If you’ve been denied VA disability or pension benefits – or believe your current benefits are wrong – you’re not alone, and you don’t have to face this process without help. While Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) offer free support, many are overwhelmed by heavy caseloads and long backlogs. That means you may experience delays getting the assistance you need. For many Veterans, the need for benefits is urgent due to serious or life-altering medical conditions. These conditions often require long-term care and treatment, which makes timely benefits even more important. Getting the right support can make a big difference in your claim and your future.
Washington VA Lawyers
Expert VA lawyers can help you obtain your benefits and compensation.
VA Disability Attorney
You deserve strong legal support during this complex process. Call Gustad Law Group today for a free consultation with a VA-accredited attorney who’s ready to help you move forward.
Effective Representation
If you served in the military and have a medical condition that got worse because of your service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation or pension benefits. Gustad Law Group is here to provide you with knowledgeable and effective legal support. The VA often denies claims, saying medical conditions are not linked to military service or are not severe enough for compensation. Our team will listen to your story and help you explain how your condition is related to your service. We also look at past cases to find connections (nexus) that you may not be aware of. Gustad Law Group has VA-accredited attorneys ready to assist you. Call us today for a free consultation on your VA disability claim.
Areas of Practice in Washington State
VA Process
Getting disability compensation benefits through the VA can be overwhelming. Gustad Law Group makes it easier by navigating the VA rating schedule for disabilities. We help increase your VA rating percentage and appeal full or partial denials of benefits. Our team represents veterans at the Regional Office for Veterans Affairs, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Call Gustad Law Group today for a free consultation!
Thank You!
To all Veterans who have served their country with military service, thank you for what you have done for every United States citizen. A debt of gratitude is owed to you and that Gustad Law Group intends to honor.
The Gustad Law Group is committed to getting you the representation you deserve; and a free consultation is the first step. Contact us today to request your free consultation.
What Is the VA?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency responsible for overseeing benefits available to U.S. military veterans. If you’re seeking medical treatment or compensation for a service-connected disability, the VA manages your claim and the process. While applying for VA benefits can sometimes go smoothly, it often involves complications. From preparing your claim to navigating the review process, problems may arise that complicate the overall experience.
What Are Common Veterans’ Injuries and Disabilities?
Veterans often experience a wide variety of injuries and disabilities due to the challenges of military life. Common conditions include hearing loss, breathing problems, mobility issues, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, back or knee injuries, burns, scarring, amputations, nerve damage, chronic pain, and mental health conditions. Many of these injuries and conditions may qualify you for VA disability benefits.
What Are VA Disability Benefits and How Are They Calculated?
VA disability benefits provide financial support if you have an injury or medical condition caused or worsened by your military service. The VA calculates your benefits based on a disability percentage, which determines the amount of financial compensation you may receive.
What Is a VA Disability Rating?
Your VA disability rating is important, even if it is at the lowest level. While this rating doesn’t result in monthly compensation, it can still make you eligible for other VA benefits, such as healthcare, mental health services, and home loan eligibility. If you have multiple disabilities, the VA calculates a combined disability rating, which is not simply the sum of individual ratings but a specific process that results in a lower combined value.
What VA Disability Benefits Can You Receive?
If the VA approves your disability claim, the amount of assistance you receive will depend on the extent of your disabilities. Most veterans with service-connected disabilities have more than one condition, and the benefits available will be based on the severity of those conditions. Veterans can receive monthly disability compensation, with the amount depending on their combined disability rating. Additional compensation may be available for veterans with dependents.
In addition to monthly compensation, veterans with severe disabilities may be eligible for special monthly compensation, which provides extra support for those whose disabilities require more assistance than the highest disability rating alone. This applies to veterans with conditions such as limb loss or those who require daily assistance with activities.
Are There Special Circumstance Benefits?
Veterans may also qualify for additional benefits depending on their specific needs. For example, the VA may offer compensation if you are unable to maintain employment or provide coverage for hospital or convalescent care. The VA may also offer allowances for transportation or clothing, depending on the circumstances.
What Health Treatment Benefits Does the VA Offer?
The VA provides more than just financial compensation. Even if you have the lowest disability rating, you can still access healthcare services through the VA healthcare system, which includes treatment for a wide range of conditions.
How Do You File a VA Disability Claim?
To file a VA disability claim, you can submit your application online, by mail, or in person at a local VA Regional Benefit Office. Regardless of how you file, you must prove that you are an eligible veteran, that you have a current disability, and that your disability is connected to your military service.
What Makes You an Eligible Veteran?
The VA determines eligibility by reviewing your service records to verify your service dates. Certain discharges, such as dishonorable or other-than-honorable discharges, can disqualify you from receiving benefits unless you can resolve these issues.
What Is a Disability?
A disability is any physical or mental condition that is either caused or worsened by your military service. VA benefits are meant to compensate for the impairment caused by your disability. To prove your disability, you will typically need medical records showing ongoing treatment.
What Is a Service Connection?
To qualify for VA disability compensation, you must prove that your disability is connected to your military service, known as a service connection. The VA evaluates your service records and medical records from both during and after your service to determine whether your disability is linked to your time in the military. Some conditions are presumed to be service-connected, but most require sufficient evidence.
What If You Can’t Prove a Service Connection?
If you are unable to prove that your disability is service-connected, your claim may be denied. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a condition starts during your service but doesn’t become disabling until after you leave, it may still be considered if service aggravated the condition. Additionally, if a service-connected disability leads to another condition, the VA may also cover that second condition, such as PTSD leading to secondary conditions like diabetes.
If your disability is not related to your service, such as injuries from crimes or untreated substance abuse, the VA may reject your claim.
By understanding the process and the requirements for VA benefits, you can navigate the claims system more effectively and ensure you receive the support you deserve.