If you’ve already served your country, you shouldn’t have to fight another battle just to access the benefits you earned. And yet, you may feel like you’re “at war with the system” as you try to get the appropriate VA disability benefits.
Fortunately, there are resources to make the process easier, but the challenge is knowing exactly who can help with your VA disability claim. On the one hand, there are free consultants who may be well-intentioned but don’t set you up for success. As a result, you end up underrated and with benefits that are only a fraction of what you should be getting.
On the other hand, you may pay thousands of dollars to consultants or attorneys who overpromise but underdeliver.
Another option is to try to handle everything yourself, but this process is often filled with technical requirements, a mass of confusing paperwork, strict deadlines, and confusing jargon. A small oversight or a misunderstood form can result in a delay or denial.
The sweet spot is to find help that will deliver real value. You want someone who understands how to “speak VA” and provides you with tips and shortcuts for getting the benefits you deserve as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Understanding Your Options for Help
Whether you’re looking to file a new claim or appeal your current rating in pursuit of 100 percent disabled veteran benefits, you can take a few different avenues:
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
Some veterans turn to VSOs like American Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or American Legion. These nonprofit groups offer free assistance and are often staffed by volunteers or accredited representatives who understand VA policies.
Pros: These organizations are free and have access to the Veteran Benefits Management System (VMS). This means they can give you access to your C&P exam results. This helps you understand how your claim will fare in the review process. If your exam results are bad, you can find out why and take action to improve your claim before it gets denied.
Cons: VSOs are often swamped with claims, so you may not get an appointment for months, and follow-up can be spotty. In addition, some VSOs are not properly trained. They may tell you the basics, but they don’t always help you with “insider tips” that can move the needle on your claim.
For example, they may not explain the power of a nexus letter in establishing a service connection or tell you how to get one of these letters. Or they may fail to give you help for things like writing a powerful personal statement to show how your disability fits the 38 CFR requirements for certain ratings.
Attorney
Another route is hiring an accredited claims agent or attorney. If you have a particularly complex case or you want to appeal your case, these professionals can represent you in that process.
Pros: An attorney who is familiar with the VA system can give you a higher chance of winning your claim. If they are skilled in this area of law and prioritize your case, they can also take some of the stress out of the process by managing the complexities of the paperwork and appeals process.
Cons: When you go the appeal route, you may have to wait a year or more, as the VA appeals system is heavily backlogged. If your appeal is ultimately granted, your attorney will likely garnish your backpay. The challenge here is that an attorney won’t have much incentive to push your case through quickly because the longer your case takes, the more backpay they make.
Independent VA Claims Consultants
Consultants or coaches often use a hybrid approach, equipping you with tools, knowledge, and accountability without directly filing on your behalf. If you’re someone who wants to stay in control of your claim but still values expert insight, this option provides the best of both worlds.
Pros: Rather than taking over and filing your claim for you, these consultants give you “insider knowledge” so you can get smart on the VA review process. They teach you the lingo to use and help you present the evidence the VA reviewer needs to see to approve your claim.
Good consultants can help you find more efficient paths to a rating increase than filing an official appeal. For example, they can teach you how to present new evidence and file a supplemental claim. Or they can help you file a secondary claim for knock-on conditions caused by your primary service-connected disability. These options can save you from waiting on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
If you don’t have a strong service connection, a consultant can give you tips for proving one. Once you understand the system, you can use your knowledge to submit future claims if needed.
Cons: Consultants usually charge upfront for their services, and they may not offer a done-for-you approach where someone represents you in the claims process (like an attorney does). Rather, a consultant will give you insider VA knowledge so you can more effectively file current and future claims.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Help
Before committing to any support option, you should ask several important questions. These will help you gauge whether the person or organization has the right experience and attitude to help you successfully file your claim:
- What is your experience with the VA system? How much experience do they have navigating the system? Are they former military? How long have they been working with the VA?
- Do you specialize in cases like mine? Ask whether they’ve handled similar claims, especially if your situation involves PTSD, toxic exposure, or secondary conditions.
- What is your track record with appeals? If your claim gets denied, you want to know that they can help you explore other avenues for getting compensation, whether it be through an appeal, a Higher-Level Review, or a Supplemental Claim (which involves presenting updated evidence).
- How and how often will you communicate with me? Make sure they offer clear updates and explanations throughout the process so you never feel left in the dark.
- What steps will you take to help me? If you go with an attorney, how much of the claims process will they complete for you? How much insight will you have into your case as it goes through the appeals process? If you are working with a VSO or consultant, will they simply tell you all the things you can already read online? Or will they share helpful “insider resources” to make your journey as simple and effective as possible? This might include offering nexus letter templates to take to your doctor or sample personal letters for disabilities similar to yours.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Seeking VA Disability Claim Support
Don’t assume all help is created equal. Do your research because there is a lot of variation in support sources. Some can provide you with great results for a low cost (or free) while others can charge you a fortune without doing anything to improve your rating.
Don’t fall for a success guarantee. No one can promise a specific outcome with your claim. What matters most is having a support team that helps you present the strongest possible case backed by credible evidence and organized documentation.
Don’t wait too long to seek help. Many veterans delay their claim because they’re overwhelmed, confused, or unsure if they even qualify. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to gather the necessary documentation or establish a service connection. Early support can help you start off strong and avoid unnecessary hurdles down the line.
What to Do if Your Claim Was Denied
If you’ve already filed a VA disability claim and received a denial or a lower-than-expected rating, don’t give up. Many veterans get discouraged after the first attempt, but the appeals process exists for a reason—and it can be navigated successfully with the right support.
Start by requesting a copy of your decision letter and carefully reviewing the VA’s reasoning. Was it due to missing evidence? Did the VA dispute the connection to service? Once you identify the gap, you can begin to address it—whether through a supplemental claim, a higher-level review, or a Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearing.
At this stage, professional support becomes even more important. A knowledgeable expert can help you gather new evidence, reframe your narrative, or guide you through the appeals process.
You Deserve Competent Help
Filing for VA disability benefits isn’t just a formality. It’s a legal and medical process that can impact your financial future and quality of life. You’ve already sacrificed and served. Now, it’s time to make sure you get the help you need to receive what you’ve earned.
Whether you choose a VSO, a legal professional, or an educational coaching program like VA Claims Academy, make sure your helper is informed and invested in your success. Your claim deserves the strongest possible foundation, so build it with the right team beside you.