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Government, Benefits & Rights

Veterans Benefits & VA Appeals

VA disability denied or rated too low? Appeals, ratings, PTSD and secondary conditions. What an accredited VA lawyer does and how to find one near you.

Veterans are entitled to tax-free compensation for conditions connected to service, but the VA frequently denies claims or assigns ratings far below the evidence. Only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents and VSO representatives may help with claims, and lawyers may charge only after an initial decision, as a percentage of back pay. Appeals go through the AMA lanes, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

What a VA disability lawyer does

  • Reviews the C-file and identifies missed service connections and secondary conditions
  • Obtains nexus opinions and independent medical exams
  • Files supplemental claims, higher-level reviews and Board appeals
  • Pursues TDIU, effective-date corrections and discharge upgrades

When you need a VA disability lawyer

  • A claim was denied or rated lower than your symptoms warrant
  • You cannot work because of service-connected conditions
  • You have a less-than-honorable discharge related to PTSD, TBI or MST
  • A surviving spouse was denied DIC benefits

Questions to ask before you hire a VA disability lawyer

  1. Are you VA-accredited, and how are your fees structured?
  2. Which appeal lane makes sense for my decision?
  3. Do I have secondary conditions we should add?
  4. Am I a candidate for total disability based on individual unemployability?

Find a VA disability lawyer near you

Choose your state to see listed firms and the official bar directory for verifying any lawyer’s license.