Hawaii Veterans Disability Lawyers

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Attention Hawaii Veterans!

If you’re a Hawaii 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 Hawaii

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 Hawaii

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.

Hawaii-Specific Veteran Resources

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

State VA Offices and Services

• Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS): Acts as a liaison between the Governor, veterans’ organizations, and individual veterans, assisting in obtaining state and federal entitlements.
• Honolulu Regional Office: Administers services including compensation, education, insurance, loan guaranty, pension, and Veteran Readiness and Employment for veterans, servicemembers, their families, and survivors in Hawaii.
• Honolulu Vet Center: Provides counseling and support to veterans, active duty service members, and members of the National Guard and Reserve experiencing post-traumatic stress related to their military service.
• Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic: A multispecialty Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Kapolei, Oahu, providing care for veterans across the Pacific Islands.
• VA Pacific Islands Health Care System: Comprises multiple sites of care across the Pacific Islands, offering a combination of inpatient, outpatient, residential, and nursing home treatment services.

Veteran Advocacy Groups

• American Veterans (AMVETS) Hawaii: A nonprofit Veterans Service Organization providing support and assistance to veterans, transitioning service members, and their families.
• American Legion, Department of Hawaii: Offers various programs and services to support veterans and their families.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hawaii: Provides support and advocacy for disabled veterans.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Hawaii: Offers assistance with benefits claims and community programs.
• Wounded Warrior Project Hawaii: Provides support and resources for wounded veterans.

Hawaii 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.

Hawaii Veteran Benefits by Disability Rating

Hawaii 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 10% or more may be eligible for a property tax exemption on their primary residence.
• State Employment Preference: Disabled veterans receive preference points for state employment opportunities.
• Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Reduced fees for hunting and fishing licenses are available for disabled veterans.
• State Park Admission: Discounted access to state parks for disabled veterans.
• Educational Assistance: Tuition waivers for disabled veterans attending state-supported educational institutions.

50% – 90% Disability Rating

• Increased Property Tax Exemption: Higher disability ratings may qualify for greater property tax exemptions.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Assistance with job training and employment services tailored for disabled veterans.
• Adaptive Housing Grants: Financial assistance for home modifications to accommodate disabilities.
• Access to State Veterans Homes: Eligibility for residency in state-operated veterans homes with specialized care services.
• Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Complimentary hunting and fishing licenses for veterans with higher disability ratings.

100% Disability Rating

• Full Property Tax Exemption: Veterans with a 100% disability rating may be eligible for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.
• Free Vehicle Registration: Exemption from vehicle registration fees for one vehicle.
• Educational Benefits for Dependents: Tuition waivers for dependents attending state-supported educational institutions.
• State Park Admission: Free annual pass for entrance to all state parks, camping, and boat launch facilities.
• Priority in State Employment: Highest preference in state employment opportunities.

Additional State Programs

• Veterans Treatment Courts: Specialized courts offering rehabilitation services as an alternative to incarceration for veterans.
• Veterans Crisis Line: A 24/7 confidential hotline providing support for veterans in crisis.
• Women Veterans Programs: Tailored services addressing the unique needs of women veterans.
• Minority & Unique Veterans Programs: Resources and support for minority veterans and those with unique service experiences.
• Veterans Appreciation Programs: Initiatives recognizing and honoring the contributions of veterans through various benefits and services.

Remember, these benefits can change, and you might need to qualify. Always check with the Hawaii 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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