Many veterans put in their time for their country and were injured or otherwise disabled. If you have filed a VA disability claim and were denied benefits, you may wonder what your next step should be. While you aren’t required to hire an attorney for help, they can be beneficial. It is essential that you know when to hire someone and what questions to ask during the interview process.
When to Hire
Many veterans and their families don’t realize that they don’t have to hire legal counsel. You aren’t required, by law to do so. However, many people choose to because the law is complex and challenging.
Most lawyers recommend that you wait to hire them until you get rejected the first time. Once you start the appeals process, they can better assist you.
Questions to Ask
If you have been denied your VA disability claim and want to appeal the decision, you may find professionals to be of help. Hiring an attorney is your right, but you should choose one that understands the law. Other considerations include:
- Are you VA-accredited?
- How many years have you practiced veterans’ law?
- How many cases have you won, and what does that mean to you?
- How often do you attend training to learn about new advancements in the law?
- Do you represent clients throughout the appeal (all the way up to the Court of Appeals, if necessary)?
If they answer all of these questions, and you feel comfortable with them, they may be the best option for you. However, you should also consider how they make you feel and if they return calls/emails promptly.
VA disability claims are challenging and complex, which means you may have been denied. Visit Jackson & MacNichols Attorneys at Law at https://www.veteransbenefits.com to hire an attorney for help today.
