Our lawyers proudly serve as legal advocates to many veterans. Specifically, we ensure that all veterans entitled to veterans’ disability get it. These disability benefits are a right of those who sustained injuries or diseases while on active duty, or were made worse while they served in the military. This compensation is tax-free, and available to anyone injured (or whose injury was aggravated) while on active duty or training for active duty.

Applying for Veterans Disability

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs encourages veterans to apply online for their benefits, or fill out and send in VA Form 21-534EZ Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits. Although this seems easy, there are many different forms and documentation that must accompany an application, such as:

• Discharge or separation papers
• Evidence of your injury, such as reports from your doctor
• Records that prove your dependents, such as marriage and birth certificates

There are also varying requirements for dependent compensation and special monthly compensation.

Steps in the Veterans Disability Claims Process

The process begins when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs receives your claim. Your claim is then assigned to a Veterans Service Representative. This individual will review your application and all the evidence provided to determine if the claim will be approved, or if you need to submit more information. The more times you have to go back-and-forth with the VA, the longer your claim will take. This is why it is crucial to hire an experienced lawyer who can get the application right the first time, so you can start receiving the benefits you deserve as soon as possible.

Once the representative determines that no more evidence is needed, the claim moves onto the Preparation for Decision phase. At this phase, the VA might make more requests for evidence, either of you, a medical professional, or another party. If the representative reviews all the evidence and determines that something is missing, they can send the claim back to the gathering stage to collect additional information. The final step is for you to receive a decision packet from the VA.

How long until I receive my Veterans Disability?

The VA intentionally does not give a time estimate on these claims because they vary so much from case to case. The VA says that the length of this process differs based on factors such as:

• How complex your injury / illness is
• How many disabilities you noted on your claim
• How readily available your evidence was

With a Memphis personal injury lawyer from Reaves Law Firm, PLLC in your corner, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve filed many of these claims before. We know the process, as well as the common pitfalls, and can help you avoid them so that you can access your benefits as quickly as possible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT OUR ATTORNEYS!