Veterans Benefits

There are numerous benefits available to veterans and their families. These benefits can include health benefits, home loan benefits, education benefits, life insurance, and burial services. To get these benefits you must make a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs will then decide whether or not to give you the benefits and how much to give you.

Denial of my Claim
If you disagree with the Department of Veterans Affairs' decision, you can appeal their ruling. To do this, you must file an appeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Appeals Process
The first step to appealing the decision is to write a Notice of Disagreement (NOD). This is a written statement that says that first you disagree with the decision and second you are appealing it. The Department of Veterans Affairs will then mail you a form that you must fill out and return. This form is called the VA Form 9.

After you've filed the NOD and VA form 9, you will eventually have a "personal hearing" with the Board of Veterans Affairs. This board will hear your argument and decide what to do with your claim. You are allowed to have representation at this hearing. In fact, most people do have a representative go to the hearing with them.

Once the board has made their decision, they will mail you a letter stating their ruling and their reasons for it.

Denial of my Appeal
If your appeal is denied, you can make another appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This court is entirely independent and separate from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Appealing to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is very difficult and complicated. If you chose to make this appeal, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney.

Do I Need an Attorney for My Veterans Benefits Problem?
Making a claim or appeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs can be very complicated. An attorney can help you better understand exactly what benefits you are entitled to. If necessary, an attorney can help you with filing a claim or appealing a decision.

Contact Michael E. Doyel for more information on your Veterans benefits