Veterans Disability Lawyer Suggests Recounting Experiences Thoroughly during Benefits Application
Apr 27, 2012
Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) April 26, 2012 – When filling out paperwork for Veterans Administration benefits, it can often be helpful to recount the various stressors and traumatic events that happened while a service member was deployed.
“The first time a veteran fills out paperwork to claim benefits from the VA is when that vet needs to thoroughly outline his or her experiences,” said veterans disability lawyer Jim Fausone with Legal Help for Veterans. “It may have seemed like another day at the office for a vet who spent two deployments surrounded by explosions. It is important to document all of it as part of filing out claim paperwork.”
In order for a disability to be compensated, there has to be to some verification that a veteran was exposed to a specific stressor. This can be as simple as a newspaper clipping, or photos, letters or emails back home.
“It can be helpful to get corroboration from fellow soldiers who were on the scene, too,” Fausone said. “Veterans can attach letters to their paperwork from fellow service members.”
During the process, veterans will meet with a disability evaluation specialist in charge of documenting the specifics of the vet’s claim. It is here that Fausone suggests a veteran to be as specific as possible about their experience.
“There is no reason to be shy in these meetings,” Fausone said. “If a service member experienced traumatic events during classified missions, then it is important to tell them that, so that it will be recorded.”
Experiences need to be thoroughly documented for the VA benefits claims people so that a thorough evaluation can be made. If veterans are denied a disability claim or are given lower ratings than expected, an attorney can be hired to represent them as they challenge the decision.
James G. Fausone is a Veterans disability attorney and Veterans attorney with Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC. To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability attorney or Veterans attorney call 1.800.693.4800 or visit http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com.
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101
Northville, MI 48168
Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800
