This post describes the VA disability appeals process for decisions issued prior to February 19, 2019. Decisions received after that date are subject to the new VA appeals process.
When your government sent out the call to American sons and daughters, it was you who answered, fighting for American freedom. When you signed up to join the armed forces, your government made a promise to you. They said that if you were ever injured as a result of your military service, that they would cover your expenses if you could not work. In reality, however, filing a VA disability claim is quite time-consuming and complex. The Downers Grove VA claims lawyers at The Comerford Law Office, LLC can help ensure your claim is accepted and your benefits are paid.
The vast majority of VA disability applications are denied simply because the VA has not seen enough information to approve them. When you file a claim with the VA, you are basically making a legal argument for why your injuries qualify under the fund using medical evidence. This evidence must prove that your injuries were a result of your military service and that they substantially impair you from maintaining gainful employment. The VA claims layers at The Comerford Law Office have handled a number of these claims and can help you get your claim approved.
If your application comes back denied, which is likely, you will have an opportunity to appeal the decision. This is when many Illinois veterans decide to engage a lawyer to help move the process along. Forms that must be filed include the Notice of disagreement (NOD). This simply preserves your right to appeal. Do not go into detail, but just tell the VA that you disagree with their decision. They do not need to know why until later.
Once your NOD has been filed you will receive a Statement of Case, which is like a brief summary of how your case ended up in appeals. You will then need to fill out a form 9, which is quite complicated. In your form 9, you will be providing the VA review board with all the medical information they need to approve your benefits application. It is usually at this point that many veterans elect to have a Downers Grove VA claims lawyer take over their case.
Our job as your attorney is to build an ironclad case file that meets the VA’s strict standards for approval. We work alongside your doctors, family members, nurses that provide care, and anyone else with knowledge of your situation. We can also hire vocational experts that will discuss what types of work you can and cannot do with your current disability. In this manner, we have resolved thousands of cases in our clients’ favor. Call The Comerford Law Office, LLC today to learn more about how we can help.