California Veterans’ Benefits Attorneys Appeal Claim Denials

Lawyers that help our heroes get the care they need

Veterans benefits are the means by which a grateful nation fulfills the duty expressed by President Lincoln “to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.” Yet, a cost-conscious and impersonal bureaucracy often denies applicants access to compensation and assistance to which they are entitled. Heard & Smith, LLP advocates on behalf of veterans and their families, ensuring just decisions on such matters as:

• Appeals to the Board of Corrections for Military Records (BCMR)
• Burial services
• Education assistance
• Health benefits
• Home loans
• Life insurance
• Service-connected disabilities
• Survivor benefits
• Pensions for non-service disabilities
• Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits
• Post-traumatic stress disorder — PTSD

Our attorneys work with veterans to get them the treatment and benefits that they deserve.

Understanding VA applications and appeals

To receive your veterans benefits, you must submit a claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA then decides how much, if any, compensation or assistance you may receive. If you are not satisfied with the VA’s decision, you must submit a Notice of Disagreement. This begins what can be a lengthy, involved appeal process. But don’t be discouraged; appeals have become as much a part of the system as the initial application. And, at this stage, you can retain professional counsel.

Recent federal law helps veterans appealing denial of benefits

The Veterans Benefits and Health Care and Information Technology Act of 2006 allows veterans to retain legal representation after they send in a Notice of Disagreement. Since the laws governing veterans affairs are lengthy and complex, having a trained lawyer guide you through your appeal process can greatly improve your chances for approval. We can help you compile a comprehensive and compelling case file and can represent you at your hearing before the Board of Veterans Affairs. If necessary, we’ll even carry your appeal to the U.S, Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Contact determined California attorneys fighting for veterans benefits

To schedule a consultation with Heard & Smith, LLP, call 833-564-8839 or contact us online.