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FAQ's   What is a service connected Disability?
Useful Links   Where health problems or disability are determined to have been caused by military service. The
Main Page   regulations are quite intricate and cannot be explained simply here. 
     
Email us How does a Veteran apply for benefits?
Home Site   If your health problems were caused by military service, simply meet with your local service
    representative and apply for benefits. After your medical records are reviewed, the DVA Regional 
    Office will send you a letter giving you a rating decision. 
     
    How long will a decision take? 
    A decision by the DVA often takes one year or more. 
     
    Should a Veteran appeal a rating decision? 
    If it is felt that the rating is incorrect, a Notice of Disagreement should be filed. This Notice must be filed 
    within one year after the initial denial of the claim. Some disabled Veterans like to have an experienced 
    representative at all stages of application. The next decision issued is called a Statement of Case. 
     
    Should a Veteran appeal the Statement of Case? 
    Again, if the decision does not grant the appropriate relief, an appeal should be filed. This appeal must be 
    filed within 60 days. At the next stage, an appeal will be heard by an Administrative Law Judge of the Board 
    of Veterans Appeals (BVA). These hearings are held either in Washington, D.C., or at a local VA office via  
    videoconference with a Washington D.C. Judge. The Veteran will be called upon to testify at this hearing.  
     
    Is it necessary for a Veteran to hire an Attorney? 
    No. Many Veterans wait until they get to the hearing stage before an Administrative Law Judge before they
    hire an attorney.  
     
    What does it cost to hire an attorney? 
    The DVA must approve all attorney fees. All fee agreements are contingency fee agreements and are limited
    to 20% of past due benefits.  
     
    Can benefits be retroactive prior to the date of a VA application? 
    No, unless a prior claim can be reopened based on "clear and unmistakable error." 
     
    Can a Veteran receive Social Security disability benefits and VA Veterans benefits at the same time? 
    Yes, as long as the Social Security "insured status" requirements are met.