3 Documents That Support Your VA Disability Claim
Need help filing your ? If you have a service connected disability, it’s important you contact one of our VA disability lawyers as soon as possible to handle your case. We’re able to use our expertise in VA law to your advantage. Continue reading to learn what evidence you’ll need to validate your VA disability claim. Our Kalamazoo, MI VA disability lawyers are here to help!
In February 2019, it took the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs about 125 days to complete VA disability claims. Since it’ll most likely take over 4 months for the VA to complete your claim, it’s important that you do everything right the first time when filing for VA disability.
Our VA disability lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI will be able to help you gather the evidence you need to prove the existence and extent of your service connected disability.
The VA will need the following documents to support your disability claim:
- Discharge papers (DD214) or other separation documents
- Service treatment records
- Medical evidence related to claimed condition
Discharge Papers or Other Separation Documents
Your eligibility for VA disability benefits is affected by your discharge status from the military. In general, you are eligible for if your discharge was “Honorable” or “General Under Honorable Conditions.” However, we recommend you hire one of our VA disability lawyers if you received an “Other Than Honorable” (OTH) discharge. While you may still be eligible for VA benefits, you’re more likely to be denied with an OTH discharge. No matter your discharge status, you’ll need to either submit or give the VA permission to gather your DD214 or other separation documents.
Service Treatment Records
The easiest way to prove service connected disability is if your condition was diagnosed while you still served in the military. The VA will need to look at your service treatment records to see if your condition was diagnosed or side effects were observed during your military service. In general, it’s more difficult to prove a service connected disability if your symptoms were delayed. This is why it’s important to hire one of our VA disability lawyers if you think your case will be more difficult to prove.
Medical Evidence Related to Claimed Condition
You’ll need to provide medical evidence that backs up your VA disability claim, such as hospital reports or x-rays. Our VA disability attorneys may recommend you have an Independent Medical Exam, which is performed by a doctor with no connection to you or the VA. That way, you’ll be able to provide impartial evidence to prove VA disability.
Our VA disability lawyers will be able to help you file your claim so it’s complete, accurate, and sent before the deadline. To learn more about the process of filing a VA disability claim, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’d be more than happy to set up a time to meet and answer any questions you might have. Keep in mind that you may need more evidence or forms than what’s described here depending on your claim.
The VA Disability Group is dedicated to helping veterans receive the VA benefits they deserve for service connected disability. To request a consultation with one of our VA disability attorneys in Kalamazoo, MI, call 1-844-VET-LAWS.
