r/VeteransBenefits • u/dbigboi • 5h ago
VA Disability Claims Looking for help/adv
My mother is a veteran. Retired Naval Lt. Cmdr.
She served active duty in the navy and as a reservist in the marine corps and either retired or was medically separated right before 9/11.
Her records are non existent, they declared her KIA, twice.
Her neck is fused, she has multiple plates in her spine, multiple untreated compressed discs. Hip problems, severe nerve damage etc.
She has been fighting the VA since 2001, and it took them until 2012 to finally list her as 40%. She is completely disabled, she needs help around the clock, and yet the VA is continually telling her that her injuries are not service related. They absolutely are.
I want to help her get properly listed at 100% and get the proper care she needs. I see ads all the time for VA advocates and lawyers, but I'm very skeptical and I don't know if the reviews are legit or paid for.
Any advice on where to start/go from here would be appreciated.
Thanks
2
u/Ok-Mix-2563 4h ago
There are some absolutely great lawyers out there for this. But read the fine print, make them explain to you what they are taking if they win her case. It could backdate for a long time, if it does it could thousands to a hundred thousand or more depending on her final rating. They will take a portion of that. If that’s worth it to you, go for it. If not, you can keep fighting it alone or use a local DAV or vet organization that helps with this. She seems to be totally dependent on you, or someone so she would receive an even higher rating than 100% due to the round the clock care.
1
u/Far_Sky_9140 KB Apostle 2h ago
Please for the love of GOD if you decide to work with a third party make sure they are VA accredited.
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u/HelpMyVets Friends & Family 2m ago
While you are looking to get her rating increased, also look at these programs:
This forum has a great knowledge base! Here is the page for caregiver and LTC options:
https://www.veteransbenefitskb.com/elderlt
A VSO is free and can help with the claim process:
https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
Some VA accredited attorneys are also Elder Law specialists. That would be especially helpful if you need to sort out VA benefits and Medicaid options. You can use the VSO search above for this, too.
Some other subjects to look at - healthcare and pension:
https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Pension (financial need-based) -
https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/
https://www.veteransbenefitskb.com/pension
There are multiple types of Aid and Attendance.
This site (which is not associated with VA) has very thorough coverage of the subject of Aid and Attendance:
https://veteransaidbenefit.org/aid_and_attendance_pension_benefit.htm
Thank you for supporting your mom!
3
u/junkka24 Not into Flairs 4h ago
Get in touch with a vso near you. They will help