What Should Veterans Do When VA Claims are Denied?
Nearly one in five suicides in the US is committed by a veteran, according to the Center for Public Integrity. The tragic part of this is that many of these deaths could have been prevented with proper medical and mental health care, but many of these veterans simply don’t have access to the healthcare they need.
What many people don’t understand is that even when veterans file a claim with the VA in order to get the care they need to deal with physical and mental health issues caused by their time in the service, their claim can simply be denied for any number of reasons. When this happens, the veterans can be left without the care they need, which leaves them vulnerable.
What veterans need to understand is that they can fight back even if a claim is denied by the VA. They can also do prep-work before filing a claim to make the chances of it being accepted much higher.
There are a few reasons that claims tend to be denied by the VA. Most of the reasons that claims are denied can be prevented with proper documentation. If you are going to file a claim, you will want as much evidence as possible on your side. Keep any medical records you can, get written statements from your doctor, and keep any service records that show the connection between your medical condition and your time in the service. If you can, it is smart to have an attorney who specializes in VA claims take a look at your claim before you file, to make sure there are no causes for rejection. An attorney can often have medical and military records pulled for you, making your claim look that much stronger.
If you’ve already filed a claim, and you feel it has been unfairly denied, don’t despair. There is an appeal period that you can take advantage of. As John Berry, a veterans unemployability attorney who specializes in appealing VA claims explains, if you get an expert attorney to help you comb through your claim and then appeal the decision, you have a good chance of getting a reversal of the decision. Most lawyers who specialize in VA decisions will offer a free consultation and won’t require payment unless the case is won, so there is no reason not to seek out legal help if your appeal has been denied. If you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to get help. Find an attorney with a record of winning VA appeals and see if you have a viable case.
Remember, it is important to not give up on getting the benefits you deserve for serving your country. There are many organizations and legal experts who can help you get the help you need. And if you are the loved one of a veteran, make sure you encourage them to fight any unfair claim decisions with an appeal. Your support could make the difference.