Veteran (VA) Disability Lawyer Serving Boston, Massachusetts
A veteran who experiences illness or injury because of their military service is entitled to disability benefits and should be able to those benefits in a timely fashion, without bending over backward to meet VA’s requirements.
If you are a veteran and your request for disability benefits claim has been denied, we may be able to help you. A Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD veteran (VA) disability lawyer serving Boston, Massachusetts has the experience and knowledge to work guide you through the VA appeals process. For a free initial consultation, contact our team at 800-544-9144.
VSOs and Appeals Attorneys
Veterans service organizations, or VSOs, provide free services to veterans who want assistance with filing a disability benefits claim. They do not take fees for their services and are trained and knowledgeable.
However, while VSOs provide useful services, they typically lack the depth and breadth of legal knowledge needed to handle complex disability benefits cases. Legal teams such as our veteran disability attorneys serving Boston, Massachusetts work with veterans to file appeals for disability benefits and cases involving reevaluating combined disability ratings. We may be able to help you earn the benefits to which you may be entitled.
Eligibility Requirements for VA Disability Benefits
To receive disability benefits, VA requires veterans to provide proof of the following three criteria:
- An in-service event, injury, or illness;
- A current diagnosis by a medical professional; and
- A medical nexus, or link, between your in-service event, injury, or illness and your current diagnosis
At the initial claim phase, VA has a duty to assist, meaning they must help you gather supporting evidence of these three things in your claims file. You also have the option to submit evidence, such as service and medical records or lay statements, on your own behalf.
Filing an Appeal with VA
Typically, you only have one year from the date of your denial to challenge VA’s decision, according to VA Form 4107. In the new appeals system under the Appeals Modernization Act, you have the option to:
- Request a Higher-Level Review;
- File a Supplemental Claim, with which you submit any new and relevant evidence; or
- File a Notice of Disagreement to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
A veterans’ disability attorney can help you determine the best option based on your situation and help you build a strong appeal.
Call Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD Today
If you have received a denial of disability benefits, we may be able to help.
Contact a veterans’ disability attorney serving Boston, Massachusetts from Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick at 800-544-9144. We offer a complimentary initial evaluation of your case to see if we might be able to assist.
Boston Blog Posts
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CCK LIVE: Blue Water Navy VeteransLegislation has been introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives to expand access to VA disability benefits under VA’s Agent Orange presumption to Blue Water Navy veterans. The bill would allow Blue Water Navy veterans to claim service connection for Agent Orange-related conditions under VA’s regulation of presumption for Agent Orange exposure. Play What […]
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Special Monthly Compensation ExplainedThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) to qualifying veterans with especially serious disabilities or combinations of disabilities. The idea is that certain disabilities and combinations of disabilities are more debilitating than regular disability compensation rates account for, so VA pays a higher rate of compensation if you have them. VA […]
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VA Disability Rating for Ankle InstabilityWhat is Ankle Instability? Ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring giving way of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. The giving way may occur while an individual is walking or doing other activities, but for some, it can also happen while standing. Typically, this condition develops after repeated ankle sprains. During […]