Lexington Veterans’ Assistance Lawyers Will Fight For You
At Lewis & Keller, our Lexington veterans assistance lawyers understand how frustrating it can be to face denied or delayed VA benefits. In the fiscal year 2025, over 60% of claims were approved by the VA, but if you were not approved, it’s not over. We are committed to helping veterans and their families navigate the complicated claims process, including appeals for service-connected disabilities, pension benefits, and survivor benefits. Our team is here to provide the legal guidance and support you deserve to strengthen your claim and pursue a favorable outcome. Don’t fight this battle alone—reach out to us today for your free consultation!
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Table of Contents
How a Lexington Veterans’ Assistance Lawyer Can Help You Get VA Benefits
If you or your family need VA benefits, the first step is filing an initial claim. However, the process can be complex, and many claims are denied due to missing information, lack of evidence, or procedural errors. A veterans’ assistance lawyer can help you navigate every step to improve your chances of a successful claim.
1. Determining Eligibility
VA benefits are available to veterans, service members, and, in some cases, their families. These benefits can include disability compensation, healthcare, pensions, education assistance, and survivor benefits. Eligibility depends on your service record, discharge status, and the specific benefit you’re applying for.
A Lexington veterans’ benefits attorney can assess your eligibility based on your military service and ensure you apply for all the benefits you qualify for, maximizing your potential compensation. If your discharge status is an issue, they can also help you pursue a discharge upgrade if needed.
2. Gathering Documentation
To build a strong claim, you’ll need supporting documents such as:
- DD-214 (discharge papers)
- Service medical records
- Private medical records
- Doctor’s statements linking conditions to service (nexus letter)
- Buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed injuries
A lawyer can identify gaps in your evidence and help you gather additional medical opinions, service records, or expert testimony to support your claim. If any critical records are missing, they can assist in requesting them from the VA or military archives.
3. Filing Your VA Claim
You can submit your claim online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person at a VA office. Your application must include:
- A detailed explanation of your service history
- The specific benefits you’re applying for
- Supporting medical and service-related documentation
Mistakes or incomplete claims can lead to delays or denials. A veterans’ assistance lawyer ensures your claim is properly completed, includes strong evidence, and is filed correctly to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
4. The VA Decision
After reviewing your claim, the VA may:
- Approve your benefits
- Deny your claim
- Grant partial benefits (meaning you receive some, but not all, of what you applied for)
If the VA undervalues or partially approves your claim, a lawyer can review the decision to determine if an appeal or additional evidence is necessary to secure the full benefits you deserve.
5. The Appeals Process (If Necessary)
If your claim is denied or you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. This can involve:
- Requesting a higher-level review (asking a more experienced VA reviewer to reassess your case)
- Filing a supplemental claim (providing new evidence to strengthen your case)
- Taking your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
The appeals process is time-sensitive and complex. An experienced veterans’ assistance lawyer can help you determine the best appeal strategy, gather additional evidence, and represent you at hearings to fight for the benefits you deserve. Contact Lewis & Keller today for a free consultation and find out if we can help with your application or appeal.
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Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.
$
3000000
Auto accident resulting in post traumatic stress disorder.
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1393000
Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
What Injuries Qualify for VA Benefits?
Several injuries and conditions qualify for veterans’ assistance. Usually, these conditions or injuries need to be either directly or reasonably indirectly related to your service. Documentation will be required to prove how your conditions or injury are related to your service.
Service-Connected Conditions
The injury or illness must have occurred or been aggravated during your military service. Common service-connected conditions include:
- Physical Injuries: Broken bones, burns, back or neck injuries
- Chronic Conditions: Arthritis, chronic pain, respiratory issues
- Mental Health Conditions: PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Exposure-related Conditions: Hearing loss, illnesses caused by toxic exposure (e.g., Agent Orange, burn pits, asbestos, etc.)
Presumptive Conditions
Certain conditions are automatically presumed to be service-connected if you served in specific locations or under certain circumstances. Examples include:
- Agent Orange Exposure: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus type 2
- Gulf War Syndrome: Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and gastrointestinal issues for Gulf War veterans
- Radiation Exposure: Certain cancers for veterans exposed to radiation
Secondary Conditions
You may also qualify for benefits if a new condition develops as a result of a service-connected disability. For example, if a knee injury from service leads to hip problems, you can file for secondary benefits. A veteran’s disability attorney in Lexington can help you evaluate your medical records to determine if you qualify for any secondary conditions.
Not sure if your condition qualifies? Contact Lewis & Keller to schedule a free consultation and get answers specific to your situation!
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What To Do If Your VA Claim Is Denied
Having your VA claim denied can feel discouraging, but it’s important to remember that a denial is not the end of the road. You have options to appeal the decision and pursue the benefits you may deserve. Here’s what to do if your claim is denied:
1. Review The Denial Letter
The VA denial letter will explain the reasons for the decision. Understanding why your claim was denied will help you determine the best next steps, whether it’s providing additional evidence or seeking a higher-level review.
2. Seek Legal Assistance
If you have questions about the denial letter, an experienced Lexington veterans’ assistance lawyer can help you understand your next steps. A lawyer can also help guide you through the appeals process, ensuring your claim is thoroughly prepared and presented. At Lewis & Keller, we fight for veterans to help improve their chances of a successful appeal.
3. File An Appeal
With the help of your VA benefits lawyer, you’ll need to file your appeal using one of several options. The right option will depend on your situation, and your lawyer can recommend which option to pursue. The three most common appeal options are:
- Higher-Level Review: Request a review by a more experienced VA employee without submitting new evidence.
- Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence to support your claim.
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals: If you disagree with the VA’s decision, you can appeal to the Board, which may include a hearing.
4. Strengthen Your Evidence
Gather additional documentation, such as updated medical records or expert opinions, to address the reasons for the denial. A nexus letter from a medical professional can also help link your condition to your service.
If your VA claim has been denied, don’t give up. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and personalized guidance on your next steps!
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Lewis & Keller is a recognized Best Law Firm in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, as well as Personal Injury Litigation-Plainitffs by U.S. News and World Report. The firm has also been given an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Founding partner Mike Lewis has procured the title of one of the Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation and eminent domain, and was also distinguished as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in personal injury. These accolades wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all of the attorneys at Lewis & Keller and their clients who placed their trust in them.
How To File a VA Benefits Appeal
With the help of a veterans’ disability lawyer in Lexington, you can reorganize your evidence and submit it through the proper forms before the VA’s deadline. Doing this can help ensure that you’re appeal has the best chance possible of succeeding. Then, after your appeal has been filed and processed, you may have the opportunity to present your claim and appeal to a certain kind of VA court.
If your VA benefits claim was denied or undervalued, you have the right to file an appeal. The VA offers several appeal options to help you fight for the benefits you’ve earned. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file your appeal:
1. Understand the Appeal Deadline
You generally have 1 year from the date on your VA decision letter to file an appeal. Missing this deadline could mean losing your opportunity to appeal.
2. Choose an Appeal Option
The VA provides 3 appeal options, depending on your needs:
- Higher-Level Review:
Request a senior reviewer to re-examine your case without new evidence. This is ideal if you believe the VA made an error. - Supplemental Claim:
Submit new and relevant evidence that was not previously included in your original claim. This can strengthen your case for approval. - Board of Veterans’ Appeals:
Appeal your case to the Board if you disagree with the VA’s decision. You can request a hearing, submit additional evidence, or allow the Board to make a decision based on your records.
3. Gather Evidence
For a supplemental claim or Board appeal, you’ll need additional evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- Expert opinions or nexus letters
- New documentation supporting your condition and its service connection
4. File the Appeal
You can submit your appeal online via VA.gov, by mail, or through your local VA office. Each appeal option has specific forms to complete:
- Higher-Level Review: VA Form 20-0996
- Supplemental Claim: VA Form 20-0995
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals: VA Form 10182
You can file your appeal by yourself or with the help of a VA attorney.
5. Seek Legal Assistance
The appeals process can be complex, especially if you’re dealing with legal terms and medical evidence. A Lexington veterans’ assistance lawyer can help present your case effectively, increasing your chances of a successful outcome. Hiring an attorney can help you take each of these steps quickly and accurately. They can also help you find answers to your questions, gather evidence, and arrange independent medical exams to strengthen your appeal.
If you need help with your appeal, contact Lewis & Keller today for a free consultation, and let us support you through the process!
How a Veterans’ Assistance Lawyer in Lexington, NC Can Help
At Lewis & Keller, our Lexington veterans’ assistance lawyers provide aggressive legal representation to help veterans secure the benefits they may deserve. We thoroughly prepare claims and appeals by gathering crucial evidence, including medical records, service documentation, and nexus letters, to build a strong case. If necessary, we take your appeal before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, ensuring your case is presented with precision and determination.
Our team is experienced in handling complex VA appeals and fighting wrongful denials. We understand how to challenge VA errors and advocate for maximum benefits on your behalf. Let us take the lead in your case—contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
our Veterans’ Assistance attorneys in Lexington, NC
Contact Lewis & Keller for a Free Legal Consultation
If you’re struggling with a denied or delayed VA benefits claim, you don’t have to face the fight alone. At Lewis & Keller, our dedicated Lexington veterans’ assistance lawyers are ready to stand by your side and help you pursue the benefits you may deserve. We know how much these benefits mean to you and your family, and we’re here to provide the legal support and advocacy you need every step of the way. Contact us today for your free consultation—we want to help you move forward.
