How to Appeal a Denial From the Veterans Administration

Can I appeal my denial from the VA?

Yes! If you have recently received a denial from the Veterans Administration, you may be able to appeal. Lots of veterans have to appeal their denial from the VA. Unfortunately, the complicated claims process and troubles at the VA have impacted thousands of veterans. You are not alone; lots of veterans benefits claims are denied everyday.

Are many veterans denied the first time applying?

All of our clients have one thing in common: they were all denied the VA rating they deserve. The first call many veterans make to our office is to ask us how to appeal a denial from the Veterans Administration. Remember this: you are not alone. The Veterans Administration denies lots of veterans that later receive VA Disability benefits.

What should I do to help my chances of a successful appeal?

Many veterans appeal a bad VA decision with the same evidence that got them denied in the first place. You are going to need new evidence. Our VA Benefits appeals lawyers can’t stress how important evidence is to your claim.

Start by gathering up your medical records. We always begin a VA Disability appeal by requesting the veterans Claims File (C-File) if there is one. If you have records from private doctors we may request those too. If you have treated with a specialist like a psychologist, get those records for your claim. For example, if you are trying to obtain sleep apnea VA Disability benefits and took a sleep study, those records are important. When a new client hires us, we want to see any medical documentation that could be relevant to your claim.

Continue treating with your doctors. Veterans that do not have documentation of their claims are less likely to obtain VA Disability benefits. Remember, you need evidence of your mental conditions and physical conditions. You are going to have to prove your claim to the VA. If you have medical problems, continue treating with your doctors. First, they are trying to improve your health. Second, you may need the medical documentation for your claim.

Get the opinions of experts. Our veterans benefits lawyers often work with doctors outside the VA, psychologists, and vocational experts to obtain reports for client’s claims. The reports these doctors write about your conditions and service-connection can make or break a claim. The VA will consider these experts’ reports for your appeal.

What is a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)?

A Notice of Disagreement (NOD) is what you file when you disagree with the Veterans Administration’s decision. You have the option to have your appeal processed by the Decision Review Officer, or the Traditional Appeal Process. We highly suggest you contact a veterans disability benefits lawyer regarding how to file a Notice of Disagreement.

How long do I have to appeal my denial?

You have one year to appeal your denial. During that time you will need to be compiling evidence and getting the documents needed to prove your veterans disability benefits appeal. If you have let your appeal period collapse, you have the option to re-apply.

What if the time limit for appealing has passed?

Letting your appeal period collapse does not preclude you from ever receiving veterans disability benefits. You can reapply if you missed the deadline to appeal. This means you will have to start the entire application process from the beginning.

Should I hire a lawyer to appeal?

To successfully appeal the denial of your veterans disability benefits, we highly suggest you consider talking to a lawyer. At Woods & Woods, we work with teams of doctors, psychologists, and vocational experts to help prove your veterans benefits claim. We never charge a penny unless we win your appeal. Woods & Woods always offers free legal consultations to anyone wanting to appeal their VA decision.

Call us and learn how to appeal a denial from the Veterans Administration.

Not sure how to appeal a denial from the Veterans Administration? Give us a call. We can answer all your questions on how to appeal a denial from the Veterans Administration. Our VA Disability compensation lawyers have helped thousands of disabled veterans. We take pride in serving those who kept our country free and safe. You served your country, now let us serve you.