Service to your country entitles you to certain benefits after you leave the military. Unfortunately, accessing your benefits can be an ordeal.
A Kissimmee veterans’ benefits lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright could help you apply for benefits and appeal an unfavorable decision. We could steer you toward programs benefiting veterans that you might not know about. Lawyers and health care providers recommend our attorneys to their family members and clients because they know we endeavor to achieve great results for veterans.
Applying for Veterans’ Disability Benefits
If you are a veteran who has returned from service with injuries and health conditions that impact your ability to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits.
Eligibility requires service on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty and a disability rating for a service-related injury or condition. In addition, you must be able to prove one of the following:
- You suffered the injury or illness while in service
- You had an injury or condition before serving, but your military service aggravated it
- Your service caused a health condition that did not produce symptoms until after you left the military
Our team of Kissimmee attorneys will review your health and military records to ensure you meet the qualifications for veterans’ disability benefits, and if so, they could help you complete your application.
The amount you could receive depends on your disability rating and how many dependents you have. Your disability rating is a numerical indicator of the extent to which your illness or injury affects your work and daily life. If you have a disability rating of 30 percent or more, your dependents may also receive benefits.
Discharge Upgrades
You are not eligible for veterans’ disability benefits if you received a dishonorable discharge. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your discharge, you may be able to upgrade it, making you eligible for benefits. If you received a dishonorable discharge and want to pursue veterans’ disability benefits, contact a legal professional at our firm to discuss whether a discharge upgrade is viable in your case.
Responding to Unfavorable Decisions
The application process for disability benefits is frustrating. The Veterans’ Administration (VA) may consider a claim for many months, only to request more information. The VA rejects about 75 percent of the initial applications it reviews.
If your initial application was rejected, you can appeal. If you have additional information you want the VA to consider, you can file a supplemental claim. If you believe that your original application was complete and an error was made, you can ask for a higher-level evaluator to review your application.
You can also request a Board appeal. There are three different types of board appeals—you can ask an administrative law judge to review the information you have already submitted, you can request to submit additional information, or you can request a hearing. Our veterans’ benefits attorneys in Kissimmee understand the risks and benefits of each method and could help you make the decision that is most likely to be effective in your circumstances.
Veterans’ Benefits Available
Disability benefits are just one of the programs managed through the federal VA. You may also be eligible for pension benefits, VA-backed home loans, life insurance for veterans with disabilities, and more.
The state also has numerous programs that benefit disabled veterans. For example, if you have at least a 10 percent disability rating, you may receive a $5,000 deduction on your property assessment, leading to lower property taxes. If you are completely disabled, you may be exempt from property taxes.
Veterans also may be eligible for discounted or waived fees for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration, hunting and fishing licenses, and educational programs. Our experienced lawyers in Kissimmee will help you become aware of all the benefits and services available to veterans in your situation.
Work With Our Kissimmee Attorneys To Access Your Veterans’ Benefits
You served your country, and we owe you more than just thanks. You are entitled to many valuable benefits due to your service, especially if you are disabled. You can rely on a Kissimmee veterans’ benefits lawyer at The Florida Firm to work diligently to help you receive the benefits you earned. There is no upfront cost to you, so contact us today to start reaping the benefits of your service.