Florida Veteran Disability Appeals Lawyers

When you or someone you love has become disabled as a result of serving time in the United States military, you may be entitled to benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides financial support and other benefits to military service members who have become disabled and have trouble supporting themselves or their families. Unfortunately, many applicants find their claims have been denied. 

Working with a team of experienced Florida veterans’ disability appeals lawyers may be the best way to get your denial overturned and access the VA disability benefits you are entitled to. Connect with our legal team at Gang & Associates to discuss the extent of your disability, whether your denial is based on failure to meet the VA disability requirements, and how to go about appealing your denied claim.

Disabled Military Service Members in Florida Can Get Support Through The VA 

When veterans endure disabilities, the VA recognizes their military service and can provide financial support if specific eligibility requirements and criteria are met. Whether you served in the reserves, on active duty, or on full-time duty in the Armed Forces, your disability must be linked to your time in the military to qualify for VA disability benefits. After verifying your eligibility and gathering the evidence needed to support your claim, VA representatives will review your application and determine whether your claim should be approved or denied. 

Once you receive a decision, you will either begin collecting benefits shortly thereafter or need to move forward with an appeal. Unfortunately, even the smallest omissions or errors in your application can lead to a VA claim denial. Our dedicated Florida veterans disability appeals lawyers with Gang & Associates review your submitted application to determine what mistakes were made and establish the right strategy for your appeal.

Does Your Disability Qualify for VA Benefits?

When your disability affects your ability to complete daily living tasks, you may require assistance providing for yourself and your family. Fortunately, the VA recognizes a wide array of medical conditions and disabilities, including those affecting military service member’s mental health, cardiovascular systems, and musculoskeletal systems. Some of the most common disabilities that may meet the criteria for VA disability benefits approval include:

However, if you are dealing with another type of disability that is not included in the list above, your veterans disability lawyer may still be able to get your denial reversed. It is our goal to ensure you have access to the vocational rehabilitation benefits, medical care, and disability benefits you need after serving our country.

Latent Conditions

For many disabled veterans, certain conditions do not immediately present symptoms after leaving military service. These latent conditions can emerge years later, making it difficult to connect the disability to military service initially. Examples include PTSD that manifests long after the traumatic event or degenerative joint diseases that worsen over time.

Even though these conditions may not have been diagnosed during active duty, they can still qualify as service-related injuries if there is sufficient evidence linking the worsening of the condition to your service. An experienced disability attorney can help veterans gather medical evidence and secure the appropriate percent disability rating for these delayed-onset conditions.

Secondary Conditions

Secondary conditions are disabilities that arise as a result of a primary service-related injury. For example, a veteran who sustained a leg injury during service may later develop arthritis or chronic pain in that limb. Similarly, veterans with PTSD may develop secondary conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or substance abuse disorders, to name a few. The VA recognizes these secondary conditions as compensable disabilities, provided they can be linked to an existing service-connected condition.

Proving a secondary service connection is different in that there is no need to link a disability directly to an event that occurred during your military service. This can be a positive for a veteran, especially for conditions that can be a challenge to link to a specific event. Instead, you will only need to link this condition to another disability that has already been rated by the VA.

Non-Service Connected Disabling Condition

In some cases, veterans may suffer from disabling condition that are unrelated to their military service. Disabling conditions that result from an event entirely unrelated to your military service will likely result in the denial of your disability claim.

While the VA primarily provides compensation for service-related injuries, veterans who experience non-service connected disabling conditions may still qualify for certain types of VA benefits, such as VA healthcare. One of the challenges that comes with this process is that the VA often denies claims that are related to a service-connected event, citing a lack of evidence. An experienced attorney can answer questions about when benefits may be available.

Current VA Disability Compensation Levels

Your disability rating determines the amount that you can collect in disability benefits. One of the most common reasons for VA disability appeals is the VA incorrectly rating your disability. As of December 1, 2025, VA disability rate benefits amounts for an unmarried veterans without children include:

  • $175.51 per month for 10% disability
  • $346.95 per month for 20% disability
  • $537.42 per month for 30% disability
  • $774.16 per month for 40% disability
  • $1,102.04 per month for 50% disability
  • $1,395.93 per month for 60% disability
  • $1,759.19 per month for 70% disability
  • $2,044.89 per month for 80% disability
  • $2,297.96 per month for 90% disability
  • $3,831.30 per month for 100% disability

Appealing a Florida VA Disability Decision 

Although every veteran’s disability claim is different, the appeals process generally unfolds in similar ways. How your disability attorney will approach your appeal will vary based on the VA’s reasons for denying your initial application. For example, if you need to file an appeal to obtain a higher disability impairment rating, we will need to focus on proving the severity of your condition.

After reviewing the specific circumstances of your case, we will have a better idea of which strategy is most suitable. Generally, most VA disability appeals begin by filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) with your VA Regional Office. Your NOD generally needs to be filed within one year of the VA decision. 

With help from your disability lawyer, you can include significant supporting evidence to be reviewed by the Regional Office, which will then provide you with a Statement of Case (SOC). This document will then be sent to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA), where it will be extensively reviewed and a determination made as to whether your claim should be approved. 

Our Florida VA Disability Appeals Law Firm Makes a Difference

Navigating the VA disability claim appeals process can be overwhelming while you are struggling to cope with the limitations of your disability. However, your legal advocate with Gang & Associates will do everything possible to ensure you get the financial support you need when you need it most. 

We have the resources, training, and experience needed to fight for your right to VA disability benefits. While the appeals process is often intimidating, with our Florida Veterans disability appeals lawyers on your side, you may be able to start collecting your VA disability benefits sooner.

Resources for Veterans in Florida

There are numerous resources available for veterans living in Florida. First and foremost, the VA has an obligation to provide services and support to veterans in many situations. There are several VA medical centers located in Florida, including the following:

  • Gainesville
  • Lake City
  • Orlando
  • Miami
  • Tampa
  • West Palm Beach

Florida veterans seeking assistance with VA disability claims and appeals have access to several valuable resources. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) offers a wide range of services throughout the state. Their resources page offers links to a number of statewide programs and hotlines intended for veterans.

There are also nationwide resources to be aware of. The VA operates a homelessness hotline available 24 hours per day. There is also a national Veterans Crisis Line that can be used by any veteran who is in critical need of support, counseling or help.

Connect With Our Florida Veterans Disability Lawyers for Help With Your Appeal Today 

It is not uncommon for military service members to find their applications for VA disability benefits denied. However, that does not mean you should lose hope. Understanding the requirements for VA disability approval is essential if you hope to challenge your denial and get your disability application approved. Working with our highly skilled Florida veterans’ disability appeals lawyers at Gang & Associates may be the best way to secure the compensation and benefits you need sooner.

We are available to guide you through the appeals process and help you feel empowered to advocate for your right to VA disability benefits. When you are ready to take control of your future but are unsure of where to begin, reach out to our legal team to request a 100% confidential and free consultation. Complete our contact form or call our office to get started on your appeal as soon as today.

Disclaimer: Please note that Gang & Associates is a national law firm with a focus on serving veterans across the United States. While this and other pages on our website provide state-specific information, our services extend nationwide to assist veterans in need. Gang & Associates is a national veterans disability law firm with satellite offices throughout the country. All offices are by appointment only, and all mail must be directed to our main mailing address at P.O. Box 96503, Dept. 34938, Washington, DC 20090-6503.