Charlotte, North Carolina Veterans' Disability Claims Lawyers
Disabled veterans are eligible to receive medical benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In order to receive veterans' disability benefits, you have to first apply at your local VA office. For the best results, it is prudent to retain legal counsel to ensure all necessary paperwork and procedures are followed. At the Law Office of Paul M. Goodson, our attorneys work closely with veterans applying for disability benefits. Our office has the resources and experience to file an appeal should you initially be denied veterans' benefits. We represent all branches of the military - Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and the Coast Guard - and we are prepared to consult medical experts and specialists if necessary to support your case.
Be prepared with the legal information and representation you need to receive the benefits you need and deserve: Contact veteran's disability claims attorneys at the Law Offices of Paul M. Goodson and schedule a free consultation today.
Applying for Veterans' Benefits - The Four Step Process
Ushering a veterans' disability benefits application through the many administrative layers of the VA can be a lengthy, complex process. Since each situation is unique, applicants should seek the help of a skilled attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies of the system. However, the following, simplified overview should help potential applicants understand what the process may entail:
- First Stage - Submit an Application for Compensation. The VA will send you forms and other documents it needs from you to process your request. Once your request is made, the VA will then collect your military medical records and may ask you to submit to medical examination. After the VA reviews your application, they will send a Ratings Decision to you, which will indicate whether or not you are eligible to receive benefits.
- Second Stage - If you are denied benefits - or if you are not given the rating or benefits you deserve - you can appeal the Ratings Decision by filing a "Notice of Disagreement" within one year. After you file a Notice of Disagreement, your local VA office will send you a Statement of the Case. If you have additional medical information or documentation you wish to include, you can send it to your VA office for consideration on appeal. The VA will review this information and send you a Supplemental Statement of the Case.
- Third Stage - If you are denied at the second stage, you can appeal your case to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). However, you must submit your appeal within 60 days of being denied at the second stage, or within 100 days of receiving your Ratings Decision. The BVA will ask a Ratings Officer to review your case and issue a decision.
- Fourth Stage - If you are denied at the third stage, you can appeal your case to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans' Claims. Your appeal must be filed within 120 days of the BVA's decision.
How We Can Help You
Our attorneys help veterans prepare all necessary paperwork at any stage in the process. If your initial application is denied, we can represent you at your hearing before the Board of Veterans Affairs. We can position the evidence presented to protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair hearing. If you have to appeal your case to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, it is essential that you work with a team of attorneys who can prepare all documentation and point out errors or mistakes in due process.
Contact Veterans' Disability Claims Attorneys Today
Applying for veterans' disability benefits can be complicated and frustrating. Our office has helped numerous veterans receive the benefits they need and deserve. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you, contact veterans' disability claims lawyers at the Law Offices of Paul M. Goodson today.
