You served your country. Now let’s make sure the VA honors that service.
You stood ready to answer your nation’s call. You trained hard. You deployed to places where the stakes were high. You sacrificed your body and mind to protect America’s freedoms. Yet when it comes to getting the benefits you earned from the Department of Veterans Affairs the process can feel overwhelming confusing and discouraging.
If you are a veteran living with injuries illness or disabilities connected to your service you may be entitled to VA disability benefits. These benefits exist to help veterans live with dignity and stability. Unfortunately the VA benefits system is complex and confusing for most people. If your claim is denied or delayed you could wait years for the support you need.
At Coskrey Law we believe no veteran should ever have to go through this process alone. Our VA disability attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way from your first application all the way through appeals if needed. You earned these benefits. We fight to make sure you receive them.
Why VA Disability Claims Are So Often Denied or Underrated
Filing a VA disability claim involves far more than filling out paperwork. The Department of Veterans Affairs reviews your service records, medical history, and supporting evidence to answer two critical questions:
First, is your condition connected to your military service?
Second, how severely does that condition affect your ability to function and work?
If the VA answers no to the first question, your claim is denied entirely. If the VA answers yes but minimizes the severity of your condition, you may receive a disability rating that does not reflect the reality of your daily life.
Claims are commonly denied or undervalued because the VA believes:
- There is not enough medical evidence to support the claim
- The condition is not connected to military service
- The discharge status disqualifies the veteran from benefits
- The condition does not significantly impact work or daily functioning
Many of these decisions are incorrect or based on incomplete information. Veterans often do not know what evidence the VA is actually looking for or how to properly present it. That is where working with a VA disability attorney can make a meaningful difference.
Coskrey Law assists veterans with both initial claims and appeals through the VA disability system.
What VA Disability Benefits Can Mean for Your Life
VA disability compensation is not simply about monthly payments. These benefits can provide long term financial stability, access to medical care, and support for your family.
Depending on your disability rating, VA benefits may include:
- Monthly tax free compensation
- Eligibility for VA health care
- Additional compensation for dependents
- Access to other federal and state veteran programs
- Potential eligibility for Total Disability Individual Unemployability
Even a small increase in your disability rating can significantly impact your financial future. Over time, the difference between a low rating and a correct rating can amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. That is why it is so important to challenge unfair denials and inaccurate ratings.
How Coskrey Law Helps Veterans at Every Stage of the VA Process
Every veteran’s story is different, and every claim requires a tailored approach. Coskrey Law assists veterans throughout the VA disability process, from the initial application through appeals and beyond.
Initial VA Disability Claims
Filing a strong initial claim requires identifying all eligible conditions, gathering the right evidence, and clearly showing how those conditions are connected to your service. Many veterans unknowingly leave benefits on the table by failing to include secondary conditions or by submitting incomplete documentation.
Coskrey Law helps veterans prepare claims that are thorough, organized, and supported by evidence. Starting the process correctly can reduce delays and improve the chances of approval.
Appealing a Denied Claim
If your claim has been denied, you still have options. Veterans can pursue different types of appeals depending on why the VA denied the claim.
A Supplemental Claim allows you to submit new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered. This may include updated medical records, new diagnoses, or expert opinions connecting your condition to service.
A Higher Level Review asks a more senior VA reviewer to reexamine your claim for errors based on the existing record. This option focuses on correcting mistakes in how the law or evidence was applied.
Coskrey Law evaluates the denial decision carefully and helps veterans choose the appeal path that best fits their situation.
Board of Veterans Appeals
When earlier review options do not resolve the issue, veterans may appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals. At this level, a Veterans Law Judge reviews the claim and any additional evidence submitted.
Appeals before the Board are more formal and require careful preparation. Coskrey Law represents veterans at the Board level, helping present evidence clearly and persuasively.
Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
If the Board denies the claim, veterans may still be able to seek review by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This civilian court examines whether the VA correctly applied the law. While not every case belongs at this level, Coskrey Law can advise whether further appeal makes sense based on the facts of your case.
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Common Conditions That May Qualify for VA Disability Benefits
Veterans seek benefits for a wide range of service connected conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Back injuries and chronic pain
- Knee, shoulder, and joint conditions
- Sleep apnea
- Migraines and headaches
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Conditions related to toxic exposure
In many cases, veterans may also qualify for benefits based on secondary conditions, meaning a new condition that developed because of an already service connected disability. Understanding how primary and secondary conditions interact is an important part of building a strong claim.
Coskrey Law regularly works with veterans to identify all potential conditions that may be compensable, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Why Working With a VA Disability Attorney Matters
The VA disability system is governed by complex regulations, strict deadlines, and technical requirements. Missing a deadline or submitting the wrong type of evidence can derail an otherwise valid claim.
Working with a VA disability attorney offers several advantages:
- Understanding of VA regulations and procedures
- Guidance on what evidence is most effective
- Help avoiding common mistakes and delays
- Strategic advice on appeals and ratings
- Advocacy focused solely on veterans benefits
Coskrey Law is dedicated to representing veterans and understands how frustrating the VA process can be. The firm’s approach is focused on education, preparation, and persistence.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Disability Benefits
There is no single timeline that applies to every claim. Some claims may be decided in a few months, while others take longer depending on the complexity of the condition and whether appeals are involved. Appeals can extend the process significantly.
A denial does not mean your case is over. Veterans may be able to pursue a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals depending on the reason for the denial.
Yes. Many veterans receive ratings that do not accurately reflect the severity of their condition. If the VA overlooked evidence or misapplied the rating criteria, you may be able to appeal the rating decision.
VA disability benefits may be available for physical injuries, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions connected to military service. Some veterans also qualify for benefits based on secondary conditions caused or worsened by another service connected disability.
Not always. Some appeal options focus on correcting errors using evidence already in the VA file, while others require new and relevant evidence. The appropriate option depends on your specific situation.
In many cases, veterans can work while receiving VA disability compensation. However, certain benefits such as Total Disability Individual Unemployability have income restrictions.
Take the First Step Toward the Benefits You Earned
You fulfilled your duty to your country. Now you deserve a fair opportunity to receive the benefits promised to you. If you are filing a VA disability claim, appealing a denial, or questioning a low rating, help is available.
You can contact Coskrey Law by phone at (706) 303 1802 or visit the firm’s website to request a free consultation. During that conversation, you can discuss your service, your condition, and your next steps with someone who understands the VA system.
Let Coskrey Law help you move forward with confidence and clarity.