In a complex medical claim or appeal, the targeted expertise of a Veteran’s lawyer can make all the difference. When selecting an attorney, read any materials, review genuine Google reviews, and look for client testimonials.
Most Veterans’ lawyers work on a contingency basis and charge nothing for the initial filing of an application or an appeal. However, not all veterans’ attorneys are created equal.
Experience
The old saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher,” especially in law. If an attorney has experience in veterans disability claims, they will be able to guide you through what can be a confusing process.
For example, if you have PTSD, you should hire an attorney with a good track record in handling those types of cases. Some attorneys have specialized in this area and focus their practice on veterans’ issues, while others may choose to add it as a sideline to other areas of law.
This can be a problem because it may not give them the expertise necessary to represent you successfully. In addition, attorneys with limited experience may make mistakes that could affect your case. They might need to learn all the relevant laws or be able to handle complex issues at higher levels of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Reputation
In this competitive field of veteran disability claims, online marketing helps law firms reach new clients and cement their reputation as experts. It also helps them attract more business and improve the quality of their work.
Attorneys specializing in veterans law have a more intimate knowledge of the system and its intricacies. This can prove invaluable in your case if you find yourself going through the multi-year appeal process to get the benefits you deserve.
Moreover, veteran law firms specialize in providing legal support and expertise tailored to the unique needs of veterans, offering assistance with various legal matters, including VA disability claims and benefits.
If an attorney does not specialize in veterans law and takes every case that comes through the door, he may be learning as he goes and will likely have a much lower success rate than one who is picky about the cases he takes.
Fees
Many veterans are concerned about the fees for representation in their VA disability claims. This is a valid concern, but understanding how attorney fees work can help you find the right firm for your needs.
A majority of BVA or Regional Office lawyers work on contingency fee agreements, which entail that they only get paid if they prevail. They must also pay for expenses such as hiring a medical expert or reproducing records. These expenses can be deducted from your past-due benefits check.
Once your case proceeds to the U.S. The lawyer may bill hourly, a set fee, or a portion of the back pay you are awarded in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Reliability
Veterans who seek an attorney may do so because the VA denied their claim unfairly or issued an incorrect rating for their service-related injuries. They need someone to stand up to VA officials and take most of the claim-related responsibilities off their hands so that they can focus on their health.
A veteran should look for an attorney who genuinely cares for disabled veterans. Some attorneys specializing in other law areas have added veterans’ disability claims to their practice. These attorneys may view disabled veterans as another source of income and not give their case the attention it deserves.
A veteran should also find a reliable attorney. He will often only meet his attorney in person if all work is done by mail, fax, telephone, or the Internet.