California VA Disability Benefits Lawyer

Veteran-Focused VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Serving California

After serving our country, veterans deserve to receive the benefits they are entitled to. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various benefits and services to support veterans' well-being, including disability compensation for service-connected disabilities.

If you are a veteran in California seeking assistance with your VA disability benefits, the experienced attorney at The Vet Law Office can guide you through the complex process and help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Attorney Farmer has a deep understanding of VA laws and regulations, and as a disabled veteran, he knows the importance of protecting veterans' rights. He can provide comprehensive legal representation to ensure that your specific needs will be met.

Understanding VA Disability Ratings

When applying for VA disability benefits, it is essential to understand how the VA determines disability ratings. These ratings are expressed as percentages that indicate the severity of a service-connected condition or injury. They are used to determine how much monthly compensation a veteran will receive.

The rating schedule depends on medical evidence provided by the veteran during their claim application process. The evidence may include medical records, treatment history, doctor's reports, statements from friends or family members familiar with their condition's impact on their everyday life, and more.

Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams

When applying for VA disability benefits, veterans may be required to attend Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams. These exams help determine the severity of a veteran's condition and the ways service-connected illnesses or injuries have affected their daily life activities. C&P exams are conducted by licensed healthcare professionals contracted by the VA.

It is important for veterans to provide accurate information during these exams and ensure that all relevant medical records and evidence are available to support their claims. An attorney can review your case, gather necessary documentation, assist with exam preparation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

Individual Unemployability (IU)

In some cases, veterans who have one disability rated at least 60% disabling or multiple disabilities with a combined disability rating of 70% can qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). TDIU provides compensation at the 100% disability rate if the veteran is unable to secure or maintain substantial gainful employment as a result of their service-connected disabilities. It is crucial for veterans to explore this option if they are unable to work due to their service-related conditions.

Appealing Unfavorable VA Decisions

If you receive an unfavorable decision from the VA regarding your disability claim, it does not necessarily mean that all hope is lost. Veterans have several options for appealing these decisions:

• Higher-Level Review: You can request a review of your claim by an adjudicator who will make a determination based solely on existing evidence without holding another hearing or receiving new evidence.
• Supplemental Claims: If you have additional evidence related to your claim that was not previously considered, you can submit a supplemental claim with new supporting documentation or seek assistance from an attorney in gathering compelling new evidence.
• Board of Veterans Appeals: A case may be formally reviewed in a hearing held before a Veterans Law Judge, or other Board officials may review a claim or consider new evidence.

When all administrative avenues within the VA have been exhausted, veterans can appeal their cases through judicial proceedings in various federal courts such as the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). It is important to note that each appeals process has specific deadlines and requirements, making it crucial to consult with an attorney promptly upon receiving an adverse decision from the VA.

Contact an Experienced California Veterans' Benefits Attorney Today

If you are a veteran in California seeking assistance with VA disability benefits or appealing unfavorable decisions, The Vet Law Office can provide you with strong, effective legal representation. We understand the complexities of VA law, and we are dedicated to helping veterans receive their rightful compensation. Contact us at 1-800-700-4174 to schedule a consultation.

VA Health Centers in California

San Francisco VA Medical Center
4150 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94121

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90073

Sacramento VA Medical Center
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA 95655

Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161

Fresno VA Medical Center
2615 East Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703

Palo Alto VA Medical Center
3801 Miranda Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304

Palo Alto VA Medical Center-Menlo Park
795 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025

Palo Alto VA Medical Center-Livermore
4951 Arroyo Road
Livermore, CA 94550

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans' Hospital
11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357

Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center
5901 East Seventh Street
Long Beach, CA 90822

Martinez VA Medical Center
150 Muir Road
Martinez, CA 94553

California VA Regional Offices

Los Angeles Regional Office
West Los Angeles Federal Building
11000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90024

San Diego Regional Office
8810 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108

Oakland Regional Office
1301 Clay Street, Rm. 1200 North
Oakland, CA 94612