Contact Our Cleveland Veterans Disability Lawyers Today
Call us at 216.621.2300
Filing for veterans benefits isn’t easy. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires you to provide medical records dating back to your service. In some cases, you may even have to present records from before you ever enlisted. That’s just the beginning.
Whether you served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, many Cleveland-area veterans face the same uphill battle when applying for disability benefits. From those who trained at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station or served through the Cleveland Coast Guard District Nine headquarters, to service members returning home and receiving care at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, the challenges of putting together a complete claim are very real.
Building a strong claim takes careful preparation of medical evidence, military records, employment history, and personal information. Missing one piece means you may get denied. The Ohio veterans disability lawyers at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy can help. You’re not alone.
Available Veterans Benefits
Whether you’re a disabled veteran or the widow of a veteran, veterans benefits are designed to supplement your income and help you support your family. If you’re approved, there are a variety of benefits available to you.
Depending on the nature of your service and your disability, you may be entitled to:
- Disability Compensation: Disability compensation is a benefit paid to a veteran who suffered injuries or diseases that happened while on active duty or were made worse by active military service. You can use the VA’s Compensation Rate Tables to estimate your benefit.
- Pension: Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income. Veterans who are seriously disabled may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, which are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.
- Survivors Pension: Survivors Pension is a needs-based benefit paid to an un-remarried surviving spouse or an unmarried child of a deceased wartime veteran.
There are other benefits available to you, including education benefits, housing loans, vocational rehabilitation services, and life insurance. You can learn more about these cases by viewing our veterans disability FAQ page.
If you’re struggling with the VA to get the benefits you’ve earned, we’re here to help you resolve your claim. Contact Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy today by completing a free initial consultation form.
Common Reasons for VA Benefits Denials
Veterans applying for disability benefits often face denials, even when their claims are obviously valid. Understanding the most common reasons for these denials can help veterans avoid mistakes and strengthen their applications.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Lack of Sufficient Medical Evidence: The VA requires clear medical documentation linking a veteran’s condition to their military service. If medical records don’t clearly support this connection, the claim may be denied.
- Incomplete Service Records or Missing Documents: The VA relies on military service records to verify injuries, exposures, or other service-related conditions. If these records are incomplete or missing, there’s a good chance the claim may be rejected.
- Errors in Application Forms or Missed Deadlines: VA disability claims require a lot of paperwork. Even seemingly minor errors in the application process or missed deadlines can result in a denial.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we help veterans avoid these common pitfalls by ensuring their applications are complete, accurate, and well-supported with evidence.
Appealing a Denied VA Disability Claim
If you’ve received a denial, do not panic. It’s not the end of the process. Veterans have the following options to appeal and seek the benefits they deserve:
- Request a Higher-Level Review: If a denial occurs because of a mistake or misinterpretation of evidence, veterans can request a Higher-Level Review. This is where a senior claims reviewer reevaluates the case without new evidence.
- Submit a Supplemental Claim with New Evidence: Veterans can submit a Supplemental Claim if they have additional medical records, service documents, or other new and relevant evidence that was not previously submitted.
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA): If a veteran disagrees with the VA’s decision, they can file an appeal with the BVA. This may include requesting a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.
The complexity of the appeals process can be overwhelming. Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy guides veterans through each step, making sure appeals are filed correctly and supported by strong evidence.
Evidence Needed to Support a VA Disability Claim
Having solid evidence is key to a successful VA disability claim. The proper documentation can make all the difference in proving that a veteran’s disability is directly connected to their military service.
Important evidence in VA disability claims includes:
- Medical Records and Nexus Letters from Healthcare Providers: Medical records show a veteran’s diagnosis and treatment history, while a nexus letter from a doctor clearly states that the disability is linked to their time in service.
- Service Records Detailing Injury or Exposure During Service: These can provide details about injuries or exposure to harmful conditions during active duty. Things like deployment history and incident reports can also help paint a clear picture of how a disability developed.
- Lay Statements from Family, Friends, or Fellow Service Members: Personal statements from family members, friends, or fellow service members who have witnessed the veteran’s injury or seen how their condition has affected them over time can add powerful credibility and strengthen a claim.
Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy helps veterans gather and organize all of these compelling pieces of evidence and work with medical and military experts to build strong cases.
Where Cleveland Veterans Can Get Help
Cleveland is home to a strong network of resources dedicated to serving veterans and their families. Whether you need medical care, assistance filing a claim, or community support, these local organizations can provide the help you deserve:
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
The main VA hospital in Northeast Ohio, offering comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, specialty treatment, mental health services, and rehabilitation. - Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission (CCVSC)
A county agency that helps veterans and their dependents with VA claims, pension and compensation benefits, financial assistance, transportation, and other vital services. - Parma VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)
An outpatient clinic providing convenient access to VA healthcare for veterans in Cleveland’s western and southern suburbs.
In addition to these healthcare facilities, veterans may also benefit from various support groups in Cleveland. These include:
- Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) – Cleveland Chapter
Team RWB uses physical and social activities to help veterans stay active and connected. The Cleveland chapter regularly hosts workouts, group runs, and community events to build strong veteran networks. - City of Cleveland Resources for Veterans
Offers a variety of support services for veterans including help with VA benefit claims, financial assistance for housing or utility needs, legal aid, transportation referrals, and educational resources. - NAMI Greater Cleveland Veterans Support Groups
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers peer-led groups specifically for veterans, helping those dealing with PTSD, depression, or other mental health conditions find support and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a decision on my VA disability claim?
The time varies, but most veterans can expect to wait several months for a decision. Factors such as the complexity of your medical condition, the need for additional evidence, and VA backlog levels can all affect processing time.
Can I still work while receiving VA disability benefits?
Yes. Veterans with disability ratings below 100% can usually work without affecting their benefits. However, if you are seeking Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), your ability to maintain substantial employment could impact eligibility.
What if my condition gets worse after I’ve already received a VA rating?
You have the right to request an increased rating if your service-connected condition has worsened. This involves submitting new medical evidence or records that demonstrate the progression of your disability.
Do I need a lawyer to file my initial VA disability claim?
No, you are not required to have a lawyer to file your claim. However, many veterans choose to work with an attorney because the process is complex and small errors can result in delays or denials. Having a lawyer can help ensure your application is complete and supported by strong evidence.
What happens if the VA lost my military service records?
This is not uncommon, especially with older records. If your records are missing, the VA has a duty to assist in reconstructing them using alternative sources such as medical records, unit records, or lay statements. An attorney can help you gather and present this evidence to strengthen your case.
Contact Our Cleveland Veterans Disability Lawyers Today
If your VA disability claim has been denied or you need help filing, our experienced attorneys are ready to assist. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We are committed to helping veterans secure the benefits they have earned.
