If you are a veteran, you may be eligible to receive disability compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs. You qualify for these benefits if your military duty caused or worsened your injury or disease.
Unfortunately, collecting these benefits is not easy. Disabled veterans often find themselves fighting an uphill battle. This is because the Department of Veteran Affairs benefits process is confusing and difficult to navigate. Without the help of an experienced VA disability attorney, veterans may not receive the benefits they are entitled to receive.
The VA Claims Process Is Long
The VA claims process is long and complex. On average, it takes 91.7 days for VA to decide an initial application for disability-related compensation, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This does not include the time it will take to fight an appeal if your claim is denied.
The amount of time it takes to complete your claim depends on a few factors, including:
- Type of claim filed
- The complexity of your injury or disability
- How many injuries or disabilities you have
- How long it takes to get evidence relating to your disability
Once you submit your claim application, you should get a notice that the VA received your claim. A Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will then review your case. If the representative needs more evidence to support your claim, they are supposed to notify you.
During the review process, the representative will gather evidence from your healthcare providers. The VSR will then make a decision about your claim.
Sometimes, veterans must wait longer to find out if their disability rating is approved. Claims without the necessary paperwork or record inconsistencies can delay the waiting period. The number of days listed above is an average, meaning it may take longer for VA to decide your claim, particularly if you have not submitted all of the evidence needed in your case.
The VA Decision-Ready Claims Program
The VA Decision-Ready Claims Program allows veterans to submit their claims and receive a VA disability decision in 30 days or less. While this may benefit some veterans, others may find themselves excluded from the program.
For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs will not approve Decision-Ready Claim applications for applicants living outside the United States or those filing a claim for a previously denied condition.
To file a VA Decision Ready Claim, you must provide specific types of documentation, including:
- Federal records
- Medical records
- Completed Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
- Relevant evidence to further support the claim
- Service Treatment Records (STRs) if applicable
- Veteran death certificates if applicable
You must also work with someone who you designate as your representative for the claim.
How to Appeal a Denied VA Claim
At Tucker Disability Law, our team of disability attorneys can help if your VA disability claim is denied. You are not allowed to hire an attorney to handle your initial application, but if you are denied, our firm has extensive experience in VA law. We have represented thousands of veterans like you. Our VA disability lawyers can help you decide what type of appeal to file and can file your appeal for you, representing you in all future proceedings.
VA Disability Benefits Denied? Contact Our VA Disability Lawyer Today
When filing a VA disability claim, you may face an uphill battle in collecting the compensation you deserve. You may find that your claim is denied, even without cause. If your claim for VA disability benefits is denied, call an experienced VA disability lawyer at Tucker Disability Law today. You can fill out our confidential contact form or call us at (866) 282-5260 for a consultation and review of your case. We can discuss your rights to appeal and help you receive the benefits you need to move forward into your future.
