Amputees face significant challenges, both physical and financial, as they adjust to a new way of life. At Comerford Law Office, we understand the hardships that veteran amputees endure and believe in providing them with the support they need to navigate their daily lives. One crucial aspect of this support is accessing disability benefits, which can provide much-needed financial assistance. In this blog post, we will explore the various disability benefits available for veteran amputees and shed light on the application process.

Types of Disability Benefits

Disabled veterans are eligible for several types of disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Let’s delve into each of them:

1. Service-Connected Compensation: This benefit is designed to compensate veterans for disabilities resulting from their military service. The VA assigns disability ratings that determine the amount of monthly compensation. For instance, a veteran with a complete arm amputation may receive a 100% disability rating, whereas a leg amputation can also result in a 100% disability rating.
2. Special Monthly Compensation: Some amputees who have experienced severe disabilities may require additional assistance to cope with their challenges. Special Monthly Compensation is a program that offers financial support for specific circumstances. This includes providing assistance with daily activities and aiding those who have lost the use of specific body parts. The aim is to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the necessary support to lead fulfilling lives and overcome any obstacles they may face.

Application Process for Disability Benefits

Applying for disability benefits may seem overwhelming, but it is a crucial step toward obtaining the support amputees deserve. Here’s an overview of the application process:

1. Gather Necessary Documentation: To begin the application, veterans must collect relevant medical records, military service records, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate the connection between their amputation and military service.
2. Complete the Application: Veterans can apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal or submit a paper-based application. It is essential to provide accurate and detailed information to ensure a smooth review process.
3. Seek Professional Assistance: Navigating the complexities of the application process can be challenging, which often leads to denials. That’s why it is highly recommended for amputees to seek the assistance of a veterans disability attorney during the appeal process. At Comerford Law Office, our experienced attorneys understand disability benefits claims and can guide veterans through the entire process, maximizing their chances of success.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

Amputees who have served our nation deserve unwavering support as they face the challenges of living with disabilities. Disability benefits can make a significant difference in their lives, providing financial stability and peace of mind. At Comerford Law Office, we are committed to assisting veteran amputees in accessing these vital benefits. If you or a loved one is a veteran amputee, do not hesitate to reach out to us for personalized guidance through the application process. Together, we can ensure that those who have sacrificed for our country receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

As a veteran, navigating the complex world of disability benefits can be challenging. However, with the right legal assistance, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving higher disability ratings and better financial benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of hiring a veterans benefits attorney and how their experience can make a difference in increasing your disability rating.

Legal Experience and Knowledge

One of the primary advantages of hiring a veterans benefits attorney is gaining access to their legal experience and knowledge in this field. We have a deep understanding of the laws surrounding disability benefits, including recent developments in veteran benefit law. We are well-versed in the intricacies of the system and can guide you through the process efficiently.

Gathering Evidence Effectively

A critical part of your disability claim involves gathering and presenting evidence, and this is another area where a veterans benefits attorney can provide invaluable assistance. We can help ensure that the evidence you submit demonstrates the extent of your disability and its impact on your life. This could cover medical records, expert testimonies, and personal impact statements. Furthermore, these attorneys understand what kind of evidence the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) places the most weight on, thus increasing the likelihood of your claim’s success.

Complex Cases

If your case involves multiple disabilities or if you have been denied benefits in the past, it is crucial to seek legal representation. An attorney can assess your situation, identify any errors or gaps in your previous application, and work towards building a strong case for you.

Establishing a Service-Related Disability

Establishing a service-related disability is a significant aspect of receiving veterans benefits, and a veterans benefits attorney can play a vital role in this process. The attorney will assist you in proving the connection between your disability and your military service, which is often a challenging task for many veterans. Armed with an in-depth understanding of the legal criteria that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to evaluate service-related disabilities, the attorney can help you gather compelling and relevant evidence to support your claim. This could range from military service records, medical expert opinions, and even historical data related to similar cases. The attorney can also guide you through the VA’s process for evaluating disabilities, helping you understand the rating system and how it applies to your case. By demonstrating a clear link between your disability and your military service, the attorney can enhance the chances of your claim being approved.

Securing the Benefits You Deserve

As a veteran, you deserve the benefits that you have earned through your service to our country. Hiring a veterans benefits attorney can be a game-changer in increasing your disability rating and securing better financial benefits. With our legal experience, in-depth knowledge, and dedication to protecting the rights of disabled veterans, we can navigate the complexities of the system and ensure that you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve.

If you’re a veteran seeking assistance with your disability benefits, we encourage you to contact the Comerford Law Office, LLC. Our experienced VA benefits lawyer, Attorney James Comerford, is passionate about helping veterans obtain the benefits they deserve.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

If the VA’s determination regarding your benefits claim does not accurately align with the circumstances involved, you have options. If this is the situation you find yourself in, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights is to consult with an experienced Illinois veterans benefits attorney. 

The Most Common Reasons for Appeals

The primary reasons that veterans appeal VA benefit decisions include the following:

• The VA fails to recognize their disability as service-related
• The VA fails to attach the appropriate disability rating to their condition

Once you receive the VA’s decision, you generally have one year from the date the decision letter was issued to file a Decision Review Request (DRR). 

The Decision Review Request

The Decision Review Request is a formal VA process that allows veterans to request reviews of specific decisions. This review process is usually initiated when a veteran disagrees with the VA’s decision. Within the DRR context, veterans have options, which include:

• Supplemental claim
• Higher-level review
• Board appeal

Supplemental Claim

A supplemental claim allows you to submit any additional information or evidence that is relevant to your claim and supports your position. Examples include:

• The opinions of professionals with relevant expertise
• Supplemental medical records
• Any additional documentation that wasn’t included in your initial claim

This is your opportunity to strengthen your claim with additional documentation. 

Higher-Level Review

When you request a higher-level review, you request a senior reviewer to reconsider your claim from a fresh perspective – with an eye toward any errors or mistakes that may have been made during the initial decision-making process. Higher-level reviews are based on the evidence in the initial filing and do not allow the submission of new evidence. 

An informal conference can be scheduled within the higher-level review. This conference is a phone call that affords you and your attorney the opportunity to discuss why you believe the original decision was in error with the senior reviewer assigned to your case. 

Board Appeal

A board appeal involves taking your case before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), an independent body. This process affords you the opportunity to have your case reviewed by a judge, and new evidence can be submitted. An in-person or videoconference hearing – at which you and your trusted attorney will present your case – may be scheduled. 

The BVA has the following three options in relation to every case:

• Reversing the original decision
• Upholding the original decision
• Remanding the case back to the regional VA office for additional consideration or further development 

An Experienced Illinois Veterans Benefits Attorney Is Standing By to Help

James Comerford is an accomplished veteran’s benefits attorney at The Comerford Law Office – proudly serving Chicago – and his impressive track record in the realm of claim appeals speaks to his focused commitment to his valued clients. We’re here for you, too, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about what we can do to help today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

If you are receiving VA disability benefits, you rely on them to support yourself and your family, and the thought of your benefits being reduced or canceled altogether can be stressful. There are situations in which benefits can be lost in relation to health improvements, but this isn’t always the case, and an experienced Illinois veterans benefits attorney can help you protect your benefits in support of your fullest recovery and your best future. 

If Your Condition Is Expected to Improve

If your health condition is expected to improve, the VA has the right to address the issue at a later date – in order to determine if your disability has improved or disappeared entirely over the course of time. While overcoming a disability is naturally a worthy goal, it’s not always a possibility, and small improvements are unlikely to lessen your disability to the degree that you are no longer entitled to benefits. Ultimately, the VA is careful with its benefits to begin with, which means it isn’t likely to assign them when the recipient isn’t fully entitled. 

Reevaluations

If the VA expects your condition to improve with time, they will likely schedule a reevaluation within two to five years of assigning benefits. If your condition has vastly improved or has disappeared entirely, the VA can also reconsider your VA disability rating, which guides your benefits.  

The degree to which your disability affects your quality of life and your ability to function determines your disability rating. And any drastic change, such as a considerable improvement in your condition, can affect your benefits. 

Total and Permanent Disability Ratings

Some service-related disabilities are considered permanent and total, which are never expected to improve. For example, an amputated limb has no chance of improvement, and disability is total and permanent. There are, however, disabilities that can show improvement, and the VA can revisit them at later dates.

When a VA Rating Becomes Permanent

The VA won’t sever benefits for service-related benefits if they’ve been in effect for at least ten years. The only exceptions to this regulation include:

• If the recipient obtained their VA benefits under fraudulent circumstances 
• If the recipient was dishonorably discharged from the military 
• If the recipient didn’t complete their required service

Finally, if there is virtually no chance – or very little chance – that your serious disability is going to improve, its classification as total and permanent means your benefits can’t be reduced or canceled.  

An Experienced Illinois Veterans Benefits Attorney Is on Your Side

James R. Comerford is the Chicago veterans benefit attorney at The Comerford Law Office, and his experience, legal skill, and insight make him a powerful advocate for veterans like you. Your benefits play a profound role in your overall well-being, and we’re prepared to help zealously protect them. If you have questions or concerns about your veteran’s benefits, we encourage you to reach out and contact us for more information about what we can do to help you today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

If you are a veteran with a disability who has questions or concerns about a claim, working closely with an experienced Illinois VA disability attorney is always well advised. Finding a good fit, however, may require a bit of searching. When you’re armed with the right questions, you’ll be in a much better position to find a VA disability attorney who inspires your confidence and affords you the peace of mind you’re looking for. 

How much experience do you have successfully handling VA disability claims?

When your legal concern is something as complex as a VA disability claim, you need experienced legal guidance – not an attorney who dabbles in this area of the law. Finding an attorney whose practice focuses on these challenging claims is the way to go.  

What’s your plan for my clam?

The fact is that every VA disability claim is unique to all the following:

• The veteran themself
• Their unique disability 
• The specific circumstances involved

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that is the best path forward in every instance. If the attorney you’re interviewing is a good fit for you, they’ll assess your unique claim and will provide you with a solid plan regarding how best to proceed. 

Will you be handling my claim?

The attorney you consult with regarding your claim may not be the one handling it moving forward. In fact, your claim may be passed around. Feel free to ask who will be handling your claim. Having other people on the legal team working on your case can improve efficiency, but you also want to ensure your attorney will be accessible to you. If you are looking for a closer working relationship than the firm can offer, you may want to keep looking.

How accessible will you be?

You have a VA disability claim, and time is naturally of the essence. An attorney who doesn’t get back to you or is difficult to contact can leave you feeling alone out there. By asking specifically how you will be communicating with one another, how accessible you can expect them to be, and how much time your claim is likely to require, it can provide you with a roadmap for what’s to come, which many claimants find beneficial. 

It’s important to remember that your VA disability attorney works for you, and if you have questions that are important to you, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them. Your claim is too important to leave to chance, and when you find the right attorney, you’ll know. 

An Experienced Illinois VA Disability Attorney Is Standing By to Help

James R. Comerford at The Comerford Law Office is a practiced Illinois VA disability attorney who has the compassion, focus, and legal skill to help you resolve your disability claim favorably. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t put off contacting us for more information about what we can do for you today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

The only way to determine if you qualify for VA disability benefits is to apply for them. So long as you are a former U.S. soldier who served active duty or inactive duty for training, you can apply for VA disability benefits. If you received a dishonorable discharge, you will not qualify for VA benefits. The VA’s disability system can get complicated, though, and your chances of submitting a successful claim increase when you have help from an experienced VA benefits lawyer.

Basic Qualifications for VA Disability Benefits

The most basic qualifications for VA disability payments are:

• You are a former U.S. military veteran in good standing with the military
• You acquired a service-connected medical condition
• This condition prevents you from sustaining gainful employment

It sounds simple, right? In truth, the above elements can be quite difficult to prove.

Acquiring a Disability in the Line of Service

There are three types of disability claims:

• Preservice disability claim – You had a disability that was made worse or aggravated by your military service. The majority of these claims involve psychiatric illness aggravated by battle or combat trauma. The VA cannot deny your claim on the basis that you already had a mental illness when you joined up so long as you can prove your symptoms were aggravated by the stress of combat. Others may include toxic exposure and respiratory ailments.

• Inservice disability claim – You acquired a disability during your military service. Paralysis, loss of limb, traumatic brain injury, and toxic exposure are all inservice disabilities that are eligible for compensation. There are many others, as well.
• Postservice disability claim – Toxic exposure can result in cancers that are not obvious until after the soldier has completed their military service. Such claims may involve conditions that did not emerge until well after the soldier was discharged.

Presumptive Disabilities

While some conditions may be relatively easy to prove, others are quite difficult. If you are diagnosed with a chronic disease within one year of your discharge, you should seek out a lawyer immediately. The VA will give you the benefit of the doubt in some cases, and simply presume that your disability is service-connected. This means that you would not have to prove a connection to your service. However, specific rules apply.

As an example of this type of claim, Vietnam veterans who have specific conditions and were exposed to Agent Orange are presumed disabled by the VA. Former POWs qualify for presumptive disabilities. Today, Gulf War veterans may be presumed disabled.

In these cases, veterans only need to establish that they were at an exposure site and have an ailment linked to the exposure.

Talk to a Chicago VA Disability Attorney Today

For more information on applying for VA benefits, call The Comerford Law Office, LLC today and schedule a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys can sit down with you free of charge and discuss your options openly and honestly. Call today and we can discuss the merits of your claim.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Veterans serve our country valiantly, and you may want to honor their service and help support the vets in your community but may not have any idea how to go about doing that. The good news is that there are many ways to help support vets and their families, and one is sure to be right for you. If you have questions or concerns regarding veterans’ issues, such as benefits, it’s time to consult with an experienced Illinois veterans benefits attorney.

Donate Your Time at a Local VA Hospital

Many veterans have related health concerns, and when they receive the care they need at VA hospitals over the holidays, it’s hard on their morale and can result in loneliness and other negative emotional consequences. A visit from you can make a big difference in their outlook, which can make a big difference in their health outcome. And if you bring a small gift, you can help crank the holiday spirit up a notch or two. Ideas include:

• A book that’s a new release or is especially interesting
• A gift certificate or cash gift card
• A beautiful potted plant
• A delicious treat

Donating Frequent Flier Miles

If volunteering isn’t in the cards for you and you don’t have the budget to cut a check, donating frequent flier miles is an excellent way to give back to veterans. When you donate your miles, you can help reunite veterans with their loved ones at the holidays.

Enquire about Corporate Matching Gifts

If you can afford to contribute to a veterans’ charity, corporate matching can increase the value of your contribution considerably. Ask your employer if they have a corporate gift matching program. Financial donations at the holidays can make a serious difference in the lives of veterans. 

Adopting a Military Family

The Center for American Progress reports that more than 20 percent of veteran families are living paycheck to paycheck, which means they can be especially strapped around the holidays. There are organizations out there, like Soldiers’ Angels, that set up family adoptions for the holidays. Once you connect with your assigned family, they’ll let you know what they need, and you’ll have the opportunity to help make their holiday wishes come true. 

Sponsor a Fundraiser or Toy Drive

When a veteran is in need at the holidays, it means their children are also in need. Sponsoring a toy drive or a related fundraiser can provide veterans with the joy they receive from providing their children with special gifts. If you don’t have the time or the energy to start your own drive, reach out to Operation Homefront, which is set up to spread cheer through well-organized toy drives that focus on veteran families. 

Reach Out to an Experienced Illinois Veterans Benefits Attorney Today

James R. Comerford at The Comerford Law Office is a seasoned Illinois veterans benefits attorney who takes great pride in his impressive track record of helping veterans obtain the benefits to which they’re entitled. Your claim is important to your future, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information about what we can do to help you today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

If you were injured or made ill during the course of your military service, you’re very likely entitled to disability benefits, but the claims process can be daunting. Without just compensation, reaching your fullest recovery will be that much more challenging, but having an experienced Illinois VA lawyer on your side can make a considerable difference in the outcome of your claim. 

Your VA Lawyer Will Help You Explore the Disability Benefits that May be Available to You

VA disability benefits are based on VA disability ratings, which range from 10 to 100 percent and are a reading of how severe your service-related injury, illness, or worsening of a preexisting condition is. Establishing this service connection and your disability rating are critical elements of your claim that your VA lawyer will focus on. In addition, they will discuss the disability benefits you’re likely to qualify for – in relation to your rating. Benefits can include:

• Veterans disability compensation, which is designed to replace the income you would have earned had you not been disabled in the service
• VA health care
• Caregiver benefits
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Educational benefits
• An automobile allowance

Guiding You through the Application Process

The application process for VA disability benefits is long, complicated, and exacting, and many claims are denied outright due to errors made at this juncture – often in relation to missing information or incorrect responses. Having a seasoned VA lawyer skillfully guiding you through the application process – avoiding common pitfalls along the way – can significantly improve your chances of obtaining a fair disability rating and the full range of benefits to which you are entitled. 

Compiling the Necessary Evidence

The outcome of your veterans disability benefits claim will hinge on the strength of the evidence you supply. Your dedicated VA lawyer will ensure that all the available evidence relevant to your claim is well represented, including all the following:

• Your comprehensive medical records
• Your service records, which can be checked against your medical records to help verify the connection of your disability to your military service
• Your doctor’s professional medical opinion regarding your condition
• The testimony of those close to you regarding your condition 
• A nexus letter written by a medical professional who is qualified to connect your disability to your military service

Filing an Appeal

Too many initial claims filed by vets are denied, but you shouldn’t let this stop you from forcefully seeking the benefits owed to you. Having a focused VA lawyer at the helm of your claim will help to ensure that it receives the attention it should and will help to ensure that it leads to fair benefits that support your ability to regain your health and well-being. 

Speak to an Experienced Illinois VA Lawyer Today

James R. Comerford at The Comerford Law Office – Illinois is a highly skilled VA Lawyer who is well prepared and well positioned to fiercely advocate for a fair claim resolution that supports your brightest future. For more information about how we can help you, please contact us today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health concern that can interfere with your ability to live your fullest life and should not be ignored. Although PTSD can be treated, and there are a range of practices that can help sufferers handle the challenging effects of the disorder, it tends to be an ongoing condition that generally must be handled – rather than cured. If you or someone you love is battling PTSD as a result of your military service, you shouldn’t delay discussing the matter with an experienced Illinois veterans benefits attorney. 

What PTSD Is Not

We all have stress reactions to events that are stressful, and this is completely normal. In fact, it’s a survival mechanism that helps us better navigate the world we live in. PTSD, however, refers to more severe reactions that are generally predicated on seriously traumatic events and that prove seriously detrimental to the overall well-being of sufferers.

Identifying Factors

The Mayo Clinic identifies a range of factors that are closely associated with PTSD, which can lead to problems in relation to career, socialization, and close relationships and that can interfere with the activities of daily living. The four basic categories of symptoms include:

• Intrusive thoughts and memories 
• Avoidance reactions
• Negative shifts in mood and thinking patterns 
• Shifts in emotional and physical reactions 

It’s important to note that the symptoms of PTSD may appear within about a month of the precipitating event, but they can also take years to fully develop. Further, while some sufferers’ symptoms subside over time, the symptoms suffered by others can become more pronounced.

Intrusive Thoughts and Memories

Symptoms that are indicative of intrusive thoughts and memories can include all the following:

• Unwanted memories of the traumatizing event that repeatedly intrude on one’s thoughts 
• Night terrors related to the traumatizing event
• Severe startle and emotional reactions to events reminiscent of the traumatizing event
• Frightening flashbacks of the traumatizing event

Avoidance Reactions 

Symptoms that are often indicative of avoidance reactions include:

• Going to considerable lengths in an attempt to avoid thinking about or discussing the traumatizing event
• Going to considerable lengths to avoid people, places, and activities that remind the sufferer of the traumatizing event

Negative Shifts in Mood and Thinking Patterns

Those symptoms associated with mood shifts and negative thinking patterns include:

• Feelings of hopelessness 
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Dark thoughts
• Memory problems, including memory lapses related to the traumatizing event
• Feelings of detachment from loved ones and friends
• Issues related to maintaining close relationships
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
• Emotional emptiness 

Shifts in Emotional and Physical Reactions

The kinds of symptoms that equate with shifts in emotional and physical reactions include the following:

• Constant wariness
• A heightened startle reaction
• Sleep disturbances
• Angry, aggressive, or irritable outbursts
• Feelings of overwhelming guilt or shame
• Difficulty concentrating

Look to an Experienced Illinois Veterans Benefits Attorney for the Help You Need

James R. Comerford at The Comerford Law Office – Illinois is a savvy veterans benefits attorney who understands how significantly PTSD can affect your future and has the legal insight, resources, and impressive experience to help. To learn more, don’t wait to contact us today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by stressors such as personal assault, military combat, or a military sexual trauma. If you’ve suffered PTSD as a result of your service, VA disability compensation may be available, and an experienced Chicago veterans benefits attorney is standing by to help guide you effectively and efficiently through the process. 

PTSD

Most people who experience PTSD suffer from significant symptoms, impacting their day-to-day lives. Some of the most common symptoms and indicators of PTSD, according to the Mayo Clinic, include the following:

• Intrusive and recurrent memories of the precipitating event 
• Terrifying flashbacks of the precipitating event
• Disturbing nightmares that focus on the precipitating event and other sleep disturbances
• Severe emotional reactions to situations that are reminiscent of the precipitating event
• Attempts at avoiding people, places, or activities that remind the sufferer of the precipitating event
• Memory loss
• Relationship problems
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Intrusive negative thoughts 
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable pastimes 
• Emotional numbness
• Increased irritability or aggression
• Difficulty concentrating

While there are a variety of techniques that can help people manage serious PTSD and some treatment options, PTSD is often a lifelong struggle. 

In Order to Obtain VA Disability Benefits

In order to obtain VA disability benefits for PTSD, three elements must apply, including:

• You’ve been diagnosed with PTSD by a medical professional who is qualified to do so. 
• Your PTSD symptoms interfere with your ability to function the way you did prior to your service. 
• You acquired PTSD during your service. 

Those traumatic events that the VA considers qualifying occurrences fall into the following categories:

• You suffered a serious injury. 
• You endured a personal or sexual trauma. 
• You were sexually violated. 
• You were credibly threatened with death, personal injury, or sexual assault.

Applying for Veterans Disability Benefits Based on Your PTSD

The disability benefits claims process is arduous, stressful, and protracted, which can exacerbate the stress reactions that are closely associated with PTSD. In order for your claim to be successful, you’ll need to prove that your PTSD is service related, and you’ll need to receive a disability rating, which can range from 10 percent to 100 percent – for very serious cases. It’s important to note that many veterans suffer from PTSD along with other disabilities. 

An Experienced Chicago Veterans Benefits Attorney Is in Your Corner

A serious case of PTSD can be life-altering and can lead to lifelong consequences, and veterans are especially vulnerable to the disorder’s damaging effects. If you or someone you care about is suffering from PTSD as a result of your service to your country, James R. Comerford at The Comerford Law Office – is a distinguished veteran benefits attorney who dedicates his long-standing and impressive practice to helping veterans like you obtain the benefits you deserve.

We’re here to help you, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us for more information today.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »