VA Disability Increase (Faster Results!)
If you are a veteran who has served in the armed forces and suffered an injury or disability, you may be eligible for disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, the process of obtaining a VA disability increase can be time-consuming and frustrating. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to expedite your VA disability rating increase.
Understanding the VA Disability Rating System
Before we dive into the ways to expedite your VA disability increase, it is essential to understand how the VA disability rating system works. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of your disability, and compensation is awarded accordingly. The ratings range from 0 to 100 percent, and the higher the rating, the more compensation you will receive.
Gathering Medical Evidence
One of the most crucial steps in the process of obtaining a VA disability increase is to gather all relevant medical evidence to support your claim. This includes medical records, test results, and doctor’s notes. Make sure you provide the VA with a complete picture of your medical history, including any treatments or surgeries you have undergone.
Keep in mind that a large majority of VA Claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence. This is an easy part of the process that you can control. If medical evidence is what you’re lacking, obtaining it is as simple as scheduling an appointment to speak with your doctor.
Filing a Fully Developed Claim
If you have all the medical evidence to support your claim, you can file a fully developed claim (FDC) with the VA. This type of claim is processed more quickly than a traditional claim, and you can expect a decision within 125 days.
Fully Developed Claim = VA Disability Increase!
Filing a fully developed claim (FDC) is a way to expedite the processing of your VA disability increase claim. In order to file an FDC, you must provide all relevant medical evidence to support your claim at the time of submission. This includes medical records, test results, and doctor’s notes. By providing all of the evidence upfront, the VA can make a decision on your claim more quickly than if you submit additional evidence later on.
To file an FDC, you can use the VA’s eBenefits website or submit a paper application. If you choose to file online, you will need to create an account and follow the instructions to submit your claim. If you prefer to submit a paper application, you can download the form from the VA’s website and mail it in.
Once your FDC is submitted, the VA will review your claim and make a decision within 125 days. If your claim is approved, you will receive your VA disability increase and back pay for the time since your original claim was filed. If your claim is denied, you can either appeal the decision or file a new claim with additional evidence.
Requesting an Expedited Review
If you have a severe condition that requires immediate attention, you can request an expedited review of your claim. This is known as a “Priority Processing Request” and can be made when filing your claim. The VA will give priority to claims that meet certain criteria, such as terminal illnesses or financial hardship.
VA Disability Increase through an Expedited Review
If you need to expedite your VA disability increase claim due to financial hardship, homelessness, or terminal illness, you can request an expedited review from the VA. This can help to speed up the processing of your claim and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to as quickly as possible.
To request an expedited review, you will need to contact the VA and provide documentation of your situation. This can include a letter from your doctor or social worker, proof of financial hardship, or other relevant documentation. You can also call the VA’s toll-free number to request an expedited review.
It is important to note that the VA will only grant an expedited review in certain circumstances. These include situations where the veteran is terminally ill, experiencing extreme financial hardship, or facing homelessness. If your situation does not meet these criteria, your request for an expedited review may be denied.
If your request for an expedited review is granted, the VA will prioritize your claim and try to make a decision as quickly as possible. However, it is important to remember that even with an expedited review, the processing of your claim can still take several months.
Hiring a VA Disability Attorney
If you are struggling to navigate the VA disability claims process or feel that your claim has been unfairly denied, you may want to consider hiring a VA disability attorney. A VA disability attorney can help you understand your legal rights, gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and represent you in appeals or hearings.
A VA Disability Attorney will Always Aim for a VA Disability Increase
When hiring a VA disability attorney, it is important to choose someone who is experienced in VA disability law and has a track record of success. You can search for attorneys who specialize in VA disability law online or ask for recommendations from other veterans or disability organizations.
Before hiring an attorney, it is also important to understand their fees and how they will be paid. Many VA disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of your back pay, which is the amount of money you are owed for the time between when you filed your original claim and when you receive your disability rating increase.
Working with a VA disability attorney can be a valuable investment in your future. They can help you navigate the complex VA disability claims process, ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to, and improve your chances of success in appeals or hearings.
In summary, if you are struggling to navigate the VA disability claims process or feel that your claim has been unfairly denied, hiring a VA disability attorney can be a good option. Be sure to choose an attorney who is experienced in VA disability law and has a track record of success. Understand their fees and how they will be paid, and consider working with an attorney as a valuable investment in your future.
Requesting a Congressional Inquiry
If you have exhausted all other options for expediting your VA disability increase claim and are still experiencing delays or other issues, you may want to consider requesting a congressional inquiry. This can involve contacting your representative in Congress and asking them to intervene on your behalf with the VA.
To request a congressional inquiry, you will need to contact the office of your representative in Congress and explain your situation. You may be asked to provide documentation of your claim and any issues you have experienced with the VA. The representative’s office can then submit a request to the VA for more information and advocate for a resolution to your case.
It is important to note that requesting a congressional inquiry can be a lengthy process and may not always result in a favorable outcome. However, it can be a valuable option for veterans who have exhausted all other options and are still struggling to receive the benefits they are entitled to.
If you do decide to request a congressional inquiry, it is important to remain respectful and professional in your communications with your representative’s office and the VA. Remember that they are there to help you, but they may also be dealing with a high volume of inquiries and cases.
In summary, if you have exhausted all other options for expediting your VA disability rating increase claim and are still experiencing delays or other issues, requesting a congressional inquiry can be an option. Contact the office of your representative in Congress, provide documentation of your situation, and remain respectful and professional in your communications.
Keeping Track of Your Claim
One of the most important things you can do to expedite your VA disability increase is to keep track of your claim throughout the process. This can involve regularly checking the status of your claim, following up with the VA on any issues or delays, and ensuring that all necessary documentation has been submitted.
You’re Responsible for Staying On Top Of Your Claim!
The VA provides several ways for veterans to track their claims online. One option is to use the VA’s eBenefits system, which allows you to view the status of your claim, track the progress of any appeals, and access other important information about your benefits. You can also call the VA’s toll-free number for claims assistance to speak with a representative about the status of your claim.
In addition to tracking your claim, it is important to follow up with the VA on any issues or delays you may encounter. This can involve contacting the VA’s regional office or speaking with a claims representative to address any questions or concerns you may have. Keeping detailed records of your communications with the VA can also be helpful in the event that you need to escalate your claim or file an appeal.
Finally, it is important to ensure that all necessary documentation has been submitted and that your claim is complete. This can involve gathering medical records, military service records, and other supporting documents that can help strengthen your claim. You may also want to consider working with a VA disability attorney to ensure that all necessary documentation has been submitted and to help you navigate any legal issues that may arise.
Keeping track of your claim is an important step in expediting your VA disability increase. Use the VA’s eBenefits system or call the toll-free number for claims assistance to check the status of your claim, follow up with the VA on any issues or delays, and ensure that all necessary documentation has been submitted. Consider working with a VA disability attorney to help navigate any legal issues and ensure that your claim is complete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of obtaining a VA disability increase can be a long and frustrating one. However, by understanding the system, gathering medical evidence, filing a fully developed claim, requesting an expedited review, hiring a VA disability attorney, requesting a congressional inquiry, and keeping track of your claim, you can expedite the process and receive the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
- What is a VA disability increase? A VA disability rating increase is a higher rating assigned to a veteran’s disability, resulting in more compensation from the VA.
- What is a fully developed claim? A fully developed claim is a type of claim that is processed more quickly than a traditional claim because it includes all relevant medical evidence.
- What is a Priority Processing Request? A Priority Processing Request is a request to expedite the processing of a claim due to a severe condition or financial hardship.
- How can a VA disability attorney help with my claim? A VA disability attorney can help you gather the necessary medical evidence, file a successful claim, and appeal a decision if your claim is denied.
- How long does it take to receive a decision on a VA disability increase claim? The processing time for a VA disability rating increase claim can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the claim, the amount of evidence required, and the number of claims being processed. However, the VA aims to complete the process within 125 days for fully developed claims and within a year for traditional claims.