Indiana VA Disability Benefits Lawyer

Professional VA Disability Benefits Lawyer Serving Indiana

Applying for and receiving disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a complex and challenging process. Many veterans in Indiana who have served our country honorably find themselves facing disabilities that are connected to their military service. If you are an Indiana veteran seeking VA disability benefits, The Vet Law Office is here to help.

Our experienced attorney understands the intricacies of the VA disability claims process, and he has successfully assisted many veterans in obtaining the benefits they deserve. As a disabled veteran, Attorney Farmer recognizes the sacrifices you have made for our country, and he is committed to providing knowledgeable legal representation to ensure your rights are protected throughout your case.

Determining Disability Ratings for VA Benefits

The first step in pursuing VA disability benefits is to establish a connection between your current medical condition or impairment and your military service. Once this connection has been established, the next crucial aspect is determining your disability rating.

The VA assigns ratings on a scale ranging from 0% to 100%, and a different rating may be determined for each individual condition. Ratings for multiple disabilities may be combined to determine your total level of disability. These ratings reflect the severity of your disabilities and their impact on your ability to work or engage in daily activities. The higher your rating, the greater the amount of monthly compensation you may receive. If you are considered to be totally disabled, you may receive a 100% disability rating or a designation of Individual Unemployability.

To determine these ratings, the VA considers various factors such as medical records, doctor's opinions, physical examinations, laboratory results, treatment history, functional limitations caused by disabilities, occupational impact, work history, and testimonies by the veteran and their family members. As you pursue a disability claim, we can ensure that the proper information is provided to the VA to ensure that your disability rating will be assessed correctly.

The Role of Compensation and Pension Exams

As part of the disability claims process, the VA may require you to undergo a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. These exams play a crucial role in determining eligibility for disability benefits. During a C&P exam, you will be evaluated by a medical professional contracted by or affiliated with the VA to assess your disabilities.

The C&P exam is not meant to provide treatment, but instead, it aims to gather objective evidence about your condition as it relates to your claim. The examiner will review medical records or any other relevant documentation, conduct an examination if necessary, ask specific questions relating to limitations caused by service-connected conditions, and inquire about how these limitations affect your daily life activities. The opinions of an examiner may inform the VA's decision regarding the disability benefits you can receive.

Appeals and Review Options

Unfortunately, there are some cases where veterans may receive unfavorable decisions regarding VA disability claims. A veteran may receive a disability rating that does not reflect their actual level of impairment due to service-connected injuries or illnesses, or their disability claim may even be denied. It is important to remember that there are options for appeal in these situations:

• Higher-Level Review: This option allows veterans who received an adverse decision to request a review by a senior reviewer at the VA Regional Office. This review will consider evidence that has already been submitted and other information related to a claim to determine whether any errors were made or whether previous decisions should be changed.
• Supplemental Claim: If there is new and relevant evidence to support your claim, a supplemental claim may be filed. This option allows for the submission of additional information that may strengthen your case.
• Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA): If neither a higher-level review nor the supplemental claim results in a favorable outcome, or if you wish to have your case reviewed by a judge experienced in veterans law, you have the right to appeal your case directly to the BVA. In these types of appeals, Veterans Law Judges will thoroughly review cases and make independent decisions based on the evidence presented, the arguments made in a hearing, or any other relevant information.

If you receive an unfavorable decision regarding your VA disability benefits claim, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through these complex appeals processes while protecting your rights. If your appeal is unsuccessful, other options may be available, and you may file subsequent appeals in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims or in federal court.

Contact Our Indiana VA Disability Benefits Attorney

If you are an Indiana veteran seeking assistance with your VA disability benefits application, or if you need to appeal a denied claim or a disability rating that does not reflect the extent of your service-connected health conditions, contact The Vet Law Office today. Our compassionate attorney will provide you with personalized attention and fight tirelessly to protect your rights. We understand how overwhelming this process can be, and we are ready to help ease your burdens by providing knowledgeable representation throughout every step of your case. Contact us by calling 1-800-700-4174 and scheduling a consultation.

VA Health Centers in Indiana

Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center
1481 West Tenth Street
Indianapolis, IN

Marion VA Medical Center
1700 East 38th Street
Marion, IN 46953

Fort Wayne VA Medical Center
2121 Lake Avenue
Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Indiana VA Regional Office

Indianapolis Regional Office
575 N Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204