You have filed your claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  It denied your claim.  Now what?  The VA will send you a form outlining your rights.  It lists several options for you to pursue.  The most important step is to file your Notice of Disagreement.  Once you file your notice of disagreement, Theodore (Ted) Sumner is ready to assist you in completing your appeal.  Fill out this form and we will contact you immediately to discuss your issue. 

 

While in Service

The Veterans Administration relies heavily on the service member's medical records.  It is important to have your medical conditions documented while in service.  The VA presumes that medical conditions documented in your medical file are service connected.  

Filing Your Veterans Administration Claim

There is no time limit for filing a claim for benefits.  You can file a claim online or by contacting your local VA Regional Office.  It is important to fully develop your claim when you file. Mention every injury and symptom that you had in service.  You should also attempt to obtain any documentation regarding the condition including medical records and statements from friends and relatives. 

It will speed the Veterans Affairs decision making if you provide all of the pertinent information.  List all of the medical conditions that first arose while you were in the service. Common injuries include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), knee injuries,back injuries, combat wounds, sexual assault, hearing loss, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

What to do when your claim is denied

The VA may deny some or all of your claim.  If that happens, you may either accept the result or you may send the VA a letter disagreeing with their decision.  Contact us and we will assist you with filing this notice for no charge.

Board of Veterans Appeals

Ted Sumner is admitted to practice before the Board of Veterans Appeals.  Contact us and we will evaluate whether we can assist you before the Board.  

U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

Ted Sumner is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the next appellate step above the Board of Veterans Appeals.  Contact us for a free evaluation as to whether we can help you with your appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

This federal statute provides wide protection to service members.  Those protections include suspension of civil court and administrative cases, limitations on interest rates chargeable to servicemembers, landlord tenant rights, and many others.  Check back for future articles on the rights provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. 

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

There are extensive reemployment rights afforded to veterans, reservists, and National Guard members returning from deployment.  Attorney Ted Sumner is available to discuss any reemployment issues with you.  The Reserve Officer's Association Servicemember's Law Center,which works with the Center for Veterans Rights and Appeals on education issues, has extensive information regarding rights and issues under this statute.