Experienced VA Disability Lawyers for Veterans
At Goodman Allen Donnelly, we help veterans navigate the complex VA disability claims process and secure the benefits they deserve. Service-connected disabilities can impact your quality of life, and understanding VA rules and procedures is critical to receiving maximum compensation.
Our experienced attorneys focus on appeals of denied claims, helping you strengthen your case, correct errors, and pursue the benefits you’ve earned.
What is VA Disability Compensation?
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit for veterans with conditions caused or worsened by military service. The VA assigns a disability rating from 0% to 100%, which determines your compensation amount. Your rating may also impact eligibility for:
- VA health care
- Dependents’ benefits
- Additional compensation, such as Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), which may be available in certain cases involving severe disabilities, loss of use of a limb or organ, or the need for aid and attendance
Types of VA Disability Claims
We assist with a wide range of appeals and reviews, including:
- Increased Rating Claims: If your service-connected disability has worsened, we review your file, obtain updated medical evidence when needed, and pursue a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic criteria.
- Supplemental / New Evidence Claims: If your claim was previously denied, we identify and submit new and relevant evidence to reopen the case and strengthen the record.
- Secondary Service-Connected Claims: If a new condition was caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected disability, we develop the medical and legal evidence necessary to establish secondary service connection.
Appealing a Denied VA Claim
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. The appeals process includes:
- Higher-Level Review (HLR) – A senior VA reviewer re-examines your claim based on the same evidence used in the original decision.
- Supplemental Claim – Allows you to submit new and relevant evidence that could change the outcome of your case.
- Notice of Disagreement (NOD) – Initiates a formal appeal with a Veterans Law Judge at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).
- Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) – If denied at the BVA, we can assist with appeals to the highest veterans’ court.
Our team ensures appeals are thorough, well-documented, and strongly argued.
Gathering Evidence for a Strong VA Claim
For veterans pursuing appeals, strong documentation makes the difference. Our attorneys work with you to identify the most persuasive evidence that can strengthen your case on review, like:
- Medical Records: Military and private healthcare documentation of your condition.
- Nexus Letters: Expert letters linking your disability to military service.
- Service Records: Proof of military service, deployments, and exposures.
- Buddy Statements: Supporting statements from fellow service members.
Common Challenges in VA Disability Claims
Veterans often face hurdles that can delay or reduce compensation:
- Incomplete or missing records
- Misdiagnosed or undocumented conditions
- Complex appeals procedures
With our experience, we anticipate and resolve these challenges, maximizing your chance for approval or a higher rating.
Why Choose Goodman Allen Donnelly
- Veteran-Focused Expertise: Our VA disability practice concentrates exclusively on veterans benefits claims and appeals. Our team has decades of experience handling cases before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Our attorneys include former VA insiders and lawyers who have worked at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the VA Office of General Counsel, as well as attorneys who have clerked for a Veterans Law Judge.
- Proven Track Record: Successfully represented thousands of veterans in claims and appeals.
- Personalized Support: Every case receives individual attention and a strategic review of the record.
- Comprehensive Representation: From initial appeals through proceedings before Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, we guide clients through the appeals process.
Steps We Take to Strengthen Your VA Disability Appeal
- First Consultation: We review your denial or rating decision and discuss legal options.
- Document Review & Evidence Strategy: Our attorneys analyze your records and identify the strongest supporting evidence.
- Appeal Preparation: We prepare and file your appeal with full legal arguments and documentation.
- VA Communication & Follow-Up: We handle communication with VA and track deadlines so critical elements don’t slip through the cracks.
- Representation at Every Level: From the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), we fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
Get the VA Benefits You Deserve
If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability, don’t delay. Incomplete claims or missed deadlines can reduce the benefits you earn. Contact Goodman Allen Donnelly today for a free consultation. Let our experienced VA disability attorneys handle your appeal and fight for the compensation you deserve.
