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Veterans Law Attorneys – Trusted Veterans Disability Attorneys in Cincinnati

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Veterans Disability Attorney Cincinnati OH

Are you a veteran entitled to disability benefits? Have you had your disability claim denied? Veterans know that it can be difficult at times to navigate the legal processes of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to get the help and benefits that you have earned. A qualified and experienced veterans disability attorney in Cincinnati, OH may be able to help.

The legal team at Veterans Law Attorneys – located in Cincinnati – and serving veterans nationwide, has more than 20 years of experience in the courtroom serving U.S. Military veterans. Armed with that legal experience, the legal team of Attorney Maxwell Kinman, Attorney David Wagner and Attorney Jesse Bowman are here to help you get the VA disability benefits that you are entitled to after your years of service.

For many veterans, applying for VA disability benefits is not just a legal process – it is a deeply personal one. These benefits can provide access to medical care, financial stability, and recognition for the sacrifices made while serving the country. However, even with well-documented claims, veterans often face denial or undervaluation of their claims, leaving them frustrated and unsure about their next steps. This is where experienced legal representation can make a significant difference.

What Is the Success Rate for Supplemental Claims in VA Disability Benefits Cases?

Understanding VA Disability Benefits

VA disability benefits are intended to help veterans who have physical or mental health issues related to their service in the military. These issues may have occurred during active duty, been made worse by service, or developed later as a result of military experiences. The amount of compensation is based on a rating given by the VA that takes into account the severity of the issue and its effect on daily life and employment.

Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10%. Even a low rating may qualify a veteran for healthcare benefits. Higher ratings provide increased monthly compensation and access to additional support services. In some cases, veterans may be eligible for Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability, which allows them to receive 100% compensation even if their overall rating is lower.

Why Do You Need a Veteran Disability Attorney?

The Department of Veterans Affairs can be difficult to deal with and when faced with a denied disability claim, qualified veterans may find the help of a veteran disability attorney to be invaluable. Veterans in need may be asking – why do I need a veteran disability attorney – and we can help answer your questions at Veterans Law Attorneys.

Here is a look at three scenarios where Veterans Law Attorneys can help you in and out of the courtroom:

  • Your VA disability claim has been denied and you wish to file an appeal. 
  • You have been discharged and require a discharge upgrade to receive benefits.
  • You have received poor treatment, been misdiagnosed or suffered from VA medical malpractice.

VA claims are governed by strict deadlines and complex regulations, as well as detailed medical evidence requirements. One mistake, such as missing a filing deadline or failing to submit proper documentation, can delay benefits for months or even years. A veteran’s disability attorney understands how the VA evaluates claims and can help ensure your case is presented in the most clear and effective way possible.

Legal representation also levels the playing field for veterans. The VA has extensive resources and internal review processes, but veterans are often left to navigate the system on their own. An experienced attorney can serve as your advocate, ensuring that your rights are protected at every step of the process.

Common Reasons VA Disability Claims Are Denied

Understanding why claims are denied can help veterans strengthen their appeals. Common reasons for denial include lack of medical evidence, difficulty establishing a service connection, incomplete records, missed deadlines, or unfavorable compensation and pension examination results (C&P).

In some cases, the Veterans Affairs (VA) acknowledges a service-connected condition but assigns an unfairly low disability rating, which can significantly reduce monthly compensation and limit access to benefits. An attorney can challenge these decisions by presenting additional medical opinions, expert testimony, and supporting documentation to support the client’s case.

How To Appeal a VA Disability Decision

Veteran in a Wheelchair

Here is the scenario – your VA disability compensation has been denied and you do not know what the next step is. You know you can file an appeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but you don’t even know where to begin. Veterans laws and regulations can get complicated and it may be time to ask for help.

That is where Veterans Law Attorneys can help. We are VA-accredited attorneys that will provide you with legal consultation and can help you navigate the appeal process, avoid stress and receive the benefits that you deserve. Here is a closer look at how the VA disability appeal process works.

  1. File a Notice of Disagreement with your local VA office to appeal the decision. A Notice of Disagreement must be filed within 1 year of the original claim denial.
  2. You will receive a written response – Statement of the Case – with any additional evidence provided by your local VA office that details why your claim was denied.
  3. File a Substantive Appeal of the Statement of the Case with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and you can request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. 
  4. Schedule an in-person or online video teleconference hearing with the Veterans Law Judge – if needed.
  5. The Board of Veterans’ Appeals will render a decision on your disability claim and the response will be mailed to you.

Learn More About VA Discharge Upgrades

Where To Find a Veterans Disability Attorney in the Cincinnati Area

As a veteran, there are many veterans organizations available to you to help you file your initial VA disability claim – but when your claim has been denied, it may be time to call for support. Veterans Law Attorneys – located in the Cincinnati area – has the legal experience, training and information that you need on your side when you appeal your VA disability claim. We will walk you through the appeal process, decode the legal language and help you receive the benefits that you deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Contact Veterans Law Attorneys today and enlist our help as veteran disability attorneys in Cincinnati, OH!

Common Veteran Disability FAQs

What makes Veterans Law Attorneys different from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for my appeal?

While VSOs provide invaluable free assistance with initial claims, our legal team specializes in the complex appeals process after a denial. As accredited VA attorneys, we provide aggressive legal advocacy, deep knowledge of case law and regulations, and skilled representation before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and beyond. We build persuasive legal arguments, cross-examine VA experts, and navigate the procedural intricacies of the system to fight for the maximum benefits you deserve.

My VA disability claim was denied. What is the first step I should take, and what are my deadlines?

The critical first step is to file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with the VA office that issued the denial. You have one year from the date on your denial letter to do this. This deadline is strict. Contacting our firm immediately after a denial allows us to ensure your appeal is filed correctly and on time, preserving your right to back pay from your original claim date.

What does it mean to be “VA-accredited,” and why is it important when choosing an attorney?

VA accreditation is a mandatory certification process for attorneys and claims agents to represent veterans before the Department of Veterans Affairs. It ensures the representative is trained in the specific laws, procedures, and ethics governing VA benefits. Our attorneys—Maxwell Kinman, David Wagner, and Jesse Bowman—are fully VA-accredited, meaning we have the authority and expertise to directly access your claims file, submit evidence, and advocate for you at every level of the appeals process.

Can you help me if I need a discharge upgrade to qualify for benefits?

Yes. A less-than-honorable discharge (e.g., Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct) often blocks access to VA healthcare and disability benefits. Our team can assist in applying to the appropriate military review board (like the Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records) to upgrade your discharge status. We help gather evidence, craft legal arguments, and present your case to show that your service characterization should be changed, opening the door to the benefits you earned.

How do you handle cases involving VA medical malpractice or negligent treatment?

These are separate actions from a standard disability claim. If you suffered harm due to substandard care at a VA facility, you may have a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). Our attorneys can investigate the malpractice, secure medical expert opinions, and file an administrative claim against the VA. Success in an FTCA case can result in compensation for your injuries, which is separate from (and can be pursued alongside) your ongoing disability benefits appeal.

What happens during a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ)?

A hearing before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is your opportunity to personally present your case. Our attorneys will meticulously prepare you, develop a strategic line of testimony, and submit a legal brief outlining your arguments. At the hearing, we will present evidence, question you to highlight key facts, and argue why the VA’s prior decision was wrong. We handle the legal heavy lifting, allowing you to tell your story effectively in a supportive environment.

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