Cookies help us deliver the best experience on our website. By using our website, you agree to the use of certain cookies. To find out more, view our Privacy Policy. Clicking the escape key will accept all cookies.
Skip to main content
    For Immediate Help: 800-544-9144

    CCK Law Veterans Disability Lawyer Serving New York

    Table of Contents

    Approximately 762,984 veterans live in the State of New York. Of these veterans, over 133,000 are receiving disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

    Since 1999, we have helped tens of thousands of veterans. Based on our experience, many New York veterans may have unfiled or unresolved increased rating claims or appeals. They may also have been unable to get benefits due to misinformation, VA errors, or their disabilities.

    Veterans are entitled by law to disability benefits from VA if they have a chronic medical condition arising from military service. Eligible veterans can receive monthly compensation from VA based on the veteran’s combined disability rating. They may also receive other benefits like VA healthcare for reduced or no cost, training programs, or grants for adaptive housing.

    Yet the VA claims and appeals can be complex and time-consuming. Even VA struggles with interpreting and applying benefits consistently. This is especially true for difficult situations like:

    If you are one of these veterans or their dependents who need assistance with a complex claim or appeal in New York, then Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick (CCK Law) may be able to assist. Call us today at (401) 237-6412 for a free case evaluation with a member of our team. You can also contact us online.

    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 New York

    For over 25 years, our firm has been helping veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. We have gained invaluable insights during this time that allow us to offer recommendations for those veterans living in New York.

    As mentioned, there are over 762,000 veterans who live in New York. There are many common issues that veterans may face, which we will highlight in this guide. Moreover, we will offer tips on the claim process. Veterans may also utilize 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

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

    A crucial part of a complete claim or appeal is sufficient evidence that establishes service connection for each disability. Veterans must file this evidence with VA using a formal claim process.

    There are three elements that veterans must prove 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

    Successful claims for VA disability compensation will have evidence that is both pertinent and compelling. The evidence that veterans collect and submit should substantiate their claims and reflect the nature and extent of their disabilities 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. It also has a duty to interpret 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 New York

    There are four methods for veterans living in New York to file a VA claim for disability compensation. These methods are:

    1. Online: Through VA’s eBenefits portal or directly via the VA.gov website (preferred), where they can submit their claim electronically.
    2. Mail: By sending the required forms to the appropriate VA claims intake center, though processing may take longer than when submitted electronically.
    3. In Person: By visiting a VA regional office and submitting their claim with the help of VA personnel.
    4. 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

    Certain medical conditions affect veterans at much higher rates than civilians. These conditions can vary 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

    VA assigns a rating to a veteran’s disability upon confirming service connection. It does this using the Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The assigned rating determines the veteran’s monthly compensation and their eligibility for other benefits.

    As of 2025, 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 New York 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 New York

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

    VA Death and Burial Benefits Explained

    Education is a key benefit for many New York veterans. One example is the federal Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover tuition for institutions such as The State University of New York or the College of Staten Island (CSI).

    Need Assistance? Contact CCK Law for a Free Case Evaluation

    Veterans living in New York who have received unfavorable decisions on their claims may file an appeal.

    A veteran has one year from the date on their decision letter to file this appeal, and this period is crucial. Timely action may preserve the effective date on their original claim and, thus, their back pay.

    Why hire CCK Law for your VA disability claim? 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 by all VA-accredited representatives.

    We begin an in-depth review of a veteran’s case once we take on their appeal. This review allows us to better understand the reasons behind the VA’s denial of benefits. Our team then crafts a tailored strategy. This strategy aims at addressing the specific issues identified.

    Every detail counts. We are committed to guiding our clients through each step of the complex VA appeals process. This ensures that their case is presented effectively.

    “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. VA is the second-largest bureaucracy in the country. Even their own raters struggle with applying the rules consistently. CCK Law’s VA-accredited advocates use our direct VA system access and decades of experience to maximize veterans’ benefits in the most efficient timeline possible.” —CCK Law Partner and former Veterans Law Judge Bradley Hennings

    Ways CCK Law Can Assist New York 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 New York. 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: “Great job, fast results, courteous, and professional. [I] couldn’t have gotten the results from my case without their help. [I] would highly recommend to all veterans having difficulty in dealing with the VA.” —Richard J.

    Helpful Resources for Veterans Living in New York

    According to VA, there are over 349,000 veterans enrolled in VA’s healthcare system in New York. With this level of demand for VA services, veterans should know the facilities that can help them.

    Regional Benefit Offices

    VA Medical Centers

    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 are one of the over 762,000 veterans living in New York, then our team serving the New York area can help you. Give us a call at (800) 544-9144 or fill out our online form to speak with a CCK Law representative for a free case evaluation.