It stands to reason that anyone suffering from a disability will think twice before making what might seem to be unnecessary expenses. As engaging the services of a lawyer for VA disability claim is regulated by the DVA, there really is no reason why a disabled veteran should not avail him or herself of professional help. In the past a disabled veteran was barred from hiring a lawyer until the DVA rendered their final decision, this is no longer the case; a lawyer can be engaged anytime after you file a NOD, Notice of Disagreement.
The VA will review the legal fee:
Once you enter into an agreement with an accredited lawyer, the agreement is filed with the Office of the General Council; the agreement is reviewed to ensure that the fees proposed are in line with established norms.
The DVA has the authority to insist that legal fees be reduced if they feel they are excessive, they also vet the agreement to ensure that the fee does not exceed 20 percent of the past due award that you get.
Finding a good lawyer:
The only lawyers that can represent you in your disability appeal are those that have been accredited by the DVA. Once accredited, a lawyer for VA disability claim can practice before the DVA. To maintain accreditation the lawyer must keep up to date on all new developments that will have a material effect on veterans claiming benefits.
Lawyers who represent disabled veterans will usually offer potential clients a free consultation, at this time you can discuss your claim and at the same time find out how much of the work that is done in the law office is dedicated to veterans with disabilities and what percentage of the claims they help with are eventually won on behalf of the client.
Be very leery of any lawyer that promises a positive outcome, each case is presented on its merits and it is impossible to predict precisely what the outcome of the appeal will be. Find a lawyer you are comfortable with, one that will give you and your case the attention it needs to prosper.
If you have been denied benefits and you are looking for a lawyer for VA disability claim appeal you are invited to take advantage of a no obligation case review by contacting Jackson & MacNichol, Attorneys at Law.