Colorado VA Disability Benefits Attorney
Lawyer Helping Disabled Veterans in Colorado Receive Benefits
Military service can leave a lasting impact on the brave men and women who have served our country. When injuries, illnesses, or mental health conditions are connected to that service, veterans deserve the full support and assistance promised to them. Unfortunately, navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system can be complicated, frustrating, and overwhelming. Veterans may need to deal with complex requirements and lengthy delays. Claims may be denied, leaving veterans unsure about what to do next. A knowledgeable legal advocate can make a significant difference in these cases.
Attorney Edward Farmer is a disabled veteran himself, and he brings a unique and personal perspective to the fight for veterans' rights. He is deeply committed to helping veterans in Colorado obtain the disability benefits they have earned through their service.
How Our Attorney Can Assist With VA Disability Benefits
Applying for VA disability benefits will often involve much more than filling out forms. The success of a claim depends on understanding the evidence that is required and presenting it effectively. Our dedicated VA disability attorney can:
- Gather and present compelling medical and service records
- Address adverse findings from Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams
- Challenge improper disability ratings that result in inadequate compensation
- Identify errors made by VA decision-makers and pursue appeals
- Provide compassionate representation that recognizes the emotional and financial strain that veterans experience
Edward Farmer offers personalized legal support grounded in both professional skill and lived experience. He is committed to standing beside veterans at every stage of the benefits process.
Factors That May Influence VA Disability Applications
Several critical factors can influence the outcome of a VA disability benefits application:
Disability Ratings
After the VA determines that a veteran is eligible for disability benefits, it will assign a disability rating, which is expressed as a percentage. This rating reflects the severity of the veteran's condition, and it will directly impact the amount of monthly compensation that the veteran will receive. Ratings can range from 0 percent (noncompensable) to 100 percent (total disability).
Determining an accurate rating is crucial, since it will ensure that a veteran can receive the proper amount of disability benefits. Unfortunately, the VA sometimes assigns incorrect ratings, especially when medical evidence is incomplete or has not been evaluated properly.
Compensation and Pension Exams
The VA will often require a veteran to undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam to assess the extent of their disabilities. These exams are conducted by VA doctors or contracted medical providers. A C&P examiner's findings can heavily influence whether a claim is approved and what disability rating is assigned.
Problems can arise when examiners misunderstand the veteran's symptoms, fail to fully document a disability, or do not properly link the condition to military service. Preparing carefully for a C&P exam and addressing any adverse findings afterward is essential to ensure that a veteran's rights to receive disability benefits will be protected.
Appealing the Denial of VA Disability Benefits
Even when a veteran provides strong evidence, the VA may deny a disability claim or assign an insufficient rating. Thankfully, the VA offers several paths for appeal:
Higher-Level Review
Veterans who believe a clear error was made in their case may request a Higher-Level Review. This process involves a more experienced VA adjudicator reevaluating the claim without considering any new evidence. If a mistake occurred during the initial evaluation, the decision may be reversed without the need for further proceedings.
Supplemental Claims
If new and relevant evidence becomes available, such as updated medical records or additional documentation linking a disability to service, a veteran may file a supplemental claim. This will allow the VA to reconsider the claim based on factors that had not previously been considered.
Board of Veterans' Appeals
For more complex cases or in situations where a claim has been denied after being reevaluated, a veteran can appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). A Veterans Law Judge will conduct a more formal review, and they may hold a hearing where the veteran or their representative can present arguments. The BVA has the authority to overturn VA regional office decisions and grant benefits.
Contact Our Colorado VA Disability Benefits Lawyer
Choosing the right legal advocate can make all the difference in a claim for VA disability benefits. Attorney Edward Farmer brings a rare combination of professional knowledge and personal understanding to every case. As a disabled veteran, he recognizes the unique challenges veterans face both during and after their service. With his deep respect for the sacrifices veterans have made, he is determined to ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve.
Attorney Farmer is ready to guide you through the claims process with confidence and help you file an appeal if necessary. Contact The Vet Law Office to schedule a free consultation and get the legal help you need.
VA Health Centers in Colorado
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
1700 North Wheeling Street
Aurora, CO 80045
Grand Junction VA Medical Center
2121 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Colorado VA Regional Office
Denver Regional Office
155 Van Gordon Street
Lakewood, CO 80228