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In this post, veterans will learn 3 Ways to Get VA Disability Claim Help, along with some of the top organizations that can assist veterans with their VA disability compensation claims.
Let’s face it: Navigating the VA claim process on your own can be confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming for many veterans.
The good news is there are some great organizations that can help you prepare and file your VA claim free of charge.
Generally, veterans have 3 options to get help with VA disability claims:
- #1. File your own VA claim online at VA.gov (Represent Yourself via “Pro Se Representation”)
- #2. Work with an accredited VSO (Appoint a VSO Representative with Power of Attorney)
- #3. Work with an accredited Claims Agent or Attorney (Appoint a Claims Representative with Power of Attorney)
The new VA.gov website makes it super easy to prepare and file your own VA claim in just a few minutes.
So, you can choose to represent yourself before the VA and “Do It Yourself” online (which I recommend), and I’ll show you how in this article.
Table of Contents
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Top 3 Ways to Find VA Disability Claim Help Online
#1. Prepare and File Your Own VA Claim Online at VA.gov (Represent Yourself)
Veterans always have the option to represent themselves before the VA for their VA disability compensation claim.
You don’t have to work with someone else if you don’t want to.
Using the new and improved VA.gov website, you can prepare and file your own claim online for free.
It’s like “Turbo-Tax” for VA claims: Each screen will provide you with on-screen tips to help you file your VA claim.
If you choose to go this route, select the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) option, and make sure you have the proper evidence for your FDC ready to upload:
- Service Treatment Records (STRs), VA Medical Records, and/or Private Treatment Records
- Medical Nexus Letters (if you weren’t diagnosed in-service or if your STRs lack evidence)
- VA Statements in Support of a Claim for Each Disability Condition
- Buddy Letters (if your STRs lack evidence of your claimed condition)
Here’s a step-by-step video tutorial for veterans to file their own VA claim online:
#2. Search and Find Accredited VSOs Near You (Appoint a Representative)
If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can choose to work with an accredited VSO near you.
There are literally thousands of Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) around the world who help veterans and service members, including their dependents and survivors, with VA claims free of charge.
Here’s a list of some of the top national VSO organizations offering free VA claim help:
Should I work with a VSO?
The major benefit of working with a VSO, even if you file the claim yourself, is that he/she will have access to the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS).
VBMS access is especially useful for veterans because your VSO can download copies of your C&P exam results in real time, including contracted C&P examination results.
If you think you had a bad C&P exam and want to find out BEFORE your claim gets denied, your VSO can let you know quickly with VBMS.
How to Find the Best VSO Near You:
If you choose to work with a VSO, we recommend working with a representative who’s co-located at the VA Regional Office in your state.
Why?
Because every VBA Regional Office does things a little bit differently.
A co-located VSO has the inside scoop on all things VA benefits at the regional office in your state and can quickly intervene if there are issues with your VA claim.
Click HERE to search for VSOs who are co-located at the VBA Regional Office in your state.
#3. Search and Find Accredited Claims Agents or Attorneys (Appoint a Representative)
If you’ve already tried to get VA disability benefits on your own or with an accredited VSO, but got denied, that’s where accredited Claims Agents or Attorneys can be helpful.
Did you know there are VA-accredited attorneys who will help you for FREE?
Yep, it’s true.
You can get free legal help for your denied VA disability claim from the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP).
However, most VA Claims Agents and Attorneys work for a fee, typically 20% to 33.3% of any retroactive back pay received due to a successful appeal of a previously denied claim.
Some may also charge you a “pre-filing consultation fee” plus a myriad of other fees—make sure you read through the contract carefully before signing it.
The agent or attorney will likely send you to a private doctor to obtain a Nexus Letter, which is another separate fee you pay.
Again, these fees can add up quickly, and you need to be prepared.
Should I Hire a VA Claims Agent or Attorney?
It’s up to you, but the truth is you probably don’t need to hire a Claims Agent or Attorney unless you plan to appeal before the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) and enter oral arguments.
The New VA Appeals Process allows veterans to do a Higher Level Review (HLR) or Supplemental Claim right on the VA.gov website.
If you plan to upload new and relevant evidence not previously considered, you should use the VA Direct Upload tool, called “Access VA” to submit your HLR or Supplemental Claim plus any new evidence.
Conclusion
Veterans have many options for getting VA claim assistance.
You can do it yourself online or work with an accredited VSO for initial claims or a Claims Agent or Attorney for previously denied claims.
The VA.gov website makes it super easy to prepare and file your own VA claim online in just a few minutes.
I recommend veterans represent themselves before the VA and “Do It Yourself” online, and I’ll show you how in our #1 rated VA Claims Insider Elite Program.
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We CAN HELP.
Take advantage of a VA Claim Discovery Call with an experienced Team Member. Learn what you’ve been missing so you can FINALLY get the disability rating and compensation you’ve earned for your service.
Brian Reese
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
