Your response to a rejected disability benefits claim is what counts.
The VA provides multiple opportunities for disabled veterans to appeal its decisions. But an appeal must address the initial problem — what kept your claim from being approved in the first place.
In most cases, your appeal of a VA benefits claim denied must provide evidence that was not previously in your claim file.
Before a veteran goes through the VA appeals process, the veteran should understand why the VA denied his or her claim. The veteran’s appeal must directly address the VA’s rationale behind its decision and consider the evidence and law which the VA cited in its decision.
Here are five common reasons why the VA denies claims:
You have the right to appeal any decision by the VA that you think is incorrect.
The appeals process begins with filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with your VA Regional Office (RO). The RO will respond to you with a Statement of the Case (SOC), a detailed review of your claim so far, and then certify and forward your appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).
When you receive the SOC, you may file a Substantive Appeal. This is a VA form that requires explanations of:
Each point above must be supported by relevant evidence. The veteran disability agent can make sure your appeal of a denied benefits claim includes new evidence or a new explanation of evidence that persuasively states your case. We conduct a thorough review of your existing claim and supporting evidence to identify a basis for appeal. We work to obtain any military, medical, and/or employment records that you don’t have that may help to establish your disability.
Voice 4 Vets can refer you to doctors, psychologists, or other medical experts who are familiar with VA disability requirements. We often work with doctors who review veterans’ claims files and/or examine our clients when VA doctors fail to provide a complete or adequate examination. We also consult with vocational experts about clients’ ability to work, if appropriate.
We know what the VA looks for to judge a medically identifiable, service-connected physical or mental condition that causes you to be disabled. Because of our experience litigating VA disability claim appeals, our lawyers know where the VA misapplied the law in your case or simply got the facts wrong.
We are accredited by the VA to represent veterans seeking compensation, and our firm has obtained millions of dollars in disability benefits for thousands of U.S. military veterans.
The rules and regulations governing VA disability benefits claims are complex and confusing enough for any veteran’s initial claim to be denied. Unfortunately, the appeals process is even more complicated and confusing.
Voice 4 Vets have helped thousands of disabled veterans obtain the benefits they have earned. We have successfully litigated VA disability appeals at all levels of the appeals process.
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