Many veterans wonder if they should seek legal help for their VA disability claims. While there is no right or wrong answer here, attorneys can be helpful if you’re worried that you can’t go through the process alone. You may feel that the claim department will deny you or have already been denied and now need to appeal. The lawyer you choose will be able to help you with the paperwork and can ensure that you’ve got all the necessary evidence, such as medical reports, reports from the government, and more.
Difference Between VSO and Attorney
Most people have heard, veterans and non-military alike, that when you file VA disability claims, you go to a VSO. While these people are friendly and can help you with the paperwork, they aren’t legal counsel. They can’t tell you which documents you need, and they can’t give advice. Plus, if your claim is denied, they can’t give you their experience because they probably volunteer part-time. You can choose to utilize their help for the paperwork, but you may still want to consider hiring attorneys to check it over and handle everything else.
Why/When to Call a Lawyer
Most people incorrectly believe that you need to have been denied benefits before you can search out lawyers to help, which is untrue. However, a lawyer cannot charge you for their services if you haven’t been denied, which means they may refer you elsewhere or tell you to wait until you get the denial letter. If you need advice or you’re sure that you’ll be denied, go ahead and call for legal counsel sooner.
