Missouri VA Disability Benefits Lawyer

Respected VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Serving Missouri

Serving in the military can often lead to physical or mental health conditions that may require ongoing medical care and treatment. These conditions may limit the opportunities available to veterans, and in some cases, they may be unable to maintain employment and earn enough income to support themselves. To assist veterans who have suffered disabilities as a result of their service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability benefits. These benefits aim to provide financial support and assistance to veterans who are dealing with service-related disabilities. At The Vet Law Office, we provide assistance for veterans who need to address issues related to VA disability benefits, and we work to ensure that they will have the financial resources they need.

Qualifications for Disability Compensation

To qualify for VA disability compensation, veterans must meet certain criteria:

• In-Service event: The veteran must show evidence of an event, injury, or illness that occurred during their military service.
• Evidence of current disability: Medical documentation is required to prove the existence of a current disability.
• Nexus between service-connected event and current disability: Medical evidence linking the veteran's current disability to the events in service are necessary to establish service connection.

Determining Disability Ratings

The VA assigns each approved claimant a "disability rating" based on the severity of their condition(s). This rating determines the amount of monthly compensation they will receive. Disability ratings are calculated based on a percentage of impairment, and higher ratings indicate more severe disabilities and consequently higher levels of compensation. The determination process involves evaluating medical records, test results, doctor's reports, statements from physicians and laypersons familiar with the case, and any other relevant evidence provided by the applicant. It is crucial for applicants to submit all available medical documentation related to their claimed disabilities.

Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams

The VA may request a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam in certain cases. These exams are conducted by VA doctors or contracted physicians to assess the extent of the claimed disability. During the C&P exam, a veteran will be asked about their medical history, current symptoms, and limitations caused by their conditions. The purpose of these exams is to gather additional evidence needed for calculating an accurate disability rating.

Appealing Unfavorable VA Decisions

If a veteran's claim for VA disability benefits is denied, or if they disagree with the disability rating they have been given, there are several options available for appealing:

• Higher-Level Review: With this type of appeal, a reviewer within the VA will reassess the claim based on the information that had initially been submitted. The reviewer will not consider any new evidence or additional information, and they will determine whether any errors were made in the original decision.
• Supplemental Claim: This type of appeal allows applicants to submit new and relevant evidence supporting their case. By providing additional medical reports, opinions from doctors, statements from family members or fellow service members, or other relevant information, a veteran may be able to demonstrate that they qualify for disability benefits, or their disability rating may be revised.
• Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA): Veterans can appeal directly to the BVA after an initial denial or an unfavorable decision in a Higher-Level Review or supplemental claim. A Veterans Law Judge will review their case after looking at records that had previously been submitted, evaluating any new and relevant evidence, or holding a hearing.

An experienced veterans' benefits attorney can assist in navigating through the complex appeals process. Our attorney can not only assist with Higher-Level Reviews, supplemental claims, and cases heard by the Board of Veterans Appeals, but we can also pursue further appeals in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims or in federal court. We will guide you throughout every step of your claim while ensuring that your rights are protected.

Contact Our Experienced Missouri Veteran Disability Benefits Attorney

If you are a veteran seeking disability benefits for your service-related injuries or health issues, it is crucial to have an attorney who understands the complexities of this process by your side. At The Vet Law Office, we work with veterans in Missouri and nationwide, helping them secure the benefits they deserve. We will build a compelling case supported by medical evidence, and we will advocate on your behalf when filing a claim or pursuing an appeal. Contact us today at 1-800-700-4174 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

VA Health Centers in Missouri

John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital
915 North Grand Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63106

St. Louis VA Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks
1 Jefferson Barracks Drive
St. Louis, MO 63125

Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital
800 Hospital Drive
Columbia, MO 65201

Kansas City VA Medical Center
4801 Linwood Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64128

John J. Pershing VA Medical Center
1500 North Westwood Boulevard
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Missouri VA Regional Office

St. Louis Regional Office
Charles F. Prevedel Federal Bldg.
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132