Vermont Veterans Disability Lawyers

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Attention Vermont Veterans!

If you’re a Vermont veteran dealing with a VA disability claim denial or a low rating, you’re not alone. The process can feel like a maze.

But here’s the good news: ProVet Legal is here to be your guide, your advocate, and your secret weapon in winning the benefits you deserve.

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Top Reasons for VA Claim Denials in Vermont

The VA denies claims for countless reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Missing or incomplete documentation
• Failure to connect your condition to your service
• Missed deadlines in the VA’s timeline

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many veterans face these hurdles, but with the right strategy, they can be overcome.

The VA Disability Appeals and Denials Process

The VA has overhauled its appeals system with the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a maze. You now have three options if the VA denies your claim or lowballs your disability condition rating:

The Decision Review Process Under the AMA

Option 1: Supplemental Claim

If you have new and relevant evidence that wasn’t included in your original claim, filing a supplemental claim is your best bet. This option allows you to submit additional documentation to support your case. The VA has to assist you in gathering evidence for this type of claim, but having an attorney on your side can help you submit the most compelling evidence possible.

Option 2: Higher-Level Review

Think the VA made a mistake in evaluating your claim? The higher-level review option allows a senior VA reviewer to take a fresh look at your case. You can’t submit new evidence with this option, but you can request an informal conference with the reviewer to point out errors or oversights in the original decision. Our attorneys can help prepare you for this conference and ensure you make the strongest case possible.

Option 3: Board Appeal

For veterans who want to take their case straight to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, this option provides three different dockets:

1. Direct Review: The board examines your case based on existing evidence, with no new submissions or hearings.
2. Evidence Submission: You have 90 days to submit new evidence for the board to consider.
3. Hearing: You can request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge, either virtually or in person.

Each option has its own strategy and timeline. Choosing the right path can mean the difference between victory and another frustrating denial. That’s where we come in.

Choosing Another Option

If you’re not happy with the results of one option, you’re not out of luck. You can still pursue others. For instance, after a Higher-Level Review, you can still submit a Supplemental Claim or appeal to the Board. We’ll help you understand these options to keep your claim moving forward.

Timeline and Wait Times

Each appeal option has its own timeline:

• Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews aim for decisions within 4-5 months.
• Board Appeals can take longer, often a year or more, depending on the docket chosen.

Timely action is crucial in the appeals process. Missed deadlines can derail your claim, which is why having a VA disability lawyer can make all the difference.

The VA Disability Rating System

Disabilities are rated from 10% to 100% based on their severity and impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities. But do you know what these numbers really mean for you?

Here’s a quick rundown:

• 10% – 20%: You’re on the radar, but benefits are limited.
• 30% – 60%: Now we’re talking. Significant monthly compensation and additional benefits kick in.
• 70% – 90%: Serious disabilities with substantial support.
• 100%: Maximum schedular rating with the most comprehensive benefits package.

These percentages translate into monthly compensation rates. But it’s not just about your disability rating – the number of dependents you have can bump up your benefits, too.

So, if you have a full house, you might see a bigger check. These rates can also increase year over year with inflation.

Combined Ratings

If you have multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA uses a combined rating table to calculate your overall disability percentage. This isn’t a straight addition – a 30% and a 20% rating doesn’t equal 50%, for example.

Our team can help you understand how your disabilities combine and potentially identify opportunities to increase your overall rating.

Permanent & Total Disability

A 100% disability rating doesn’t automatically mean your disability is considered permanent and total (P&T). P&T status provides additional benefits and protections, including:

• No future VA examinations
• Educational benefits for dependents
• Certain state and local benefits

We can help you determine if you qualify for P&T status and assist in securing this important designation.

Common Service-Connected Disabilities in Vermont

Service-connected disabilities can encompass a wide range of conditions. Some of the most common include:

Physical Disabilities

• Musculoskeletal injuries (back pain, knee problems)
• Hearing loss and tinnitus
• Respiratory conditions
• Arthritis
• Arm and shoulder injuries
• Back and neck conditions
• Cancer
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Headaches

Mental Health Conditions

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
• Toxic Exposure Disabilities
• Conditions related to Agent Orange exposure
• Gulf War Syndrome
• Illnesses linked to burn pit exposure

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)

Veterans with severe disabilities may qualify for SMC, which provides additional compensation above the 100% rate. This can apply to loss of limbs, blindness, the need for regular aid and attendance, and other specific situations.

Vermont-Specific Veteran Resources

As a Vermont veteran, you have access to state-specific benefits and resources to assist with your disability claims and appeals.

State VA Offices and Services

• Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs: Located in Montpelier, this office provides assistance with benefits claims, advocacy, and information on state programs for veterans.
• White River Junction VA Medical Center: A full-service medical facility offering comprehensive healthcare services to veterans.
• South Burlington Vet Center: Provides counseling and outreach services, including mental health support and assistance with VA benefits.
• Burlington Lakeside Community-Based Outpatient Clinic: Offers primary care and mental health services to veterans in the Burlington area.
• Bennington Community-Based Outpatient Clinic: Provides primary care services to veterans in the Bennington region.

Veteran Advocacy Groups

• American Legion Department of Vermont: Offers support, advocacy, and community for veterans through local posts across the state.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Vermont: Provides veterans with resources, advocacy, and community engagement opportunities.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Vermont Chapter: Focuses on empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.
• Vietnam Veterans of America Vermont State Council: Advocates for Vietnam-era veterans and their families.
• Friends of Veterans: An all-volunteer organization dedicated to helping qualified veterans and their families avoid homelessness and providing financial support for urgent needs.

Vermont Veterans Benefits Guide

The FDVA provides a comprehensive guide to state benefits, which we can help you navigate to ensure you’re not missing out on any opportunities.

Vermont Veteran Benefits by Disability Rating

Vermont offers additional benefits for veterans based on their VA disability ratings. Here’s a breakdown of benefits by rating category:

10% – 40% Disability Rating

• Property Tax Exemption: Veterans with a disability rating of 50% or greater are eligible for a property tax reduction.
• State Employment Preference: Veterans receive preference points when applying for state employment positions.
• Education Assistance: Access to various educational benefits and resources.
• Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Free licenses for veterans with a 60% or greater disability rating.
• Green Mountain Pass: Free lifetime day entry pass to state parks for honorably discharged veterans.

50% – 90% Disability Rating

• Increased Property Tax Exemption: Higher disability ratings may qualify for greater property tax reductions.
• Enhanced Education Benefits: Additional support and resources for higher education.
• Priority in State Employment: Higher preference in state job applications.
• Access to State Veterans’ Homes: Eligibility for admission to state-run veterans’ homes.
• Additional Hunting and Fishing Privileges: Expanded access to certain hunting and fishing opportunities.

100% Disability Rating

• Full Property Tax Exemption: Potential full exemption from property taxes on primary residence.
• Tuition Waivers: Possible tuition waivers for veterans and dependents at state-supported institutions.
• Comprehensive Healthcare Services: Access to a full range of healthcare services through state and federal programs.
• Housing Assistance: Priority placement in state housing programs.
• Transportation Benefits: Access to transportation services for medical appointments and other needs.

Additional State Programs

• Veterans Assistance Fund: Provides one-time payments to veterans facing economic hardship for critical needs like housing and utilities.
• High School Diplomas for Veterans: Offers diplomas to veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam who did not complete high school.
• Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery: State-operated cemetery providing burial services for veterans and eligible family members.
• Veteran Status for DMV: Recognition of veteran status on driver’s licenses or non-driver IDs at no additional charge.
• Vermont Veterans Fund: Provides grants to individuals and organizations that assist veterans in Vermont.

Remember, these benefits can change, and you might need to qualify. Always check with the Vermont Department of Veterans Affairs or your County Veteran Service Officer for the latest information.

How ProVet Legal Can Help You Appeal Your VA Disability Denial

At ProVet Legal, we’re more than just lawyers – we’re advocates dedicated to fighting for the benefits you deserve. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Free Consultation — We’ll assess your case at no cost to help determine if we’re the right fit for your needs.
• Experienced Legal Team — Our attorneys are 100% focused on VA law and have a track record of successful appeals. We know the system, and we know how to make it work for you.
• Personal Experience — We’re not just talking the talk. With personal insight into the challenges veterans face, we’re committed to serving those who served.
• Strategic Appeals Process — We’ll guide you through choosing the most appropriate appeal option and prepare compelling arguments to support your case.
• Timely Appeals — We are able to file most appeals within 60 days of opening a new case or receiving a new decision from the VA, often acting even sooner. We don’t wait until the deadline to take action on your case.
• Proactive Case Management — While waiting for the VA’s decision, we closely monitor the files and promptly address any errors to keep your case on track. We are proactive, not reactive.
• Transparency — We will communicate with you regularly throughout the process. Even if VA action takes months, we’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Don’t let the VA’s decision be the final word on your disability claim. Contact ProVet Legal today for a free case review. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.

Areas We Serve

Don’t Let VA Denials Stop You – Free Consultation Today

The VA system is designed to wear you down. To make you give up. But you didn’t give up when your country called, and you shouldn’t give up now.

ProVet Legal is ready to take up arms for you. We’ll cut through the red tape, stand up to the bureaucracy, and fight tooth and nail for every benefit you deserve.

Don’t let the VA shortchange your sacrifice. Contact us today for your free case review.

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