You served our country.
We are here to serve YOU.
Let us handle your Veterans Benefits claim or appeal.
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What are Veterans Benefits
Veterans benefits are administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to provide monthly payments to eligible veterans and their dependents.
Depending on the particular benefit being claimed, the injury or disease may or may not have to be connected to the veteran’s military service.
Our Team is on YOUR Side
At Perkins Studdard, we are committed to making sure the VA upholds its promise to veterans and their families to provide benefits veterans deserve as a result of military service. As part of this commitment, we provide free consultations to veterans. If you want to consult with us about possible appeal of a decision from the VA regarding veterans benefits, you can get a free consultation by completing this short form or calling us at (770) 629-0381.
You Served Our Country. We Are Here to Serve YOU.
Over 600,000 veterans reside in Georgia, and approximately 30% live with at least one service-related disability. This rate highlights the significant impact of military service on our community members. Yet, despite these numbers, many of our veterans are still without proper VA disability ratings or compensation.
At Perkins Studdard, we understand and truly value the sacrifices made by Georgia veterans like you. Service to our nation often comes with profound personal costs, and it is only right that you receive the disability benefits you deserve for injuries sustained on active duty.
Whether you were denied long ago or are facing obstacles with an existing claim, Perkins Studdard is here to support you and ensure that your rights are upheld. Even if you were granted some compensation but are unsure if it was the full amount you should have received, let us help you understand your options and fight for the results you need.
Why Hire Us for Your VA Disability Case?
At Perkins Studdard, we are deeply aware of the sacrifices made by military veterans and the impact this service can have on their lives and well-being. This awareness drives us to help military personnel secure the VA disability benefits they rightfully earned. With a history deeply rooted in veteran services, our firm is uniquely positioned to help you overcome the challenges of VA claims.
When you work with Perkins Studdard, you benefit from the following:
- Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have a long-standing history of successfully representing veterans in disability claims. We pride ourselves on achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
- Family Tradition of Service: Our firm’s connection to veteran services runs deep. Jason Perkins’s grandfather served Georgia’s veterans before us, and Travis Studdard’s father served honorably in the U.S. Navy. This heritage strengthens our resolve to serve you with honor and dedication.
- Direct Communication: Our skilled attorneys will keep you informed throughout the legal process and are always available to answer your questions.
- No Upfront Costs: Our veterans disability lawyers offer free consultations and handle VA disability cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us anything unless we win your case.
Our firm is not just about legal representation. We see our work as a duty to ensure that disabled veterans receive the respect, care, and benefits they have earned through their service to our nation.
Our Services
Perkins Studdard provides a wide range of legal services that address various aspects of veterans’ disability claims. Below is a detailed overview of the key services we offer and how we can assist you the entire time.
VA Disability Appeals
If your initial claim for VA disability benefits has been denied or you are unsatisfied with the decision, we are here to help you appeal. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the appeals process, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in appeals hearings. We work diligently to gather the proper evidence and achieve a successful resolution.
Increase in Disability Ratings
Over time, the severity of active duty service- connected disabilities can worsen. If you believe your current disability rating does not accurately reflect your condition, we can help you apply for an increased rating. Our disability appeals lawyers can compile medical evidence and expert testimony that substantiate the need for a higher rating.
Claims for Service-Related Disabilities
When you file a VA disability claim, it’s critical to establish the connection between your military service and disability. We can help veterans document and prove service connection for their disabilities. By carefully preparing your claim and supporting it with compelling evidence, we aim to ensure that the VA recognizes the link and grants your benefits accordingly.
Understanding Veterans Disability Law
Veterans disability law is intended to provide compensation to veterans who have sustained physical or mental disabilities while serving in the military. These benefits are meant to cover loss of income or earning capacity and the associated life adjustments required due to service-connected disabilities. The amount of disability compensation is determined based on the severity of the condition, which is rated from 0 to 100 percent by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition to disability compensation, disabled veterans can receive VA medical treatment for a service-connected disability and may qualify for a higher VA priority group for healthcare in general than they otherwise would without the service-connected disability.
Common Challenges in the Claims Process
Many veterans encounter hurdles during the claims process. One major challenge is proving the service connection for their disability, which requires clear evidence that the injury or illness was incurred or aggravated during military service. Another frequent issue is accurately assessing the severity of the disability, as this determines the benefits level. Delays and denials are not uncommon, often due to errors in paperwork, insufficient medical evidence, or misinterpretation of the law.
How a Georgia Veterans Disability Attorney Can Help
Lawyers who handle veterans disability claims and appeals know what it takes to prepare and present a compelling case for the disability benefits you need. They can help you by:
- Identifying helpful “lay evidence” and working with you or other witnesses (family, friends, co-workers, or fellow service members) to draft compelling lay witness statements and “buddy letters”
- Gathering and organizing medical evidence to build a strong case for your claim or appeal.
- Presenting your case clearly and professionally to maximize the likelihood of a favorable decision.
- Reducing the stress and delays often associated with disability claims for veterans.
At Perkins Studdard, we dedicate ourselves to helping veterans understand their rights and the legal avenues available to them, thereby making a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
FAQs
You can file your initial claim for VA disability benefits online through the VA eBenefits portal. Alternatively, you may choose to work with an accredited Georgia Veterans Service Organization (VSO), which can provide guidance and help you manage the paperwork. Another option is to start the paperwork yourself by completing VA Form 21-526EZ, available on the VA’s website. Depending on your circumstances, additional or alternative forms may be necessary.
The processing time for initial claims can vary. As of early 2024, the average was around 160 days, but it is not uncommon for claims to take up to a year to process. Decisions can take time, so it is critical to start the process as early as possible.
This is the date from which your veterans disability benefits will be calculated if your claim is approved. To establish an early effective date, you should file your claim as soon as possible. This date remains fixed unless you fail to maintain your claim or continuously pursue appeals. For example, if you do not file one of three appeal types (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Notice of Disagreement) within a year of receiving a decision, you might need to reopen your claim, setting a new effective date. Preserving your original effective date is essential as it determines the back pay you might receive.
There are several common reasons why a VA disability claim or appeal might be denied. Understanding them can help you better prepare your claim and increase the chances of approval.
- Insufficient Medical Evidence: One of the most frequent reasons for denial is the lack of sufficient medical evidence to support the claim. Without comprehensive medical records, professional diagnoses, and explicit linkage to service, the VA may not find the evidence compelling enough to approve the claim.
- No Proven Connection to Military Service: This is often referred to as establishing a “nexus.” If the VA determines that your medical condition is not related to your service (e.g. a preexisting condition or injury after service) or if the evidence is unclear, your claim may be denied.
- Insufficient Evidence of an In-Service Event, Injury, or Disease: You, fellow service members, or family members may be able to establish certain events or injuries occurred during your active duty service. Sometimes veterans assume there is enough evidence in the military personnel file and do not include this important lay evidence.
- Errors in the Application: Simple mistakes in the initial application or appeal process can lead to a denial. This might include incomplete forms, missing information, or failing to follow VA’s filing procedures.
- Previously Denied Claims: If you are filing a claim for a condition that has been previously denied and there is no new and relevant evidence to present, the VA is likely to issue a denial of benefits again.
- Failure to Attend VA Medical Examinations: The VA may require you to attend a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate the severity of your disability and its connection to your service. Failing to attend this exam can result in the denial of your claim or appeal.
At Perkins Studdard, our legal team is here to help you avoid these common pitfalls. We ensure that your paperwork is thoroughly prepared, all necessary medical evidence is presented, and all procedural requirements are met. If your claim has been denied, we can help you understand why and assist you in the appeal process. To learn more, contact our law firm today for a free consultation with one of our veterans disability lawyers.
Get a Free Consultation From a Georgia Veterans Disability Attorney Today
At Perkins Studdard, we are proud to assist veterans in securing the disability benefits they are entitled to. Our experienced team understands the challenges you face and is ready to help you go through the claims or appeals process with confidence and professionalism. While our physical offices are in Georgia, we are accredited by the VA and equipped with the resources to represent veterans nationwide and even overseas. We are proud to have clients in almost all 50 states.
If you’re facing difficulties with your VA disability claim or seeking to appeal a decision, do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, providing you with an opportunity to understand your rights and the potential for your claim without any financial obligation.
Take the first step towards securing your disability benefits today. Call us at (770) 285-0548. Let Perkins Studdard help you achieve the results you deserve.
