Veteran (VA) Disability Lawyer Serving Ann Arbor, Michigan

A veteran’s disability attorney may be able to help with your United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits appeal.  More and more disabled veterans are realizing the benefits of seeking assistance and are soliciting the services of experienced veteran’s advocates.  For a long time veterans had to file and manage claims on their own, but legislation that was passed in 2007 allowed them to hire veterans advocates of their choosing.

If you suffered a service-related injury or illness, received a denial of VA disability benefits, disagree with your combined disability rating, are concerned about your disability compensation, or want assistance with VA claim you have already submitted, contact Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD at 800-544-9144 for a free case evaluation. Our veteran disability team serving Ann Arbor, Michigan may be able to help you with your appeal.

Common VA Disabilities

We handle a wide range of VA disability benefits claims.  Some of the most common are described below.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Combat, assault, and disasters can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The events that trigger PTSD are called stressors.  You could apply for VA benefits if you suffered a stressor that occurred during your service, and, as a result, your symptoms prevent you from functioning normally.

Knee and Back Injuries

The rigors of duty, service, and training can take their toll on the knees and back.  Many veterans’ claims are for knee and back injuries sustained during the performance of job duties and in training incidents.  Knee and back conditions can also develop as secondary health conditions, for which you may be able to receive additional compensation from VA.

Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Many veterans complain of ringing in the ears, a condition known as tinnitus.  Hearing loss is also common amongst veterans.  However, VA testing of hearing impairments can be inconsistent, so it is important to collect credible evidence for your hearing issues before filing a claim.

Toxic Exposure

From exposure to toxic chemicals to smoke inhalation during military engagements, there are many cases of service-related chemical exposure that can cause cancer, organ failure, and other health issues.

Arthritis and Orthopedic Issues

Active duty can cause or aggravate issues such as arthritis.  You may be eligible for VA disability benefits if you are no longer able to work or perform activities of daily life because of symptoms linked to your military duties.

​This list is not exhaustive, and there are a variety of conditions for which veterans seek disability benefits.  A veteran disability attorney may be able to help you develop a strong claim for your service-related condition.  Contact a veteran disability team serving Ann Arbor, Michigan from Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD at 800-544-9144 for a free case review.

The Increase in VA Disability Benefits Claims

Three factors have propelled the sudden rise in VA disability benefits claims that have been seen over the past several years.  Firstly, soldiers today are more likely to survive service-connected injuries.  Improvements in medical treatment, body armor, and military preparedness for events that can cause injuries have saved many lives. However, this widens the net of non-lethal injuries, and more and more soldiers return home with serious injuries that affect their everyday life.

Secondly, changes made to the VA claims and appeals process under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) have clarified the options available to veterans.  Now, veterans seeking to appeal a denial on their initial claim or a lower than anticipated disability rating have three options for appeal: (1) file a supplemental claim; (2) request a higher-level review; or (3) file a Notice of Disagreement requesting a review before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Finally, policymakers are beginning to understand the importance of reevaluating claims that were denied in the past and making disability compensation benefits clearer for all, as shown here in the Summary of VA Benefits for Disabled Veterans.  Many service injuries do not manifest until many years after-the-fact.  Newer research and better data on risks, injuries, illnesses, and their causes have led to policy changes that have led to an increase in both new claims and appeals.

Important Facts about VA Disability Benefits

Whether you are applying for benefits for the first time or appealing a denial by VA, there are three things you must show to receive a grant of disability benefits:

• 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.

Contact Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD Today

Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD may be able to help you appeal a denial of veteran’s disability benefits.  Our veteran disability attorneys and professionals serving Ann Arbor, Michigan have the knowledge to explain why your claim was denied, as well as the experience to help you build the strongest possible case for appeal.  Contact us at 800-544-9144 for a complimentary case evaluation to see if our team may be able to help.