The Department of Veterans Affairs accredits VA benefits specialists to help claimants navigate the system. This includes establishing service connections for a physical or mental disability, preparing for C&P exams, and appealing denied claims before the Board of Veterans Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Knowledge
Veterans face many challenges transitioning into civilian life after military service, from fighting for compensation and pension claims to discharge upgrades or expungement of criminal convictions that prevent them from finding jobs. These issues require deep knowledge of veterans law and attorneys who know how to win.
The National Veterans Legal Services Program trains lawyers and non-lawyer advocates to help veterans with their claims, arming them with deep knowledge of veteran benefits laws and winning techniques. They know how to explain the VA’s spectrum of programs and complex rules understandably to judges and decision-makers at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
They’ll also know how to spot missing pieces of evidence and quickly get them where needed, putting your claim on much better footing at the appeals level. That’s why it pays to choose a veteran attorney who knows the process inside and out.
Veterans law groups often consist of attorneys and legal professionals specializing in veterans’ law. They provide legal representation to veterans seeking disability benefits, pension claims, or appealing denied claims.
These groups have in-depth knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing veterans’ benefits, including those administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Experience
The legal problems veterans face often involve complicated and intertwined issues that can only be resolved with an attorney’s expertise. Whether battling the VA over compensation and pension programs, fighting to get discharge upgrades, or expunging criminal records that prevent gaining gainful employment, an experienced lawyer can help.
Confidentiality
Resources are available if you need help navigating the complex VA claims process or seeking legal guidance on your estate plan.
Aside from the attorney-client privilege, lawyers for vets must abide by many other confidentiality obligations when representing veterans. These duties, called ethical restrictions, protect confidential communications between attorneys and their clients and prevent attorneys from sharing information about their client’s cases with others.
Students in the clinic are trained to represent veterans in various legal matters, including preparing for their futures by creating wills, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and petitions and appeals regarding military discharge status and correction of records. They also work on systemic reform initiatives, such as policy advocacy and multi-plaintiff litigation.
Time
Whether it is readjusting to civilian life, struggling with mental health issues, or fighting for disability benefits, veterans often face unique long-term legal challenges. Legal representation can help them overcome these challenges and improve their lives.
One of the primary areas of focus for veterans law groups is helping veterans with service-connected disability claims. This includes gathering evidence, filing initial claims, and representing veterans in appeals if their claims are denied.
Veterans law groups are experienced in handling appeals at various levels, including the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). They advocate for veterans to ensure their claims are appropriately reviewed and refereed.
