New York VA Disability Benefits Attorney

Lawyer for VA Disability Claims and Appeals in New York

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life includes living with long-lasting physical or mental health conditions resulting from their time in uniform. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability benefits to support those whose service-connected conditions have impacted their ability to work and live comfortably. Unfortunately, the process of securing these benefits is often far more difficult than it should be.

In New York, veterans routinely face bureaucratic delays, unjust claim denials, or other issues that may affect their ability to receive the proper benefits. These challenges can leave deserving veterans without the financial support and medical care they need. The Vet Law Office understands the complexities of the VA disability benefits system, and we provide veterans with compassionate legal support. Attorney Ed Farmer, a disabled veteran himself, brings both legal insight and personal experience to every case, helping fellow veterans navigate the disability claims process with confidence.

Common Challenges Veterans Encounter When Filing VA Disability Claims

Applying for VA disability benefits requires more than simply proving that a condition exists. Veterans must demonstrate a direct link between their condition and their military service. They will also be required to provide extensive documentation, and they may need to undergo evaluations that may have an effect on the outcome of their claims. Several key challenges can arise during this process, including:

Gathering and Submitting Sufficient Evidence

One of the most common reasons for delays or denials is the lack of adequate evidence. Veterans must submit medical records, service treatment records, and supporting statements to demonstrate that their disability is connected to their service and show how it currently affects them. If any pieces of this puzzle are missing or unclear, the VA may deny the claim.

Many veterans also face difficulties obtaining older service records. For veterans who are suffering from mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), proving that a condition is connected to a service-related event can be even more complicated.

Undergoing Compensation and Pension Exams

The VA often requires applicants to attend Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams, which are conducted by VA-appointed healthcare professionals. The results of these exams can heavily influence the outcome of a claim.

Unfortunately, some examiners may not fully understand the extent of a veteran's condition or how it affects their daily life. In some cases, the examiner may downplay symptoms or incorrectly conclude that a disability is not connected to military service. A poorly conducted or inadequately documented C&P exam can result in a denial or an unfairly low disability rating.

Receiving an Incorrect Disability Rating

When a claim is approved, the VA will assign a disability rating between 0 percent and 100 percent in 10 percent increments. This rating is used to determine the amount of monthly compensation the veteran will receive.

If the VA assigns a rating that does not reflect the true impact of a veteran's condition, it can severely limit the financial support they will be able to receive. Conditions that affect multiple areas of a person's life or those that have worsened over time may not be rated correctly due to flawed evaluations or a misinterpretation of medical evidence.

Appealing a Denied Claim or Incorrect Disability Rating

Receiving a denial of benefits or an inadequate rating is not the end of the road. Veterans have the right to appeal these decisions, and Attorney Ed Farmer can help determine the best path forward based on the facts of each case. Options include:

Higher-Level Review

If the denial was the result of an error in judgment or a failure to apply the correct legal standards, a Higher-Level Review may be appropriate. A senior VA adjudicator will review the case and examine the existing evidence without accepting any new documentation.

Supplemental Claim

If new and relevant evidence has emerged, such as updated medical reports, expert opinions, or additional service records, a veteran can file a supplemental claim. The VA will then reconsider the case based on the updated information.

Appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)

For claims involving complex concerns or in cases where a veteran wishes to challenge the results of a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim, an appeal may be made to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The BVA allows for written arguments, submission of new evidence, and hearings before a Veterans Law Judge. Ed Farmer can provide veterans with strong legal representation to ensure that the Board is provided with the information needed to make a decision.

Let Our New York VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Help You

For veterans in New York who are facing difficulties related to VA disability claims, Attorney Ed Farmer can provide dedicated legal guidance informed by his personal military experience. Whether you are preparing a claim or need to appeal an unjust decision, we are here to help you move forward. Contact our office at 1-800-700-4174 to set up a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the benefits you have earned.

VA Health Centers in New York

Margaret Cochran Corbin VA Campus

423 East 23rd Street

New York, NY 10010

Brooklyn VA Medical Center

800 Poly Place

Brooklyn, NY 11209

St. Albans VA Medical Center

179-00 Linden Boulevard

Queens, NY 11424

James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

130 West Kingsbridge Road

Bronx, NY 10468

Buffalo VA Medical Center

3495 Bailey Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14215

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital

2094 Albany Post Road

Montrose, NY 10548

Castle Point VA Medical Center

41 Castle Point Road

Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

113 Holland Avenue

Albany, NY 12208

Canandaigua VA Medical Center

400 Fort Hill Avenue

Canandaigua, NY 14424

Bath VA Medical Center

76 Veterans Avenue

Bath, NY 14810

Northport VA Medical Center

79 Middleville Road, Building 200

Northport, NY 11768

Syracuse VA Medical Center

800 Irving Avenue

Syracuse, NY 13210

New York VA Regional Offices

New York Regional Office

201 Varick St. 4th Floor

New York, NY 10014

Buffalo Regional Office

130 S. Elmwood Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14202