Service-Connected Conditions

We handle all sorts of cases involving a host of disabilities. We most commonly see VA claims for back injuries and PTSD. This is the most common case we handle. However, we have addressed DIC cases, character of discharge claims, Camp Lejeune cases, Agent Orange claims and Gulf War Syndrome claims as well as many, many others. Because of the great demand we receive from veterans throughout the nation, we are selective in the cases that we take. There are times that we recognize that new claims should be filed and we do so. Our goal is to help every qualified veteran get a 100% rating!

We file first time claims and/or reopen cases. This is especially true if it is deemed to be part of an already existing appeal type of case. For example, if we are representing a veteran who has appealed a back injury claim and our attorney assesses the need to file a new claim for depression secondary to the back issue our attorney will file a new claim.

Our fees are usually a one time, contingency fee from your back pay arising from a successful claim/appeal. However, there are times where an hourly rate or flat fee is more appropriate. Fees are only charged for appeals cases under the legacy appeals system or for supplemental and higher level review cases or appeals under the new AMA system. We do not charge for preparing any forms for a first time claim under the legacy appeal or AMA system. Your attorney will discuss fees with you during your consultation.

There are no other hidden attorney fees.  Sometimes there are costs that the veteran must pay.  For example, there may be a need for a veteran to hire an expert witness and obtain expert medical reports.  The attorney will direct and guide the veteran through this possibility and the need for such evidence.  The price of these extra costs vary depending on the complexity of the issues the veteran is facing.

There is no way to tell how long a VA claim will take.  A lot depends on whether the claim is pending at the regional office or at the BVA.  The only possible way to move the case along more quickly is to develop the case with adequate evidence and information so that the VA can decide the claim from the information submitted.  This is what Vet Defender attorneys do.  They gather and create the evidence needed to win the case and then submit the evidence along with an argument brief.  The faster the case is submitted to VA with the evidence the faster the VA will decide the case.  Our Vet Defender attorneys are trained to get most cases submitted to the VA within 60 days of the veteran hiring the Vet Defender.

Yes.  Our Vet Defender attorneys decide on what forms are necessary for filing and file them for you.  You sometimes will have to provide some information and/or a signature but the Vet Defender attorney will make the strategic decision on which forms to complete.

Our attorneys are trained to attend hearings.  However, based on our unique approach to each case many times hearings aren't even necessary.  Our attorneys are trained to work cases aggressively so that they develop the evidence needed to submit it to the VA thereby often negating the need for a hearing.  If our attorneys do their job right  you most likely won't even need a hearing as the VA will make a decision based on the evidence we submit!

Vet Defender has exclusive relationships with medical professionals who work exclusively with Vet Defender attorneys.  If you need to prove service connection or an increase in your disability rating then our Vet Defender attorneys will work with you and the medical professionals exclusively contracted with Vet Defender to get you the medical evidence you need to win your claim.  While we cannot guarantee the outcome of a medical assessment and evaluation, we can assure you that the medical professionals we work with will do their very best to help every veteran with their evidentiary needs.