Veterans of military service may be entitled to benefits for service-related conditions that resulted from their duties. At Glover Luck LLP, we know that monthly payments help veterans support themselves and their families if the conditions render them not able to participate in employment, or diminishes their capacity for earnings. Payments are based on a disability rating, which is assessed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While you do not have to be completely disabled to get benefits, there is a percentage of disability that is determined for you. This will conclude how much money you receive every month. If you feel that your rating or compensation is not fair, then we suggest contacting our Texas service-connected disability lawyer for assistance. You deserve the most payment available to you.
How We Work For Disabled Veterans
As a disabled veteran, you have the right to submit a claim for benefits regardless of how long time has gone by since you sustained the injury. Our service-connected disability attorney has seen situations where the veteran may have developed a debilitating illness related to the service, but may not have been officially diagnosed until symptoms became obvious later on. Some veterans may have a disability that is progressive, and their capacity to earn a living or take care of themselves may slowly decline. Our service-connected disability attorney works for disabled veterans by drafting their initial claim and building your case through evidence to support it. We can utilize testimonies from vocational experts or medical records to show how your inabilities affect your life. If your claim gets denied, you have the right to appeal.
What To Do About An Appeal
If you have received a service-connected disability claim denial, the first step is to have us review the letter you got from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This will outline the reasons for the denial and give you pertinent details about the evidence that was assessed. It is possible that some evidence was overlooked. Knowing the reasons for denial will help our service-connected disability attorney figure out the best approach to challenging the verdict. When dealing with a claim denial, we may gather additional evidence, file a notice of disagreement, request a higher-level review, and/or submit an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. You can depend on our Texas service-connected disability lawyer to have your best of interest in mind as we fight to amend a denied claim.
Glover Luck LLP
It can be terribly frustrating to receive a veteran disability claim denial. However, this does not mean that your hopes should diminish. No matter how disheartening this verdict can be, you have the right to appeal this decision. Our Texas service-connected disability lawyer can discuss with you the process of handling an appeal properly. Once we speak with you further about your circumstances, we can offer advice on what to do next. Each service-connected disability case is different from the rest, and requires time and attention to your individual situation. Please contact our team at Glover Luck LLP today if you are in need of assistance.
Texas Service-connected Disability Infographic
Types Of Service-Connected Disability Cases We Handle
At Glover Luck LLP, we work with veterans across the state who are dealing with the long-term impact of service-related injuries or conditions. These cases often involve physical or psychological harm that developed during or was made worse by military service. The goal is to secure the benefits veterans have earned, and that often means building a strong case around the nature and origin of the disability. Reach out to us today for assistance with your case from a Texas service-connected disability lawyer.
Physical Injuries Linked To Service
Many of the claims we handle are for physical injuries that occurred during active duty. This includes joint damage, hearing loss, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. These types of cases often involve reviewing service medical records and showing a clear connection between the injury and the veteran’s time in uniform. In some cases, we also work with private medical providers to document how the condition has progressed over time.
Mental Health Conditions
Psychological conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, are common issues among veterans. These cases often require more than just medical evidence—they may include statements from family members, fellow service members, or supervisors who observed changes in behavior. PTSD claims in particular require documentation of a triggering event, known as a stressor, which must be directly related to service. We work carefully to put together the necessary records and statements to support these claims.
Service-related Illnesses And Toxic Exposure
In some cases, veterans develop illnesses years after service due to exposure to harmful substances. This includes exposure to Agent Orange, burn pits, asbestos, and contaminated water. These cases rely on showing both the exposure and the development of a related illness, such as respiratory conditions, certain cancers, or neurological disorders. Veterans who served in specific locations during certain timeframes may qualify for presumptive conditions, but even then, getting a claim approved can take time and persistence.
Aggravated Conditions And Secondary Issues
We also handle claims where a pre-existing condition was made worse during military service, or where a service-connected condition causes another health issue. For example, a back injury might later lead to nerve damage, or a service-related amputation could contribute to depression. These types of cases require detailed evidence showing how one condition caused or contributed to another.
Denied Claims And Rating Increases
Some veterans come to us after their initial claim has been denied or under-rated. In these situations, we review the VA’s decision, identify gaps in the evidence, and help file appeals with the necessary documentation. Others seek a rating increase because their condition has worsened over time. In both situations, we focus on building a complete record to support a change in the outcome.
If you need help filing a claim or appealing a decision, working with a Texas service-connected disability lawyer can make the process more manageable. At Glover Luck LLP, we’ve helped many veterans pursue the benefits they deserve after service. Reach out to speak with a Texas service-connected disability lawyer who understands what’s required and will take the time to guide you through every step.
Service-Connected Disability Glossary
If you’re seeking help from a Texas service-connected disability lawyer, it’s important to understand the legal terminology involved in the process. This glossary outlines key phrases related to service-connected disability claims and appeals. We created these definitions to help veterans and their families make more informed decisions when working with a law firm that handles VA disability matters.
Total Disability Based On Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
TDIU is a VA designation that allows a veteran to receive benefits at the 100% disability rate even if their combined disability rating does not reach 100%. To qualify for TDIU, a veteran must show that their service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. This means they are unable to work a job that supports a basic standard of living due to impairments directly tied to their military service. Veterans with one condition rated at 60% or a combination of conditions totaling at least 70%, with one at 40%, may meet the initial threshold for eligibility.
Psychiatric Disability For Veterans
Psychiatric disabilities refer to mental health disorders that stem from or were worsened by military service. These can include conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and adjustment disorders. The VA requires clear medical evidence linking the disorder to the veteran’s service to grant compensation. A psychiatric diagnosis alone is not sufficient; it must be supported by documentation, such as military records and credible medical evaluations. If the claim is denied, the veteran may appeal, and this is where legal assistance can be particularly helpful.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
PTSD is one of the most commonly claimed service-connected disabilities. Veterans may develop PTSD after exposure to traumatic events during their time in service. For a claim to be successful, the veteran must provide evidence of a current PTSD diagnosis, a link between the PTSD and a service-related event, and documentation of that in-service stressor. VA regulations also allow for special rules in combat or military sexual trauma cases that may reduce the burden of proof. If a PTSD claim is denied or underrated, filing an appeal with the support of legal counsel is often the next step.
Agent Orange Exposure Claims
Veterans who served in certain locations during the Vietnam War or other designated periods may be presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. This herbicide has been linked to a number of illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and several cancers. A presumption of exposure simplifies the claims process, removing the need for a veteran to prove how the exposure occurred. However, they still need a confirmed diagnosis of a qualifying condition and records showing they served in a location covered under the presumption guidelines.
Accrued Benefits Claims
Accrued benefits are VA payments owed to a veteran who passed away while a claim or appeal was still pending. Eligible survivors—such as a spouse, child, or dependent parent—may file for these benefits. To succeed, the survivor must show that the claim was filed before the veteran’s death and remained unresolved at that time. These benefits are paid based on the veteran’s entitlement at the time of death, not on any new conditions or developments afterward. Timing is critical, as there is a one-year deadline from the date of death to file an accrued benefits claim.
We help veterans and their families pursue these types of claims every day. If you’re dealing with a denied claim or need help with a VA appeal, the team at Glover Luck LLP is ready to guide you.
Reach out today for a free case review. We’re here to support veterans across Texas and the U.S. in securing the service-connected benefits they’ve earned.
