The VA recently unveiled its 2016 budget. As a veterans disability lawyer I usually find interesting details hidden within VA’s budget proposals. This year’s proposed budget is no different. Although I am often critical of VA’s ability to expeditiously resolve appeals, I do have to offer commendation where it is […]
On March 24, 2015 the VA implemented new rules pertaining to how veterans file claims and appeals for VA benefits. All new claims or appeals must be processed on standardized forms. The VA claims it will streamline the process. But in reality, VA could not process claims expeditiously under the existing rules so they changed […]
It seems as if a week doesn’t go by without our office receiving a call from a veteran who has an other-than-honorable discharge. As a veterans disability lawyer, I hear the desperation of a veteran in need of his benefits, but VA keeps denying him because of the character of […]
For one disabled Texas veteran a 13-year long legal battle with the VA just came to a successful end. After years of doing battle with VA and enduring the excessive delays at the Houston regional office, service connection was finally granted to our client who suffers from a severe spine […]
ADVERSE DECISIONS FROM THE RO The RO is required to notify the claimant in writing. The law requires the notice to include the reasons for the denial and a summary of the evidence considered, as well as the appellate rights for the claimant. Beginning in 2012, notice procedures changed […]
Not all TDIU claims are created equal. That is, what makes one veteran totally unemployable may not affect another veteran’s ability to work. There are two key factors that you must consider when addressing claims for total disability based on individual unemployability. As a veterans disability lawyer who has won […]
It happened twice this week–again. The VA obtained another medical opinion for the express purpose of refuting our medical expert. The VA has engaged in the tactic known as “developing to deny.” This means that VA realizes that it is stuck with your favorable medical evidence unless it can acquire […]
Imagine finally winning your VA appeal after more than 20 years of fighting VA? As a veterans disability lawyer I am often privileged to be a part of a veteran’s winning claim in cases where the claim has been on appeal for decades. Just recently we received a favorable Board […]
I commend NPR for its ongoing series on the plight of veterans seeking benefits. The January 14, 2015 story, “Without Help, Navigating Benefits Can Be Overwhelming for Veterans” illustrates some of the reasons for the long delays and repeated denials. The lack of knowledge and adequate assistance can be blamed […]
The January 13, 2015 Washington Post article, “Veterans who were discharged after sexual assaults push for VA benefits” underscores the problems facing military victims of sexual assault. As a veterans disability lawyer that represents victims of military sexual trauma, the story of Elena Giordano is all too familiar. Veterans who […]
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