Applying for Veterans Benefits?
If you have applied for disability or pension benefits and been denied, or you need a discharge upgrade to qualify for benefits, it's in your best interest to consult an attorney who has been accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Veterans who are represented by VA-accredited attorneys have an advantage because VA rules are complicated and they change frequently. An experienced VA-accredited attorney knows the requirements for getting service-connected disability compensation, VA Pension, Housebound Benefits, Aid and Attendance, VA health care, housing benefits, concurrent retirement and disability payments (CRDP), and more.

In a system in which getting benefits is almost always a long, frustrating process, it’s important to make sure your claim or case is in capable hands for the hearing.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• whether the lawyer is VA-accredited
• how long has the lawyer practiced veterans’ law
• whether the lawyer has experience with medical claims like yours
• whether the lawyer will try to get you the earliest effective date possible for benefits
• whether the lawyer will try to get you the highest rating possible for your disability
• who else in the lawyer’s office will work on your claim
• what the attorney will charge and who will pay for expenses related to the claim
• how long your claim might take to resolve, and
• the lawyer’s initial impressions of your claim and your chances of getting benefits.