What You Should Know Before Hiring a VA Disability Lawyer in Chicago, IL

Hiring a VA disability lawyer can be an important step towards getting the benefits you’ve earned through military service. An experienced attorney can help you understand the VA claims process, increase your disability rating, and file an appeal if your claim is denied. Before hiring a lawyer to represent your VA case, there are some things you should know to ensure you get the representation you need and deserve.

Why Most VA Claims Are Initially Denied

As many as 70% of initial VA disability claims are denied, so veterans must pursue an extended and often difficult appeals process to get the benefits they believe they’ve earned. Claims may be denied for insufficient documentation, incorrect paperwork, or the lack of a demonstrated connection between military service and disability. Once a claim is denied, a VA disability attorney can offer the best way to appeal the denial and secure VA benefits.

How An Attorney Can Help You Gain Access to Benefits

While it’s possible to get benefits without an attorney, if your claim doesn’t generate the outcome you wanted, an attorney can help you correct that. A VA disability attorney can help gain approval for your claim or get a higher disability rating by demonstrating the connection between your service and your current condition, upgrading your discharge status to secure eligibility for benefits, or filing an appeal of an initial denial.

When to Hire a VA Disability Attorney

An attorney can help if your claim was denied due to:

• Lack of connection to your service
• Your discharge was characterized as anything but “honorable”
• You can’t access service or medical records
• Your disability rating is lower than it should be

What You Can Expect to Pay a VA Attorney

Veterans who are already battling through the economic impacts of disability are often concerned with the cost of hiring an attorney. Because of this, many VA attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost for representation unless your claim is successful and you win your case. An attorney may charge 20% to 33% of your retroactive benefits if you win, depending on the attorney and the details of your case.

What to Look For In a VA Disability Attorney

There are some qualities to look for when hiring a VA attorney for your case. You should find an attorney who specializes in VA disability law, and one who maintains a good reputation in the legal field and community at large. Communication is key, so find an attorney who values transparency and maintains an open-door policy with clients. Finally, look for a VA-accredited attorney who has extensive experience in litigating medical claims.  

Though an initial denial of your VA disability claim may be frustrating, a VA attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and improve your chances of getting the benefits you’ve earned. To consult with an experienced VA disability attorney, contact us at Comerford Law Office in Chicago, IL, today.

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