Texas VA Disability Benefits Lawyer

Experienced VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Serving Texas

Veterans who have served in the United States military may experience multiple types of health issues that can affect them throughout their lives. Fortunately, they may qualify for disability compensation that will address the loss of the income they could have earned if they had not experienced disabilities, as well as other benefits from the VA. At The Vet Law Office, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal assistance to veterans in Texas who are seeking VA disability benefits. We understand the unique challenges that veterans face when dealing with disabilities acquired during their military service, and we are here to provide guidance through every step of the process.

Qualifying for VA Disability Compensation in Texas

Veterans may be eligible for VA disability compensation if they have a service-connected disability or condition. To qualify, you must satisfy three key requirements:

1. You must have a current diagnosis of a disability or medical condition.
2. Your medical condition must be related to an event, injury, or illness that occurred during your active-duty military service.
3. Your documented medical evidence should establish a direct link between your military service and the disability that has affected your ability to earn an income and other aspects of your life.

Calculation of Disability Ratings

The Department of Veterans Affairs assigns each approved claimant a disability rating based on the severity of their service-connected conditions. These ratings are percentages that are meant to express how a disability has affected a person's life and their ability to maintain employment. Higher percentages indicate more severe impairments, and the maximum disability rating is 100%. The assigned percentage is used to calculate the amount of monthly compensation provided to a disabled veteran.

Compensation and Pension Examinations (C&P Exams)

To determine your initial rating percentage, the VA may consider factors such as medical records, treatment history, and how your disabilities have impacted your daily activities and employment prospects. The VA may also require you to undergo a Compensation and Pension examination, commonly referred to as a C&P exam. These exams are conducted by VA-contracted medical professionals, and they help establish the severity of service-connected disabilities. Multiple C&P exams may be required if you have multiple disabling conditions.

During a C&P exam, the examiner will review your medical records, evaluate your current condition through physical examinations or additional tests if necessary, and provide an opinion on how much your disability affects your ability to function. It is essential to attend these appointments and be forthright about all symptoms and limitations you experience. Our attorney can help prepare for C&P exams and make sure all relevant information is considered correctly by the VA.

Pursuing Appeals for VA Disability Decisions in Texas

If you receive an unfavorable decision from the VA regarding your disability claim, there are several options available for appealing the denial of a claim or the assessment of an inaccurate disability rating:

• Higher-Level Review (HLR): You can request a review of your case within one year after receiving a decision on your claim. During this stage of appeal, a senior reviewer at the VA will examine the evidence submitted during the initial application process and other information the VA used to make its determination. This option does not allow for the submission of new evidence.
• Supplemental Claims: If you have new or added evidence that supports your claim that was not previously provided, to the VA, filing a supplemental claim might be appropriate. This allows you to introduce new information corroborating why you deserve favorable consideration. The VA may consider information related to medical exams or treatment you have received, as well as statements from family members or fellow service members who can describe how your life has been affected by your disabilities.
• Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA): At this stage of appeal, you can present your case before a Veterans Law Judge. The BVA may review new evidence that supports your claim, or it may hold a hearing in which you or others may testify regarding the extent of your disabilities. You may appeal a claim through the BVA after a denial at the HLR or supplemental claim stage, or you may choose this option after an initial denial or unfavorable decision.
• Court Appeals: If you are dissatisfied with BVA decisions, you may request a review by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. If necessary, further appeals can be filed in the federal court system.

Navigating the appeals process can be complex and overwhelming, which is why it's crucial to have legal representation. Our attorney has extensive experience handling VA disability appeals, and he will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Contact Our Texas VA Disability Claim Lawyer

If you are a veteran residing in Texas who needs assistance with VA disability benefits, contact the knowledgeable attorney at The Vet Law Office. Attorney Edward Farmer is prepared to offer compassionate support, reliable guidance, and skilled advocacy throughout every stage of your VA disability claim. Contact our office by calling 1-800-700-4174 or filling out an online contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation.

VA Health Centers in Texas

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
2002 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030

Dallas VA Medical Center
4500 South Lancaster Road
Dallas, TX 75216

Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital
7400 Merton Minter Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78229

Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center
6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West
Amarillo, TX 79106

George H. O'Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center
300 Veterans Boulevard
Big Spring, TX 79720

Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center
1201 East 9th Street
Bonham, TX 75418

Garland VA Medical Center
2300 Marie Curie Boulevard
Garland, TX 75042

Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center
1901 Veterans Memorial Drive
Temple, TX 76504

Doris Miller VA Medical Center
4800 Memorial Drive
Waco, TX 76711

El Paso VA Clinic
5001 North Piedras Street
El Paso, TX 79930

Harlingen VA Clinic
2601 Veterans Drive
Harlingen, TX 78550

Texas VA Regional Offices

Houston Regional Office
6900 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77030

Waco Regional Office
1 Veterans Plaza, 701 Clay Av.
Waco, TX 76799