VETERANS DISABILITY
Veterans endure more challenging obstacles than most of us with face in our lifetimes. Yet, when their service is completed and they seek help for their service-related injuries, they face a system that is designed to confuse them. Successfully filing with the VA requires great attention to detail and the right representation.
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ON THIS PAGE
Understanding Veterans Law
Types of VA Disability Compensation
Types of Claims and Appeals
Presumptive Disabilities/Eligibility
Costs & Benefits of a VA attorney
Why Wolf & Brown?
Disability Benefits FAQs
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
NJ Vet-Wire
Veterans Disability News
WHAT OUR CLIENTS
ARE SAYING
“Matthew Brown is one of the most dedicated and selfless attorneys I have ever dealt with. The Wolf & Brown team secured me $25,000 in backpay and increased my disability rating from 30% to 90%. Hire these guys ASAP!”
-John D.
Understanding Veterans Disability Law
Veterans disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who suffer from service-connected disabilities. A condition is considered service-connected when it was caused or aggravated by military service. The purpose of disability compensation is to provide financial support for veterans whose medical conditions limit their ability to work or perform daily activities.
The VA assigns a disability rating from 0% to 100% based on the severity of the condition. Ratings determine the monthly payment amount, and veterans with multiple service-connected conditions may receive a combined rating. The higher the overall rating, the greater the monthly benefit.
In addition to monthly payments, qualifying veterans may also receive additional compensation for dependents, access to VA healthcare, vocational rehabilitation and other supportive benefits. Disability compensation is not income-based and is available regardless of employment status.
This benefit is one of the core pillars of VA disability law, ensuring veterans receive recognition and support for the sacrifices made during their service.
If you believe you have a service-connected condition, you have the right to apply for VA disability benefits and, if denied, to appeal the decision.
Types of Veterans Disability Compensation
When a Veteran has a physical or mental injury or illness that has occurred as a result of or during active duty, there are opportunities for them to obtain medical care even after military service is over. When this injury or illness results in disability (also known as a service-connected disability) a Veteran is entitled to receive monthly payments which depend The VA recognizes several types of disability compensation claims, each designed to address a veteran’s unique circumstances. Veterans and their families may be eligible for several types of VA disability compensation claims, including the following:
New and Original (Initial) Claim – The first claim a veteran files for service-connected disability benefits after leaving active duty.
Increased Claim – Filed when a service-connected condition has worsened and the veteran seeks a higher disability rating.
Secondary Service Connection Claim – Filed when a new disability develops as a result of an already service-connected condition (for example, medication side effects causing another illness).
Supplemental Claim – Allows veterans to provide new and relevant evidence to reopen and support a previously denied claim.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claim – Provides monthly benefits to surviving spouses, children, or parents of veterans who died from a service-connected condition. Learn more about this. ➡️
Aid and Attendance Claim – Available when a veteran requires assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating.
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) Claim – Provides a veteran a 100% compensation rate if service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment, even if the combined rating is less than 100%. Learn more about this. ➡️
Housebound Claim – For veterans who are largely confined to their homes due to service-connected conditions.
Comprehensive Caregivers Program Claim – Offers benefits, financial support, and services to family caregivers of eligible veterans who require significant personal care.
Special Claims – Cover other unique benefits such as special monthly compensation or clothing allowance.
Types of Claims and Appeals Handled by Wolf & Brown
Wolf & Brown’s VA accredited attorneys will assist veterans in filing initial claims and appeals for disability compensation including the following:
- New and Original (Initial) Claim
- Claim for Increase in Disability Rating (Increase Claim)
- Secondary Service Connection Claim
- Supplemental Claim
- Higher-Level Review Claim
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals including Direct Review, Evidence Submission, and Representing Veterans in a Board hearing
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claim
- Aid and Attendance Claim
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) Claim
- Housebound Claim
- Comprehensive Caregivers Program Claim
- Clear and Unmistakable Error Claim and Appeal
- Special Monthly Compensation Claims
Our Process:
Our attorneys and staff will assist with identifying the evidence needed to successfully prosecute your claim or appeal including lay statements or “buddy” letters; to medical evidence; or obtaining medical nexus reports. Additionally, we identify the most advantageous appeal avenue to maximum the VA’s Duty-to-Assist to you. We also review appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals of Veterans Claims.
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Presumptive Disabilities & Eligibility
The VA automatically presumes that certain disabilities were caused by military service. This is because of the unique circumstances of a specific Veteran’s military service. If a presumed condition is diagnosed in a Veteran within a certain group, they can be awarded disability compensation.
Presumptive service connection means the VA assumes the condition is related to service, eliminating the need for extensive medical nexus evidence if the veteran served in an eligible location and time frame. Follow the links below to learn more about presumptive conditions and related eligibility for:
Other VA Benefits
Aid and Attendance (A&A)
A&A is a special monthly VA benefit that provides additional financial support to veterans and surviving spouses who require assistance with daily living activities due to service-connected or non-service-connected disabilities. This benefit is designed to help veterans maintain independence when they need help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility.
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
TDIU is a VA benefit that allows veterans to receive compensation at the 100% compensation rate, even if their combined service-connected disability rating is less than 100%. TDIU is intended for veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment.
How much does a Veterans Disability attorney cost?
Our firm represents veterans and their families on a contingency fee basis. That means we only receive a fee if we are successful in securing retroactive benefits for you. This approach ensures that every veteran has access to quality legal representation, without financial risk. Our focus is on fighting for the benefits you deserve — and we are only compensated when you win.
Because VA disability law is complex, with detailed rules, strict deadlines, and ever-changing regulations, an attorney has the experience to guide veterans through every stage of the claims and appeals process effectively.
Why choose Wolf & Brown Law Offices?
Because we focus specifically on veterans’ disability claims, we know the common challenges veterans face — from proving service connection to fighting unfair denials. We understand how the VA thinks, what evidence carries weight, and how to present your case in the strongest possible way.
Our experience and focus on veterans law allows us to anticipate problems before they arise and execute strategies that get results. When you choose Wolf & Brown, you’re choosing professional advocates who have the knowledge, skill, and dedication to handle your case with the care it deserves.
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Resources for Veterans
NJ Vet-Wire
NJ Vet-Wire is a publication created by Wolf & Brown to help educate our Veterans on how to best navigate the complicated process of obtaining disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Articles Coming Soon:
C&P Examiners and VA Medical Examinations
Perspectives from a VA Attorney on the Claim and Appeal Process for Disabled Veterans
Time Frames for your VA Claim and Appeal
How Wolf and Brown utilizes AI to help prosecute your Claims and Appeals
Veterans Disability News
Wolf & Brown monitors and posts important news from the VA and other reliable sources.
The PACT Act and your VA benefits
The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
Veterans Disability FAQs
FAQs provide information for general purposes and not for specific or unique issues.
What are VA disability benefits?
Veterans disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans who suffer from service-connected disabilities. The purpose of disability compensation is to provide financial support for veterans whose medical conditions limit their ability to work or perform daily activities.
In addition to monthly payments, qualifying veterans may also receive additional compensation for dependents, access to VA healthcare, vocational rehabilitation and other supportive benefits. Disability compensation is not income-based and is available regardless of employment status.
This benefit is one of the core pillars of VA disability law, ensuring veterans receive recognition and support for the sacrifices made during their service.
What is a “service-connected” disability?
A condition is considered service-connected when it was caused or aggravated by military service. Every veteran applying for disability benefits through the VA needs to prove that the condition occurred during active service. At Wolf & Brown, we often discover that clients benefit from claims that they had not thought to include in their cases and therefore do not file claims they think they are not entitled to, when in fact they are. Common types of service-connected disability claims include:
How does the VA rate and pay Veterans with disabilities?
The VA assigns a disability rating from 0% to 100% based on the severity of the condition. Ratings determine the monthly payment amount, and veterans with multiple service-connected conditions may receive a combined rating. The higher the overall rating, the greater the monthly benefit. Learn more about this. ➡️
What does the “effective date” mean in a VA disability claim?
Generally, under federal rules and regulations, the effective date for any claim is set from either the date the VA received your claim or the date that entitlement arose, whichever is later. Let’s use an example to illustrate this:
Veteran “John” files a claim for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on January 1, 2025. Before filing his claim, John presents the VA with medical evidence he has a diagnosed condition, a statement regarding his in-service stressors, and medical evidence from his treating physician that provides a nexus between his condition and the in-service stressors. After several months, VA adjudicates his claim, grants him entitlement to service-connection for PTSD and assigns him a disability rating accordingly.
In this situation, John’s effective date will be the date the VA received the claim: January 1, 2025.
Can I appeal the decision if the VA denies my case?
If you believe you have a service-connected condition, you have the right to apply for VA disability benefits and, if denied, to appeal the decision. There are three decision review options to continue your case: Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board Appeal, as explained by the VA ➡️.
Do you need to hire a disability lawyer to win a case?
Although you are not legally required to have representation when applying for veterans disability benefits, it is highly recommended. The process for obtaining benefits is complicated and technical. Most people who file an application on their own are turned down because they fail to adequately demonstrate that their disabling condition is preventing them from working. Many also make procedural errors because they are unfamiliar with navigating a complicated system. Our firm has extensive experience in both demonstrating the effect of disabilities as well as navigating a complex system.
How much does it cost to hire a disability lawyer?
Wolf & Brown offers free attorney consultations and handles veterans disability benefits claims on a contingency basis — you pay no fee unless we win. Our attorneys will work on your case without making you pay until the case has been settled, even if that takes years.