submit documentation that substantiates their claim, reflecting the nature and extent of their disability as well as its connection to their military service.

Note: VA has a duty to assist you in securing any records that it may have access to, as well as interpreting any evidence in your favor if it “at least as likely as not” supports your claim.

Relevant types of evidence include:

  • Service Medical Records
  • VA Medical Records
  • Private Medical Records
  • Lay Statements
  • Service Personnel Records

Read our article on the types of evidence that help support a VA compensation claim to learn more.

4 Ways to File a VA Claim in Atlanta

A veteran can file a VA claim for disability compensation through any of the following four methods:

  • Online: Through the VA’s eBenefits portal or the VA.gov website, where they can submit their claim electronically.
  • Mail: By sending the required forms to the appropriate VA claims intake center.
  • In Person: By visiting a VA regional office near Atlanta and submitting their claim with the help of VA personnel.
  • With a Representative: By working with a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to file on their behalf.

Common Medical Conditions Covered by VA Disability

Many veterans suffer from certain medical conditions at much higher levels than civilians. These conditions can range widely, from physical injuries to mental health disorders. Read more about the top 20 most common claims veterans file claims for.

Even though these claims are common, it is still essential to ensure that any such conditions are medically documented before filing a claim. You can learn more about many of these claims by searching our blog or YouTube channel.

Current VA Disability Rates

Upon finding service connection, VA assigns a rating to a veteran’s disability using the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. VA uses the assigned rating to determine a veteran’s monthly compensation, as well as eligibility for other benefits.

As of December 1st, 2024, the VA disability rate benefit amounts are as follows:

  • 0 percent disability rating: $0.00 per month
  • 10 percent disability rating: $175.51 per month
  • 20 percent disability rating: $346.95 per month
  • 30 percent disability rating: $537.42 per month
  • 40 percent disability rating: $774.16 per month
  • 50 percent disability rating: $1,102.04 per month
  • 60 percent disability rating: $1,395.93 per month
  • 70 percent disability rating: $1,759.19 per month
  • 80 percent disability rating: $2,044.89 per month
  • 90 percent disability rating: $2,297.96 per month
  • 100 percent disability rating: $3,831.30 per month

CCK Law has developed several free tools for veterans that they can use to calculate their monthly compensation. While VA is supposed to calculate ratings and compensation on a veteran’s behalf, we encourage veterans living in Atlanta, GA, to use resources like our VA Disability Calculator and  VA Disability Back Pay Calculator to estimate their rating and back pay themselves.

Veterans Benefits Available in Georgia

Veterans living in Georgia may be eligible for a range of state benefits that complement their federal VA benefits. These programs include support for education, property tax relief, employment services, and access to veterans’ homes and cemeteries.

Georgia Veterans Benefits: State-Sponsored Benefits for GA Veterans

Education is a key benefit for many Georgia veterans. One example is the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover tuition for institutions such as Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University. Georgia also offers the HERO scholarship and other state programs to assist veterans and their families in pursuing higher education.

Need Assistance? Contact CCK Law for a Free Case Evaluation

If you are one of the many veterans in or near Atlanta, Georgia, who have received unfavorable decision on their claim, you may file an appeal. A veteran has one year from the date on their decision letter to file an appeal. This period is often crucial. Timely action may preserve the effective date of your original claim, and thus your back pay.

You should also consider hiring an experienced VA-accredited attorney to assist you. CCK Law is the nation’s leading law firm and has an office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Why hire CCK for your VA disability appeal? Read more here.

What Is Involved in a VA Appeal?

Today, the appeal process is governed by the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). The AMA provides three appeal options:

  1. Higher-Level Review: A veteran may ask for a new review of the original decision by a more senior claims adjudicator from VA.
  2. Supplemental Claim: If new and relevant evidence is available, then a veteran can submit it along with a supplemental claim for VA to consider.
  3. Notice of Disagreement: A veteran has the right to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and can choose one of three dockets:
    1. Direct review
    2. Evidence docket
    3. Hearing docket
VA Claims and Appeals -- AMA Flowchart

Each of these pathways offers a different approach depending on the specifics of the veteran’s claim and the type of additional information available. Veterans should pursue the option that aligns best with their situation.

A VA-accredited advocate like CCK Law can help identify the best track, minimize the effects of common pitfalls like hidden backlogs, identify VA mistakes that less-experienced observers might overlook, and facilitate communications and tracking with VA using the direct systems access afforded all VA-accredited representatives.

Once we take on a veteran’s appeal, we begin an in-depth review of their case to understand the reasons behind the denial of benefits. Our team then crafts a tailored strategy aimed at addressing the specific issues identified.

We understand that every detail counts, and we are committed to guiding our clients through each step of the complex VA appeals process, ensuring that their case is presented as effectively as possible.

“As the country’s largest veterans law firm, we have the resources to stand up to VA nationwide while still being invested in veterans at the local level. If you’re a Georgia veteran who is struggling with VA, please reach out for a free case evaluation.” —CCK Law Partner and former Veterans Law Judge Bradley Hennings

Ways CCK Law Can Assist Atlanta, GA, Veterans with Their Appeals

  • Obtaining copies of medical, service, and personnel records: We gather all relevant documentation that can support the appeal.
  • Securing testimony from subject matter experts: We engage with experts who can provide authoritative opinions to strengthen the appeal.
  • Obtaining statements or testimonies from fellow service members: We help in acquiring corroborative statements that can substantiate the veteran’s claim.
  • Reviewing a veteran’s original claim for errors and omissions: Our detailed analysis ensures that any mistakes in the original submission are corrected in the appeal.

At CCK Law, we leave no stone unturned in advocating for veterans and their rights to VA disability benefits in Atlanta and beyond. Our goal is to navigate the appeals process with precision and care, maximizing the potential for a favorable outcome.

What Real CCK Law Clients Are Saying: “I am forever grateful for the help Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD has given me. They’ve been extremely respectful and supportive keeping me in the loop at all times. As a veteran I am glad [CCK Law] is on my side. My life is better, and I have them to thank …” —Marcus T.

Helpful Resources for Veterans Living in Atlanta, GA

According to VA, there are 343,241 veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system in Georgia. With this level of demand for VA services, it is important for veterans to know the facilities that can help them, including regional benefit offices, medical centers, VA clinics, and Vet Centers.

VA Regional Offices Serving Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta Regional Office in Decatur assists veterans with specific questions regarding their disability claims. You can schedule an in-person or over-the-phone appointment by calling (401) 929-6000 or using their Virtual Appointment Service via Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

VA Healthcare System

The Atlanta VA Medical Center, also located in Decatur, is a comprehensive facility offering medical, surgical, and specialty services for veterans. The Atlanta Health Care System provides a complete list of services and contacts to help veterans with their individual needs.

VA Clinics and Vet Centers

It is important to know about your options for medical care and to be aware of these facilities, as having a current diagnosis of a medical condition is typically one of the requirements for getting a grant of service connection.

VA clinics and centers available in Atlanta, GA, include:

Call CCK Law Today

Consulting with a VA disability lawyer may be the best way to maximize VA compensation benefits in the most time-efficient way possible. An experienced attorney brings knowledge of VA law, less-understood benefits, and intricate VA processes.

If you live in Atlanta, GA, then the nearest CCK Law branch is located at 1775 The Exchange SE #180, Atlanta, GA 30339. Note that you do not need to come to our office physically for assistance. If you are one of the over 600,000 veterans living in Georgia, then our team serving the Georgia area can help you. Give us a call at (800) 544-9144 or fill out our online form to speak with a CCK representative for a free case evaluation.