Understanding VA Claim Denials

Dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs isn't always a simple task. Whether you're trying to increase your disability rate or fighting against a denial with an appeal, the burden of proof is in your hands to show exactly how you're suffering, how it's the government's responsibility and how much the problems are worth. Before rushing out to pay for every test and consultation you can think of, consider a few medical options and legal angles that could be more successful. 

Why Would A Legitimate Injury Claim Be Denied?

Although the Veterans Affairs (VA) as an organization is not for profit, it does operate on a budget that could be jeopardized if veterans abuse the system. When a veteran is approve for a disability rating, they receive more than just money for the rest of their life; veterans are connected to a deep and complex system of mental and physical health assistance, as well as referrals for professionals outside of the VA.

These funding leaks in the form of fraudulent veteran injury claims are countered by a security process. Although there's no such thing as a perfect self defense, the VA's service connection policy is used to screen out veterans who aren't eligible for care. A veteran must prove their military status, their injury's relationship to the military and the severity of the injury.

This means that a veteran faking an injury will need both documentation from the military about their injury as well as current proof that they're suffering, which is difficult without a combination of insider cooperation or complacency. A veteran with a legitimate injury that happened after the military is likely not eligible for benefits, although some specific circumstances are handled on a case-by-case basis, such as an injury the day after arriving home from the military.

If your paperwork doesn't answer every aspect of the service connection test, you may be denied. It all depends on the individuals at your region's claim office, but unless your injury is reported directly from a military hospital, your claim will come under scrutiny.

Legal Assistance When Denials Won't Stop

If you've been denied VA benefits or received a lower rating than expected, one mistake would be to start paying random doctors for new evidence. Although the VA requires new evidence to bring a different argument for your appeal, since there's no guarantee of success, your money may be wasted. The VA will only reimburse medical costs related to your condition if your claim is approved and you're given a disability rating.

Instead, look for a personal injury lawyer. VA injury cases may fall under a specific paperwork and regulatory system, but VA legal issues are not limited to just you and the VA. If you've already consulted a VA certified assistant for your original claim, getting help from outside the VA system can bring some fresh perspective.

One major benefit of a personal injury lawyer is the network of medical professionals who have experience with patients in need of specific observations and paperwork for claim systems. Although medical professionals must hold a certain level of medical and administrative skill, not all doctors have the experience of knowing exactly what judges, claim system officials and lawyers need to make a succinct decision.

With the lawyer on your side, you'll have a more targeted set of options to use your money wisely, which can help you avoid going into poverty without a successful claim to show for it. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your claim and their network of legal and medical professionals to fight for you.