1. How long does it take VA to make a decision?
144.4 is the average number of days to complete disability-related claims in October 2021. How long it takes for the VA to make a decision depends on factors like: the type of claim filed, how many injuries or disabilities and how complex they are, and how long it takes to collect the evidence.
2. Are hearings virtual or in-person?
The Tele-hearing Modernization Act gives Veterans the choice of location for their hearing by video and voice transmission. At Karl Kazmierczak LLC, the firm is experienced and equipped with the proper technologies to assist you with your virtual hearing. Even prior to the shutdowns, due to the covid-19 pandemic, our attorneys and staff were assisting clients with applications, appeals, and hearings all remotely. We have helped veterans throughout the nation overseas and want to help you!
3. What are VA Forms?
There are a lot of different VA forms that one would use to effectively communicate with the VA. Basically, any time you want the VA to acknowledge something you should locate the appropriate VA form, fill it out and submit it. Even just writing a statement to the VA requires the use of a form. Having the proper legal representation can ensure that there are no unnecessary delays in your claim.
4. What is the VA’s Duty to Assist?
Under 38 U.S.C. 5103 A, The Secretary must make a reasonable effort to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for benefits under a law administered by the secretary." For the Veterans Administration to fulfill its obligation there must be a record of their attempts to get the records in the file. If there is no record of their attempts then it is grounds for a remand. However, the “reasonable effort” standard is not difficult to achieve, and pertinent records to your claim can be left out. Let our knowledgeable and experienced staff assist you in getting and organizing all your records to ensure the VA has everything in order to make a proper decision in evaluating your disabilities.
5. What medical records should I submit to support my claim?
To establish service connection for a claimed disability the medical records should include: proof of a diagnosis, evidence of an event or injury in service, and proof of a causal connection between the current condition and the events or injury that occurred in service. If you are applying for an increase in disability compensation then you would need a doctor to complete a disability benefits questionnaire (DBQ), a DBQ can also help to provide a diagnosis and a nexus opinion if complete correctly. Our firm has helped thousands to receive their entitled to benefits. We can help you gather the proper medicals as well as refer you to experienced doctors that have written countless nexus opinions that have helped our clients throughout the years gain service connection, increase benefits, and achieve earlier effective dates.