Choosing the correct way to file your veteran disability claim appeal is critical for you and your family’s future. Making mistakes in this process could lead to losing out on thousands of dollars per month as well as long delays.
Filing a disability claim the right way will mean financial security for yourself and your family. If you file your claim the right way you have the potential of a higher rating which can mean $1,000 to $2,000 more per month than you would get otherwise.
Filing a disability claim the wrong way can lead to troubles: long waits, denied benefits, not getting enough benefits, or even having to pay back money if you receive too much. Mistakes can also shut down your chances to appeal, adding to the headache.
We assessed all the options including 60 accredited agents and law firms and analyzed the top 7 through a 4-stage, 5-factor analysis process. Here are the results for the best way to increase your VA disability rating.
1. Rocket Benefits – 9.12/10 (Best Way To Increase Your VA Rating)
Rocket Benefits is our top choice for the best way to increase your VA disability rating for a variety of reasons. Using a service like Rocket Benefits is easy and risk-free. The VA pays them after a successful appeal directly so you don’t have to.
Pros
A professional disability claims appeal service offers specialized assistance to individuals seeking to appeal a decision on their disability claims. These services typically provide a comprehensive range of support tailored to navigate the complexities of the appeals process effectively.
Tackling a disability claim appeal on your own can feel like you’re trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. Between the web of legal jargon, the hunt for the right evidence, and the emotional weight it brings, it’s no small feat. If figuring this out solo was straightforward, you wouldn’t be here looking for some guidance. That’s exactly where bringing a professional claims agent comes into play.
- Expertise and Knowledge: These services have experts who are well-versed in the laws, regulations, and procedures governing disability claims. Their specialized knowledge enables them to navigate the complex appeal process efficiently, maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Evidence and Documentation Management: They are skilled at gathering, organizing, and presenting the necessary medical evidence and documentation to support your appeal. Their experience ensures that your case is as strong as possible, effectively addressing the specific reasons for the initial denial.
- Stress Reduction: The appeals process can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. Having a professional service handle the intricacies of your case can significantly reduce the stress and burden, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
- Time Savings: Professionals can expedite the process by avoiding common pitfalls and knowing how to move through the procedural aspects of the appeal more quickly. Their efficiency can lead to a quicker resolution of your case. They also have access to platforms you do not have access to.
- Increased Success Rate: Professional services’ expertise and strategic approach to appeals often result in a higher likelihood of overturning denials. They know how to make a compelling case to the appeals board or court, increasing the chances of success.
- Representation at Hearings: If your appeal requires a hearing, having experienced representation can make a critical difference. Professionals are adept at arguing cases and can effectively communicate the merits of your appeal to a judge or panel.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial case assessment to the final decision, professional services provide end-to-end support, handling all aspects of the appeal process. This comprehensive approach ensures that nothing is overlooked and your appeal is pursued as aggressively as possible.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your appeal is in the hands of experienced professionals can provide significant peace of mind during what is often a difficult and uncertain time.
Cons
Normally, using a professional service can come with some risks but after reviewing Rocket Benefits, we’ve found most of these do not apply to them.
- Cost: Some professional services charge fees while others don’t charge anything until an appeal is successful. Rocket Benefits gets paid directly by the VA so you never have to worry about payment. They are owed 20% of your backpay upon a successful appeal for the work they have done. This is usually worth it as getting 80% of the backpay you are owed is much better than getting 0%.
- Personalization: Some veterans may find that large advocacy groups or firms may not offer the personalized attention their case requires. Rocket doesn’t have that issue as they only assign a certain number of appeals per agent.
- Complexity and Control: By involving a third party, you may feel that you have less control over your appeal process. Rocket does a good job of working with veterans to ensure they are heard throughout the entire process.
Overall
Utilizing a professional disability claims appeal service can offer strategic, emotional, and practical benefits, significantly enhancing your chances of achieving a positive resolution to your appeal.
2. Veteran Service Organization – 6.58/10 (Best Budget Way To Increase Your VA Rating)
A Veteran Service Organization (VSO) is a nonprofit group that assists veterans in navigating the complex process of filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). They are supposed to provide guidance, from initial claim submission to appeals. The goal is to ensure veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to for their service.
A Veterans Service Organization is the number two option on our list. In certain scenarios, a VSO could be better than a professional claims agent but it is rare. A VSO will cost you no money in the long run but your chances of winning an appeal go down dramatically.
Pros
There are certain scenarios where local county offices aren’t overloaded with cases so a VSO can take the time to focus on your case. The problem that arises is these VSOs do not have much experience so will have trouble getting you the rating you deserve.
Opting for a VSO to process a disability claim is usually a fine decision. Filing an initial claim is relatively straightforward. When it comes to filing a disability claim appeal, the narrative changes a bit.
- Initial Claims: A VSO will file your claim for you. Agents are not allowed to make any money for filing a claim so many do not even perform that service. A VSO will file your claim for you
- Cost-Effective: Most VSOs provide their services free of charge to veterans. This is a major advantage for veterans who want to file their appeal without giving up any of the backpay owed to them. The problem is that you may get 0% of what you’re owed rather than 80%.
- Local: You can find VSOs in your local area and go into a physical location to speak with them in most cases. A great option if that is important to you.
Cons
- Most VSO representatives don’t possess the correct knowledge: While VSO representatives are often well-intentioned and dedicated to assisting veterans, they might not possess the legal training and expertise required to navigate the complexities of veterans’ law effectively. This is crucial in appeals where the interpretation of laws and regulations can significantly impact the outcome.
- High demand with limited resources: VSOs, due to high demand and limited resources, can’t provide the level of personalized attention and time that an appeal might require. Appeals often necessitate detailed evidence gathering, preparation of legal briefs, and sometimes representation at hearings. A private attorney or claims agent specializing in veterans’ law might offer more dedicated time and resources to individual cases, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome.
- Less experience in legal strategy: Additionally, there’s the concern of expertise in legal strategy. Legal professionals specializing in veterans’ law may have a deeper understanding of legal precedents, more experience with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and the ability to employ more nuanced legal strategies than a VSO representative.
- Slow with limited capacity: The sheer number of requests VSOs get whether initial claims or appeals makes a VSO operate at a glacial pace. Their capacity for being effective is lower than the number of cases they take on.
Overall
While VSOs play a critical role in supporting veterans and can be an excellent resource for initial claims, the appeal process’s stakes and complexities might necessitate the specialized skills and undivided attention that a legal professional can provide. This doesn’t diminish the value and importance of VSOs but highlights the need for veterans to consider utilizing a more sophisticated representative.
3. Process Your Claim Yourself – 5.16/10
Processing a veteran disability claim appeal yourself involves directly submitting the necessary paperwork and evidence to VA. This self-advocacy requires understanding VA regulations, gathering relevant medical records and documentation, and possibly attending hearings, all without the assistance of a representative or VSO. This can be very challenging but also rewarding.
Pros
- Complete Control Over Your Case: When you manage your own appeal, you have full control over every aspect of your case. This means you decide how to present your argument, which evidence to submit, and when to submit your appeal, allowing for a highly personalized approach.
- Learning and overcoming a unique challenge: While filing an appeal on your own can be daunting due to the complexity of VA regulations and the legal nuances of disability claims, the benefits of self-representation can be a wealth of knowledge gained for those who are prepared and willing to take on the challenge.
- Personal Satisfaction and Empowerment: Successfully navigating the appeals process on your own can be incredibly rewarding. It offers a sense of achievement and can empower you to advocate for yourself and possibly others in the future.
- No Representation Fees: While VSOs typically offer free assistance, attorneys or agents may charge for their services or take a cut of your backpay. By filing on your own, you avoid any potential costs associated with representation, ensuring that any back pay or benefits go entirely to you.
Cons
- Complexity of VA Regulations: Navigating the VA’s regulations and understanding the legal requirements for a successful appeal can be daunting. The process involves intricate legal procedures and strict deadlines that may be difficult for individuals without specialized knowledge to comprehend fully.
- Evidence Gathering: Successfully appealing a disability claim often requires extensive medical evidence and documentation. Identifying, obtaining, and presenting this evidence in a manner that meets VA standards can be overwhelming for someone without experience.
- Legal Representation: Experienced representatives possess the expertise to effectively argue a case and navigate the appeals process. They understand the nuances of VA law and can advocate on a veteran’s behalf more effectively than the veteran might be able to do alone.
- Stress and Emotional Toll: The appeals process can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. Managing the appeal while also coping with disabilities can add significant stress to veterans and their families.
- Risk of Denial: Without the proper guidance, the risk of making errors or failing to meet critical deadlines increases, potentially leading to the denial of the appeal. Professional assistance maximizes the chances of a successful outcome by ensuring that all aspects of the appeal are handled correctly.
Overall
Veterans can choose to represent themselves. However, seeking assistance from a qualified representative often leads to better outcomes and alleviates the burden of navigating the complex appeals process alone.
Summary
Unless you fit into a few special circumstances, the best option for appealing a VA disability claim is to utilize a service like Rocket Benefits.