Veterans Disability Litigation

Ken assists veterans in navigating the system to assist them in obtaining the disability benefits they deserve. He is also a lawyer for his clients at VA Board of Veterans Appeals Hearings.

According to a lawsuit filed by the Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic this week the Department of Veterans Affairs discriminated for decades against Black Trotwood Veterans Disability Lawsuit by disproportionately denying their disability claims.

What is a VA Disability?

The disability rating determines the amount of monthly compensation that is paid to veterans with disabilities that are related to service. This rating is based upon the severity of the illness or injury and can range from 0% up to 100% in 10% increments (e.g., 20%, 30% etc). The compensation is tax-free and provides basic income for the disabled veteran and their family.

VA provides additional compensation through other programs, for example individual unemployment, clothing allowances prestabilization and hospitalization allowances for automobiles, and hospitalization allowances. These benefits are in addition to the basic disability compensation.

The Social Security Administration also gives veterans special credits they can utilize to increase their lifetime earnings so that they can qualify for retirement or disability benefits. These credits are referred to as "credit for service."

Many of the conditions that allow disabled veterans for disability benefits are mentioned in the Code of Federal Regulations. However, certain conditions require an expert's advice. A veteran lawyer with experience can assist a client obtain an opinion, and also provide the evidence required to prove an claim for disability compensation.

Sullivan & Kehoe has extensive experience representing veterans in appeals and claims for disability. We are committed to helping our clients get the benefits they're entitled to. We have handled hundreds of disabilities cases and are skilled in the complex nature of VA law and procedure. Our firm was started by a disabled vet who made fighting for veterans' rights a major part of his practice after successfully representing himself at an appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals hearing.

How do I submit a claim?

newport news veterans disability lawsuit must first find the medical evidence that proves their impairment. This includes X-rays, doctor's reports or other documentation relevant to their condition. Making these records available to the VA is essential. If a veteran doesn't have these documents, they must be given to the VA by the claimant or their VSO (veteran service organization).

The next step is a filing of an intention to file. This form allows the VA examine your claim even before you have the needed information and medical records. It also protects your effective date for compensation benefits when you win your case.

When all the data is submitted When all the information is submitted, the VA will schedule an exam for you. It will depend on the quantity and type of disabilities you are claiming. Be sure to take this test, because If you don't, it could delay your claim.

Veterans can use the VA's database of attorneys accredited by the VA or claim agents to find accredited representatives. These people have been accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans, service members and their dependents or survivors in a variety of matters including pension and disability compensation claims.

Most veterans' disability advocates work on a contingency. They only receive compensation when they win their client's appeal, and they also receive back pay from VA. The amount of back pay that is awarded varies, but can be as high as 20 percent of the claimant's past-due benefit.

In rare instances an attorney or agent may choose to charge an hourly fee. But, this isn't common for two reasons. First, these situations are usually time-consuming and can last for months or even years. Second, many veterans and their families can't afford to pay an hourly rate.