If you’ve ever felt lost in the maze of the VA disability claim process, you’re not alone. We get it. The paperwork can seem endless, the rules confusing, and a denial can feel like a punch to the gut. That’s why we want to share the story of Ira Gold, a dedicated Army veteran (1974-1977) whose journey perfectly mirrors the struggles so many of you face. His story, and our commitment to him, shows what’s possible when you have someone who truly fights in your corner.
Witnessing the Frustration of the VA Disability Claim Process
Ira’s journey began after he sustained injuries during a training exercise. While he was being transported for medical help for a knee injury complicated by frostbite, the jeep he was in flipped over, tossing Ira onto a tree stump, resulting in fractured vertebrae and damage to his hip. For decades, he worked through his pain until a doctor suggested he file a VA claim. When he finally filed his claim in 2012, the bureaucratic hurdles quickly became apparent.
As we learned from Ira, “Initially, all they would look at was my cold weather injury.”
Even more concerning was the revelation that “they had lost all my service records, all my medical records, which really complicated things.”
Overcoming Lost Records and Dismissed Evidence
Imagine the added burden on a veteran already dealing with service-related health issues, now facing a system that has seemingly misplaced their crucial history.
Without these vital documents, Ira had to rely on “buddy statements” to support his VA disability claim – testimonies from those who knew him before, during, and after his service. Yet, even compelling evidence, like a statement from the individual who took the initial accident report, was initially dismissed.
As Ira recounted, “The claim was denied saying there were no eyewitnesses. An appeals board said, no. Those are all valid. You have to consider them. And they turned it down because Marv’s signature was illegible… and that went on for a couple of years.”
Unfortunately, this is the frustrating reality we often see in VA disability claim cases.
“Delay, Deny, Wait Until They Die”: Ira’s Experience with His VA Disability Claim
The VA system, in Ira’s experience, seemed intent on denying his VA disability claim at every turn. Even a seemingly straightforward tinnitus claim was met with the baffling explanation that his medical records were “silent on the matter” – the very records that were lost.
It was at this point that Ira reached out to Tucker Disability Law, seeking the determined advocacy he deserved to fight for his VA disability benefits.
Hear Ira’s Story in His Own Words
To truly understand the impact of this journey and the unwavering support Ira received, we invite you to CLICK HERE to watch his firsthand account. In this video, Ira shares his experiences with the VA disability claim process and how Tucker Disability Law made a difference in his life.
Our Commitment: Taking on the Fight to Win Ira’s VA Disability Benefits
When Ira contacted us, we immediately recognized the injustice of his situation.
His strong reputation and the positive feedback he had heard about our firm gave him hope, and we were ready to meet that expectation for his VA disability claim.
From our first conversation with Ira, we strived to create a supportive and understanding environment.
As Ira shared, “Next thing I knew, John (Tucker) was on the phone with me and spent quite a bit more time than I would have expected an attorney to. From that point on, I mean, right at that moment, I just felt like family. And they’ve always treated me as such.”
Relentless Advocacy for a Successful Outcome
Our team quickly focused on the critical issue of the lost medical records that were significantly hindering Ira’s VA disability claim.
As Ira recalled, “That was the first thing that I remember we did together, and they called the VA out on that.”
This proactive and assertive approach is a cornerstone of how we handle every VA disability claim.
Soon after, Ira received a 10% rating for tinnitus, a crucial step forward in getting his other conditions recognized.
Securing TDIU and Back Pay: Our Dedication to Every VA Disability Claim
Our commitment to veterans extends beyond initial ratings. In Ira’s case, even after securing a 60% disability rating, we recognized the profound impact of his service-related injuries on his ability to work and pursued Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for his VA disability claim.
Despite further delays, our team, especially Dan Clarke, remained steadfast. “He did not let go of them for a second and was in constant contact with me,” Ira gratefully acknowledged.
Our persistence ultimately led to a significant victory: the VA acknowledged “irrefutable and irrevocable mistakes” and granted Ira TDIU, along with back pay.
Going the Extra Mile: Achieving Full Justice for Ira’s VA Disability Claim
For us at Tucker Disability Law, securing the initial win wasn’t the end of the road for Ira’s VA disability claim. We believed he was entitled to benefits dating back to his initial claim in 2012, not just 2016.
Through continued dedication and tireless effort, Dan Clarke successfully navigated the lengthy appeals process, ultimately securing the full back pay Ira deserved. As Ira stated, “It was the best decision I ever made. I have recommended him repeatedly. I’ll pass his card out anytime.”
This dedication is part of our unwavering commitment to every VA disability claim we handle.
Our Promise: To Be Your “Forever Lawyer” in Your VA Disability Claim Journey
The trust and gratitude we receive from veterans like Ira are the driving force behind our work.
“I’m your forever lawyer,” Ira recalls John Tucker saying to him. “If you have any legal issues, call me.”
This sentiment reflects our deep commitment to the veterans we serve, not just for their current VA disability claim, but for any future legal needs.
Ira’s journey, from feeling lost in the complexities of the VA system to achieving the benefits he earned through his service, is a testament to what can be accomplished with dedicated and unwavering legal support.
If you are a veteran struggling with your VA disability claim and feel like you’re facing the disheartening reality of “delay, deny, wait until they die,” please know that you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Take the first step towards the benefits you deserve. Contact Tucker Disability Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your VA disability claim. Let us be the unwavering advocate in your corner – because at Tucker Disability Law, we never give up on our veterans.
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