Who We Are
“A part of my practice I love is assisting Veterans with the VA claims process. I spent over 30 years as an Infantry Officer and cherish my time with those who write that check to Uncle Sam: “Up to and including my life.” Only around one in twenty Americans are veterans today, so veterans should feel proud of their service, whether, for a few years or a few decades, America is safe because of you. I enjoy being able to help veterans through the compensation claims process of the Veterans Administration.” – Attorney Bill Connor
Supporting Disabled Veterans: Navigating VA Benefits and Rights
Filing VA Compensation Claims
The first step for VA claims officers are making the "service connection" for the injury. This means that they must find proof of the personal injury and proof that the personal injury occurred on active duty (including active duty for training or reserve component drill periods). Note that the VA will receive database information about the veteran's service but may not have evidence of specific time periods on active duty.
Claim Denial and Supplemental Claims
If a claim is denied or given a substandard rating for the level of injury, the veteran should consider immediately filing a VA Form 20-0995, Decision Review Request: Supplemental Claim. The veteran has only one year to make this claim.
If successful in overturning a rejection or receiving a higher rating, the claim will backdate to the filing of the original claim (which backdates to discharge if the initial claim is made within one year). The service member must provide new evidence not previously considered in this claim process. This is the time to scour records and documentation and potential witnesses who can provide statements to provide new information.
Higher-Level Reviews
The Higher-Level Review permits a Veteran to request a de novo, which is Latin for "from the new," and essentially means the veteran's claim will receive a new look by a more experienced Claims Adjudicator.
To request a Higher-Level Review, you will have to file "VA Form 20-0996," which is a "Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review." This form will request personally-identifying information and a list of issues that need to be reviewed.
This form should be done with the assistance of an experienced attorney since a lawyer not only knows what evidence Claims Examiners need to see, but attorneys also know how to present disability claims in effective ways. Ergo, you have a greater chance of acquiring the financial and medical benefits you need and deserve.
“From my three decades of Army Infantry service in peace and war and now a disabled veteran, I have unique experiences/insights to help with VA compensation claims as your attorney. I provide assistance with filing VA compensation claims, through assistance with supplemental claims, through assistance with higher-level reviews, through appeals of denied claims. If you need solely a consultation to understand the VA compensation system, we can schedule your time with me. Alternatively, I can help draft claims and represent on appeals.” –Bill Connor
What We Do
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Complex VA disability rules for PTSD often lead to wrongful denials for veterans. An experienced VA disability lawyer can effectively manage your claim. Their guidance increases the likelihood of securing deserved benefits.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), whether from combat or other service-related incidents, may be eligible for disability benefits. This includes TBIs from non-combat situations like falls or vehicle accidents, offering the same compensation opportunities as combat-related injuries.
Back Injury
For VA disability benefits due to back injuries, veterans must prove a service connection. Crucial evidence, like records of back injuries during active duty or related documentation, supports this link. Establishing this connection is key to eligibility for benefits.
Sleep Disorders
Veterans facing obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, frequently undiagnosed during service, struggle to establish a service connection for benefits. Bill Connor's expertise in VA law aids in appealing denied claims. The Bill Connor Law Firm provides essential case reviews for these intricate issues.