SKIP TO
CONTENT
Tennessee VA Disability Lawyer
Individuals who served the country in the US military are entitled to disability benefits for any conditions that are a result of service-related injuries, illnesses, or other events. Collecting the compensation that you deserve can be a difficult and time-consuming process. These monthly compensation payments are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA. To receive them, you need to provide sufficient evidence to prove that you have a current disability, and it is connected to your service.
You are able to receive free assistance from VA-accredited counselors for your initial application, however, this does not ensure that your claim is approved. Even complete and deserving applications have been rejected by the VA. If your claim has been rejected or you received a low rating, our VA Disability lawyers can help you if you live in Tennessee.
How Tennessee Veterans Can Quality for VA Disability
In order to qualify for VA disability benefits, you need to meet specific requirements as outlined by the VA. It is essential that you not only present proof of your qualifying military service, but also that you link your current health diagnosis to your military service. One of our dedicated VA Disability Attorneys can help you if you live in Tennessee.
Qualifying Military Service
While you might think that VA disability benefits are limited to former active-duty members of the US military, that is not the case. Persons who were injured or developed an illness during inactive duty training, or active duty for training may be eligible. Additionally, there are a number of qualifying covered organizations linked to the US military that may provide disability benefits.
In addition to having served under a qualifying military position in a qualifying organization, it is also essential your discharge status is not dishonorable. Beyond dishonorable status, you will generally be able to qualify for VA disability benefits.
A Current Diagnosis for a Disabling Condition
In addition meeting the service qualification, you must also have a present diagnosis for a disabling condition that is both:
- Linked to your qualifying active service, and
- Recognized by the VA as a disability
The VA has an extensive list of disabilities that are covered with additional information provided here. Physical conditions such as chronic back pain, loss of range of motion, scar tissue, cancers due to toxic chemical exposure, severe hearing loss, and others may entitle you to monthly compensation payments. Psychological conditions linked to service such as anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others are also covered.
What matters is that your condition is disabling, meaning it impacts your capacity to effectively and completely live your day-to-day life, and has an impact on your ability to earn an income. For example, an individual with a career as a mechanic who experienced an injury resulting in chronic lower back pain may be unable to return to work following their injury. The extent to which their condition impacts their ability to earn influences their disability rating, and in turn the amount in compensation that they are entitled to.
The Condition is Connected to Your Active Service, Meaning it is Service-Related
Upon proving that your service qualifies, and that you have a current diagnosis for a disabling condition, you’ll then need to prove that your current condition is connected to your qualifying service. This is often done through a nexus letter, which is the opinion of a medical professional that your current condition is linked to the injury experienced during your active military service.
There is a specific format that should be followed when presenting this information to the VA, and oftentimes initial claims are denied because veterans themselves are putting together the applications. If your initial claim has been rejected, one of our dedicated VA Disability lawyers can help you if you live in Tennessee.
FAQs Our VA Disability Lawyers Often Hear From Tennessee Veterans
When we first discuss options with potential new clients, they often have similar questions about how the process works, and whether our legal services are applicable in their situation. One of the first questions we are asked once it is determined that an appeal or supplemental claim fits with our firm is how much it will cost.
How Much Does Hiring Our VA Disability Lawyers Cost?
It is natural to have concerns about the cost of a VA disability attorney to help Tennessee Veterans, especially given how much some attorneys can cost per hour. When it comes to the VA disability lawyers from our firm helping Tennessee Veterans, you have nothing to worry about in terms of cost, as we only recover a fee when you are awarded retroactive or backpay compensation from the VA.
Your initial application is something that you complete on your own. It is done with the help of your local VA, or through a VA-accredited agent. Attorneys are not allowed to collect a fee to assist with your initial application, but due to federal law can only help on your case after your initial claim has been filed, and a decision was reached by the VA.
How long does it take for the VA to make a decision on my disability claim?
The amount of time you’ll wait on your claim will vary regardless of whether you are approved, denied, or receive an inadequate rating. It can be months before you are contacted by the VA, and many more months before a decision is reached. The VA provides updates on the approximate amount of time your claim might take to process.
Do I qualify for VA disability benefits if I have anxiety?
Anxiety qualifies when it is a primary condition, or if it is a secondary condition linked to another service-related issue.
Does the VA require me to undergo an examination?
Whenever a VA disability application is filed, it can be necessary for you to report for a physical exam, generally called the Compensation and Pension Exam, or C&P Exam. Not all conditions require such an exam, and the VA determines when it is required. You are able to submit your own independent medical assessment in support of your claim.
Connect with a VA Disability Lawyer to Learn How We Can Help Tennessee Veterans
Being denied benefits you are entitled to can ultimately cost you and your family a great deal. Explore options with one of our VA disability lawyers who help Tennessee Veterans. Get started today.
Our Tennessee Office
5751 Uptain Road, Suite 407
Chattanooga, TN 37411
Disclaimer: Please note that Gang & Associates is a national law firm with a focus on serving veterans across the United States. While this and other pages on our website provide state-specific information, our services extend nationwide to assist veterans in need. Gang & Associates is a national veterans disability law firm with satellite offices in Chattanooga, Tennessee. All offices are by appointment only, and all mail must be directed to our main mailing address at P.O. Box 96503, Dept. 34938, Washington, DC 20090-6503.