Many veterans are wrongly denied their VA benefits or rated too low. If you have more questions after reading through the information below, give us a call. We offer free VA appeal claim evaluations to anyone. To learn more about appealing a VA decision, please fill out the online contact form or call toll-free (866) 232-5777.
Woods & Woods has helped thousands of veterans and their families file a VA appeal. Our lawyers only charge a fee if you win your appeal.
What is a VA appeal?
If you have applied for VA benefits and the VA made an unfavorable decision, you may consider appealing that decision. VA appeals are for veterans and their family members that disagree with the VA’s decision on their VA benefits. Unfortunately, the VA makes many mistakes when giving veterans a rating decision. Too often our law firm sees decisions where the VA is dead wrong and we can’t even understand how the VA made the decision they did.
How do I file a VA appeal?
Veterans and family members that wish to receive VA benefits and were denied or rated too low will have to begin a VA appeal with a Notice of Disagreement. This is a document that notifies the VA that you wish to appeal their decision on your VA benefits. You must notify the VA of your intention to appeal.
Can I recoup the benefits lost if I win my VA appeal?
If you were denied VA benefits and win on your appeal, you may be entitled to back pay. That money you should have received comes in one lump sum from the VA. Your effective date will determine when you should have started receiving payments from the VA. Some veterans find their effective dates were a very long time ago and receive a considerable amount of back pay.
How long do I have to file a VA appeal?
If you wish to appeal your decision from the VA, you have one year to submit your Notice of Disagreement. The one year period begins from the date the VA made the decision on your VA benefits. We suggest you file your Notice of Disagreement as soon as you can to get your VA appeal decided faster. We recommend talking to our veterans benefits lawyers before your file your Notice of Disagreement; there is never a fee for a legal consultation on VA appeals. If you submit your Notice of Disagreement incorrectly, the VA may not recognize you want to appeal your VA benefits decision.
What if I let my appeal period collapse?
If you have let your one year period to file your VA appeal collapse, you still have options. Veterans and family members can reapply for VA benefits instead of appealing. However, that means that you will have to go through the initial application process all over again. While time consuming, it is the only option for veterans wishing to receive VA benefits who let their appeal period collapse.
I can’t work and was denied TDIU benefits; what now?
Many veterans who can’t work apply to receive Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits from the Veterans Administration. The sad truth is lots of veterans who file for TDIU benefits will be denied and will need to appeal the VA’s decision. TDIU benefits eligibility can be hard to prove and we highly suggest you contact our VA appeals lawyers to help. Our lawyers work with doctors, psychologists, and vocational experts to help veterans win their TDIU benefits. The best way to win your TDIU benefits appeal is to submit relevant evidence to prove you are currently unable to work.
How many veterans win their VA appeals?
There is no quota that the VA will grant/deny claims based upon. According to the VA, “in the past four years alone, VA has added more than 940,000 Veterans to the VA compensation rolls, more than the active duty Army and Navy combined.” Things that can increase your chances of winning your VA appeal are submitting evidence correctly, making all deadlines, understanding VA law, fully filling out all paperwork, and only taking VA appeals advice from qualified individuals.
How long do VA appeals take?
There is no set amount of time that your VA appeal will take. Some VA Regional Offices (VARO) process VA appeals much quicker than others. You must be patient with the VA appeal process; it is not a quick and simple process. The VA has improved initial application wait times, but that has created a backlog in the appeal process.
What evidence is needed to prove my VA appeal?
You will want to submit evidence that proves you have mental and/or physical impairments. If you have doctors or psychologist statements, you should submit those. You will also want to show how those mental and/or physical impairments are related to your service.
Do I need a lawyer for my VA appeal?
The Veterans Administration does not require you to hire a lawyer for your appeal. However, we highly suggest you at a minimum consult with a qualified lawyer about appealing. The VA appeal process is confusing, complicated, and there are thousands of federal regulations that govern the Veterans Administration. Hiring a VA certified disability attorney can give you the resources to win your claim. Woods & Woods will often hire experts to prove you are entitled to VA benefits. That is something that many VSO’s and other veterans advocates just simply can’t do.
Can I afford a lawyer for my VA appeal?
Yes! Woods & Woods VA benefits appeal lawyers only charge if you win. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement and case expenses. If you lose your VA appeal, you owe us nothing. Our law firm never asks for money upfront. There is never a charge for phone calls and we never bill by the hour. We will make sure you understand the contract before you sign.
Why call Woods & Woods VA appeal lawyers?
Since 1985, Woods & Woods has represented injured and disabled people. Our lawyers have handled thousands of VA appeals. Our firm’s in-depth knowledge of VA law helps our clients win. Woods & Woods is trusted nationally; dozens of other reputable law firm send their clients to Woods & Woods for VA appeals.
For your free legal consultation on VA appeals, please fill out the online contact form or call toll-free (866) 232-5777.