Although disability benefits are the most often sought benefits available, there are other benefits available as well. Health benefits such as preventative care, diagnostic services, treatment services as well as long term care are available through the VA health plan.
Disability benefits:
There are two different kinds of disability benefits available to veterans; disability compensation is one, disability pension is the other. If you are a veteran of any of the services and you suffer a disability that is directly associated with your service, then you are eligible for disability compensation. If on the other hand you have already served during a time of war and you are disabled, you are eligible for a disability pension. It is interesting to note that your disability does not have to be directly linked with your service.
What if you are denied benefits?
If you apply for either disability compensation or disability pension and your claim is disallowed you should contact attorneys for veterans affairs and appeal the ruling handed down by the DVA.
The appeals process:
Making an initial claim is difficult, appealing a denial of claim is even more difficult and complex, attorneys for veterans affairs re well positioned to help you understand exactly which benefits you are entitled to and how to go about getting them.
Step one in the appeals process is to prepare a Notice of Disagreement. The NOD is simply a statement, in writing, that you disagree with the findings of the DVA and you want to lodge an appeal. The DVA, upon receipt of your NOD will provide you with a form that you must complete and return.
Eventually you will be called to a hearing with the Board; the board members will hear your position and listen to valid arguments posed by you and your attorneys. You will be advised of the board’s decision in due course.
If you experience any problems during the application process or if your application for veterans benefits is denied, you are well advised to hire attorneys for veterans benefits. You are invited to contact Jackson & MacNichol Attorneys at Law.
