Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Veterans Disability Attorney for Your VA Claim 

Posted by Berry Law on February 21, 2025 in Veterans Benefits

Navigating the VA disability claims process can be overwhelming, especially when facing delays, denials, or an underrated disability rating. Veterans who go through the process alone often struggle with confusing paperwork, insufficient medical evidence, and complex legal requirements—all of which can negatively impact the outcome of their claim. 

This is where a Veterans disability attorney can make a significant difference. Whether you’re filing an initial claim or appealing a VA decision, legal representation provides the knowledge, resources, and advocacy needed to pursue the best possible outcome. 

Here are 10 key reasons why hiring a Veterans disability attorney can improve your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. 

1. Understanding VA Regulations and Complex Laws 

The VA disability system is governed by a vast set of rules and regulations, many of which frequently change. Interpreting the VA’s legal criteria, understanding eligibility requirements, and navigating appeal deadlines can be daunting without legal training. 

A VA disability attorney can: 

• Analyze the specific laws and precedents that apply to your case. 

• Identify potential errors in past decisions. 

• Explain how changes in legislation could impact your benefits. 

Veterans should not have to decipher legal jargon alone—a Veterans law attorney can break down the legal framework in a way that is easy to understand. 

2. Strengthening Claims with the Right Medical Evidence 

One of the most common reasons VA claims get denied is insufficient medical evidence. To prove service connection, Veterans must provide documentation that links their disability to their time in service. 

A Veterans disability lawyer can: 

• Help gather treatment records, diagnostic reports, and physician statements. 

• Make sure the VA considers secondary conditions that might increase a Veteran’s overall rating. 

• Submit additional evidence connecting the conditions to service 

• Sometimes, work with medical professional to obtain comprehensive nexus letters that support the claims  

Without strong medical evidence, even severe service-related conditions may not receive the appropriate compensation. 

3. Avoiding Common Mistakes That Lead to Denials 

Many Veterans unintentionally weaken their claims by making avoidable mistakes, such as: 

• Failing to submit all required documents. 

• Missing crucial deadlines. 

• Providing incomplete or contradictory information. 

A VA disability attorney helps prevent these errors by organizing the claim properly, submitting the right documentation, and addressing any inconsistencies before they become a problem. 

4. Pursuing the Maximum Possible Disability Rating 

Veterans who receive low disability ratings may not get the full financial support they need. Some conditions are underrated because the VA does not properly assess functional limitations. 

An attorney can help by: 

• Reviewing the VA’s rating decision for errors. 

• Filing for an increased rating based on worsening symptoms. 

• Gathering additional evidence to support a higher rating. 

This is especially important for Veterans with multiple service-connected conditions that, when rated correctly, may result in a much higher combined rating. 

5. Filing Effective Appeals for Denied or Underrated Claims 

If a claim is denied or a rating is lower than expected, a Veteran has the right to appeal—but the appeals process is time-sensitive and legally complex. 

A VA disability attorney can: 

• Identify the best appeal strategy (Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, or Board Appeal). 

• Gather new evidence that directly addresses the VA’s reasoning for denial. 

• Represent the Veteran at a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) hearing if needed. 

With legal representation, Veterans have a stronger chance of success at every stage of the appeals process. 

6. Assistance with TDIU and Secondary Condition Claims 

Many Veterans struggle to work due to service-connected disabilities. Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) allows eligible Veterans to receive compensation at the 100% disability rate, even if their combined rating does not reach 100%. 

A Veterans disability lawyer can help: 

• File a TDIU claim by proving how disabilities impact employability. 

• Obtain employer statements and vocational expert opinions. 

• Argue for higher ratings based on secondary conditions like PTSD, depression, or migraines. 

TDIU claims require strong evidence, and legal support may improve the likelihood of approval. 

7. The Legal Knowledge Needed to Challenge VA Decisions 

When the VA makes an error, many Veterans don’t realize they have options to challenge the decision beyond just an appeal. A Veterans disability attorney knows how to fight back using legal precedent and VA regulations. 

Some common legal challenges include: 

• Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE): If the VA made a major mistake in reviewing evidence or applying the law, an attorney can file a CUE claim to correct the error. 

• Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) Representation: If necessary, an attorney can escalate the case to federal court, where Veterans often have a much better chance of winning their appeal. 

Without a lawyer, many Veterans accept bad decisions without knowing they have legal options to overturn them. 

8. Contingency-Based Representation – No Upfront Costs 

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a lawyer is the cost. Many Veterans assume they can’t afford legal help, but VA disability attorneys work on contingency. 

This means: 

• There are no upfront fees. 

• You only pay if we win. 

• Attorneys receive a percentage of past-due benefits—not future payments. 

This fee structure makes legal help accessible to every Veteran, regardless of financial situation. If there’s no recovery, there’s no payment. 

9. Supporting Surviving Spouses and Dependents 

When a Veteran passes away, their spouse and children may still be entitled to VA survivor benefits, such as: 

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) – Monthly compensation for surviving spouses and dependent children. 

• Survivor pension benefits – Financial assistance for low-income surviving spouses. 

• Accrued benefits – Compensation owed to a Veteran before their passing. 

Survivor claims can be complicated, especially if the VA previously denied a Veteran’s claim or rated their disability too low. A Veterans disability attorney can: 

• Fight for retroactive benefits owed to the family. 

• Prove a service connection for conditions contributing to the Veteran’s passing. 

• Appeal wrongful denials of DIC or survivor pension claims. 

Losing a loved one is already difficult enough—families shouldn’t have to fight the VA alone. 

10. Giving Veterans Peace of Mind During a Difficult Process 

There is no doubt about it—the VA disability claims process is overwhelming. Between medical evidence requirements, confusing paperwork, and long wait times, many Veterans feel discouraged or give up after a denial. 

Having a legal advocate means: 

• No more struggling with VA bureaucracy alone. 

• No more wondering if paperwork was completed correctly. 

• No more second-guessing whether the VA gave you a fair rating. 

A Veterans disability attorney handles the legal fight, allowing Veterans to focus on their health, family, and future. 

A VA claim isn’t just about compensation—it’s about getting the support and recognition Veterans have earned. Having the right legal team can be the difference between years of frustration and getting the benefits earned through service. 

Why Hiring a Veterans Disability Attorney is a Smart Choice 

The VA disability system is designed to help Veterans, but navigating the claims process is often anything but easy. Many rightfully owed benefits go unclaimed or underpaid because Veterans don’t know their legal rights. 

A VA disability attorney helps by: 

• Strengthening claims with strong medical evidence. 

• Challenging low ratings and denials. 

• Providing legal representation in appeals. 

• Making sure Veterans and their families receive the full benefits they’ve earned. 

If you’re struggling with a VA disability claim, don’t go through it alone. 

Schedule a consultation with Berry Law today for a free case review. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How much does a VA disability attorney cost? 

Most attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if the Veteran wins their case. The fee is usually a percentage of past-due benefits, not future payments. 

2. Can a lawyer help with an appeal? 

Yes! A Veterans disability attorney can file Higher-Level Reviews, Supplemental Claims, or BVA appeals to fight for a better outcome if necessary. 

3. What if my claim was denied years ago? 

A lawyer can reopen a claim with new evidence or argue for a revision based on past VA errors. 

4. When should I hire a VA disability attorney? 

If your claim was denied, underrated, delayed, or confusing, seeking legal help is a smart move.