ptsd Using A Lawyer On A Va Claim , Good Idea

[Rob m]

Just wondering what everyones thoughts are concerning hiring a lawyer to represent me when I file my VA case. I'll be retiring from the military in a few months and have a federal job lined up in Georgia. I don't want to go through years of appeals and low ball offers (which could still happen even with a lawyer) and maybe never get what I feel I truely deserve. My main condition in skull removal with under lying brain damage and cognitive problems associated with this. I also feel like I have PTSD from the incident but according to my Neuro doc he said thats a mental condition and my injury is a physical condition so I may line up a different doc after I move.

Can anyone reccomend a GOOD lawyer in the Georgia area?

Thanks

[Berta]

A lawyer cant get involved with a claim unless the claim is denied and the NOD is filed after June 21,2007 (which would be applicable to you if they deny-bit I dont see how they could deny for the skull removal etc.)

Do you mean retired due to this disability or retired due to being a "lifer"?

Reason I ask is to make sure you catch any CRDP and CRSC briefings if you are becoming a retiree due to length of service.

There is info here too for these benefits under our search feature.

Is your condition considered as a Traumatic brain injury?

It is good idea to make sure the VA understands if it is and rates you under the TBI regulations as to the residuals of TBI.

Your Neuro is right- and VA will rate TBI as separate from PTSD.

In our PTSD forum we have the new PTSD regulations.Sounds to me like the stressor would definitely be this injury.

Make sure you leave the Mil will copies of your SMRS and personnel records.

Welcome to hadit.

[Berta]

PS -I dont foresee you will need to hire and pay a lawyer. Any good vet rep could handle your claim with no charge.

[Rob m]

I'll be retiring with 20 years of service, injury did not happen in a combat zone but just the bone removal measurement alone qualifies me for 50% (greater then a 50 cent piece I think reg 8045) my Neuro doc said if it was up to him I'd be rated at 100% , but its not up to him, its up to the VA and their docs/raters.

Thanks for the help.

[john999]

You must file a claim first. If you are denied or lowballed then you file a NOD. That is when you can hire a lawyer. I think if you have congnitive problems hire the lawyer. You can find one in Atlanta I am sure. I live in Florida and hired a lawyer from New Jersey. You have a much better chance with a lawyer who knows his business than on your own if you don't want to become a VA lawyer yourself. Most of us learned the hard way and it takes years of denials. You will have the money to get the medical opinions you need. With that and a good lawyer you could cut years off the process. This is what I believe. The lawyer gets paid out of your retro just like SSD.