As you may know, applying for VA disability compensation can be overwhelming. Finding the right forms, filing the paperwork, and gathering other evidence can be difficult to do on your own.
Although it is daunting, it is not an impossible task. It might be in your best interests to hire an experienced veterans disability benefits attorney so you can relieve the burden on yourself.
This article outlines what documents an attorney will request to help you successfully file or appeal a claim.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
In this article about what you need to hire a veterans attorney
What documents does a veterans disability attorney need?
Our veterans disability attorneys can help you file an initial claim and help with a new or pending appeal. There are a few documents we will need from you.
In all cases we consider, we will ask for your DD Form 214 and your current medication list.
If you have a pending appeal, we will also need your decision letter and proof that the appeal is pending.
We might request other information depending on what we learn during our conversations with you. All of the information you submit will be used to build the best case possible to help you with your claim or appeal.
DD Form 214
A DD Form 214, or DD214, is an official document that verifies military service. It is officially called the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, but most veterans refer to it as their separation or discharge papers.
We ask for this document to verify your active duty military service.
You may have a different type of separation document. For example, the Army and Air National Guards use NGB Form 22 Report of Separation and Military Service. Here is a list of all discharge documents you might have.
Current medication list
We will ask for a current medication list because it may help us prove or discover how your conditions are connected to your military service. It is important that your medication list is up-to-date and accurate.
VA rating decision letter
A rating decision letter is the VA’s response to your disability claim. The letter will include the VA’s decision about whether your conditions are service-connected and the disability rating it assigns. The rating, which determines your monthly benefits payment, ranges from 0% to 100% in increments of 10 and is based on the severity of your conditions.
If your appeal is pending, we will also ask for proof that your appeal is pending. You can find that documentation by checking the status of your appeal on this VA web page.
Once we take your veterans disability case
If we decide to take your case, a VA benefits attorney and a team of case managers and legal analysts will help you gather other evidence that will greatly support your case.
One piece of evidence will be a medical nexus letter–a term that is not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. It is a document a doctor or medical professional writes about your medical diagnosis and the relationship of that diagnosis to your active duty service.
We will also ask for lay statements, testimony from friends and family members who have known you long enough to describe your life before, during, and after your service. Statements from other service members can also strengthen the case that you have a service-connected disability.
These are just a few requests we make of our clients, but once again, you will not be asked to build this evidence on your own. Our team is here to do the work to help you build a solid case and to get you the benefits you deserve.
Call us to start your veterans disability claim today
If you need assistance with VA documents, you can contact a veterans disability attorney at Woods and Woods with any questions you have. We never charge for help with an initial application or to answer your questions. If you are appealing a decision, you will not pay a fee or expenses unless we win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you are filing a new claim or have a new or pending appeal, the attorneys at Woods and Woods will ask you for your DD214 and a list of current medications. If you are appealing a decision you will also need to provide previous VA rating decisions and proof of any pending appeals.
You can check the status of your appeal by going to the VA’s website.
