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
- VA Disability Ratings for Reactive Airway Disease
What is Reactive Airway Disease? Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) is a general term used to describe a variety of symptoms that affect a person’s breathing. For example, RAD is often used when asthma is suspected but has not been diagnosed yet. Symptoms Associated with Reactive Airway Disease Coughing Wheezing Shortness of Breath Tightness in the […]
- What Can VA Disability Benefits Be Garnished For?
Veterans are often concerned about how much of their VA disability compensation they may lose during and after a divorce, due to property division, alimony, and child support. Each state has its own laws governing divorce, child support, and alimony. However, there are also federal laws governing the distribution of VA benefits and whether they can […]
- What is a Board Remand?
A Board remand occurs when the Board of Veterans’ Appeals determines that additional information is needed before making a final decision on a veteran’s claim for benefits. What is the Board of Veterans’ Appeals? The Board of Veterans’ Appeals, also known as the Board or BVA, is an appellate body of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs […]