In this article, VA disability expert Brian Reese explains how to find the best VA disability advocates (step-by-step) to assist you with your VA claim.
Trying to navigate the confusing and frustrating VA disability process on your own can be very difficult.
The good news is veterans have multiple ways to get quality help and expertise from VA claim advocates around the country – some options are free while others charge a fee.
3 Best Options to Get VA Disability Claim Assistance
Veterans have three main options to get help with their VA disability claim:
- Option #1: File your own VA claim online at VA.gov (represent yourself via “Pro Se Representation”). This means you’re preparing and filing your own claim, and representing yourself before the VA.
- Option #2: Work with an accredited VSO (you select and appoint a VSO representative with Power of Attorney). This means you’re selecting an accredited representative to prepare and file your claim and represent you before the VA.
- Option #3: Work with an accredited claims agent or attorney (you select and appoint a claims agent or attorney with Power of Attorney). This means you’ve previously had a VA claim denied and you’re selecting an accredited representative to prepare and file your claim or appeal and represent you before the VA.
Who are the Best Advocates for VA Claims?
The short answer is—it depends.
The reason why is because it depends on the complexity of your claim situation and whether you’ve already been denied benefits.
For example, if you’ve never filed a VA claim before, we recommend you work with an accredited VSO free of charge.
If you’ve filed a claim before and were previously denied, you might want to seek the assistance of an accredited claims agent or attorney; they will likely charge a contingent fee based on a successful outcome.
How to Find the Best Help for Your VA Disability Claim
If you’re looking to find the best help for your VA claim, here’s a simple process to follow:
Step #1: Determine if you actually need expert guidance
If you’ve never filed a claim before, simply conduct a Google search for a VSO near you and file a claim. If you’re filing for an increase or have had a previous claim denied, you should consider working with an expert. Why? Because you probably need additional expertise in the claims process as well as specialized medical evidence for VA claims in the form of DBQs or Nexus Letters.
Step #2: Start with an online search for the best VA disability claim help
Begin with your favorite search engine and do some research. Make sure to read the online reviews before making your decision. If you’re able to submit a free inquiry or book a free consultation, we recommend doing so before signing a contract.
Step #3: Gather your evidence and build your case file
Once you’ve decided who to work with, it’s time to start gathering all your medical evidence. Be prepared to spend some money on DBQs or Nexus Letters from private healthcare providers to help you prove your case to the VA. The #1 reason why VA claims get denied is due to a lack of medical evidence!
List of Helpful Resources for VA Disability Claims
Here’s a list of helpful resources for veterans seeking to understand or file for VA disability benefits:
VA Website: The official VA website is the primary resource for all information related to VA disability claims, including application processes, benefit rates, and how to file a claim. The VA’s website has improved dramatically over the years.
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): VSOs can help with preparing and submitting your VA disability claim. Here’s a list of six national-level VSO organizations that offer free VA disability claim help (preparation, filing, and representation) for veterans:
- American Legion
- American Veterans
- Disabled American Veterans
- Paralyzed Veterans of America
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Vietnam Veterans of America
VA Accredited Agents and Attorneys: These professionals specialize in VA law and can provide legal assistance in preparing and appealing VA disability claims. The VA’s Office of General Counsel maintains a list of accredited VSOs, agents, and attorneys.
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP): NVLSP offers free legal advice to veterans regarding their disability claims, especially in cases of denied claims. NVLSP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been around since 1981.
State Veterans Affairs Offices: Each state has its own department of veterans affairs, which can provide resources, guidance, and advocacy in filing disability claims.
Vet Centers: Operated by the VA, Vet Centers provide a range of services, including counseling and assistance in filing VA benefits claims, particularly for combat veterans.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Regional Offices: Located across the country, VBA Regional Offices provide one-on-one assistance to veterans filing for disability benefits.
About the Author
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is one of the top VA disability benefits experts in the world and bestselling author of You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits You’ve Earned (Second Edition).
Brian’s frustration with the VA claim process led him to create VA Claims Insider, which provides disabled veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned to win their VA disability compensation claim, faster, even if they’ve already filed, been denied, gave up, or don’t know where to start.
As the founder of VA Claims Insider and CEO of Military Disability Made Easy, he has helped serve more than 10 million military members and veterans since 2013 through free online educational resources.
He is a former active duty Air Force officer with extensive experience leading hundreds of individuals and multi-functional teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour to Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO, and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class).
