Educating & Advocating For Those Who Served
~Services Nationwide and in all US Territories~
Services
At Veteran Support Consultants (VSC), we are dedicated to aiding veterans in navigating the complex world of VA disability benefits. Our experienced team is here to answer all your VA benefits and eligibility questions, provide personalized plans for filing VA disability claims, and advocate for the entitlements you deserve. From BDD to higher level review claims, we handle it all with professionalism and care. Contact us today to see how we can assist you in securing the benefits you've earned through your service to our country.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. ”
“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.”
What is included in a consultation?
Our consultation offers a thorough and personalized service to help you navigate the complexities of VA benefits and eligibility.
During the consultation, you can expect:
In-depth answers to all your VA benefits and eligibility questions.
A comprehensive interview to develop your disability claim effectively.
Skilled advocacy for your entitlements.
Secure handling of all sensitive information.
Tailored plans to successfully file your VA disability claims.
We are here to support you with BDD, original, initial, supplemental, or higher-level review claims at every step. Invest in your future today by utilizing our VSC expert consultation services.
Read more about VSC’s services below: Records Review, Research-Based Narratives, BDD Claims, Initial and Original Claims, Higher Level Review Claims, Supplemental Claims, and C&P Exam Prep…
Records Review
Medical records, including Service Treatment Records (STRs) and current medical records, are essential for every VA disability claim. While this may seem like common sense, it needs to be explicitly detailed for VA raters. This is why VSC dedicates numerous hours to reviewing each client's records, carefully examining every page to ensure that we, as well as the VA, do not overlook any vital evidence.
Original & Initial Claims
Original Claims refer to the first claim submitted by a veteran for benefits.
Initial claims refer to filing for compensation for a specific condition or to request an increase in the rating of an existing service-connected condition for the first time.
When filing original and initial claims, it is essential to understand the three criteria that the VA requires to consider a condition service-connected:
A documented incident, event, or exposure that happened during your active duty can now be connected to your currently diagnosed disability.
A current clinical diagnosis documenting the condition claimed to result from the incident, event, or exposure.
There is a connection between requirements 1 and 2. This connection is supported by post-military medical records indicating treatment for the claimed ailment, a substantial letter from the treating physician establishing the nexus, and an explanation for the absence of prior treatment.
Research-Based Narratives
At VSC, we dedicate time to ensuring that our claim narratives are well-researched and supported by relevant medical journals, if necessary. We utilize evidence and applicable VA regulations to provide detailed information about medical records and explain why the claimed conditions should be approved for service connection or a rating increase.
Higher Level Review Claims
Higher-level review claims (HLRs) are typically used when the VA possesses all the necessary evidence to approve the claim but either overlooks it or does not apply it correctly. They are also appropriate if the VA has not adhered to the regulations outlined in the 38 CFR or the M21-1 (the VA rater manual).
Please note that you cannot submit new evidence when filing an HLR.
HLRs must be submitted within one year of the decision letter to secure the claim's effective date.
BDD Claims
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) claims are the initial submissions made to the VA between 90 and 180 days before an active-duty member's separation date. These claims are designed to ensure that veterans have continuous coverage, preventing gaps between their discharge or retirement and the start of their VA benefits. Although the process may not always be smooth, the VA works diligently to adjudicate these claims by the separation date.
Supplemental Claims
Supplemental claims (Supp) are used when there is a disagreement regarding the VA's decision on an original claim or a Higher-Level Review (HLR) claim. Unlike the HLR process, the Supp claim form must include new and relevant evidence.
Evidence is considered new and relevant if it was not included with the previous claim and shows that the initial decision contained an error. The new evidence submitted with a supplemental claim must specifically address the reasons for denying the prior claim.