Denied - Starting Appeals Process

[k5one]

I started a claim approximately 1 year ago. It was denied, which I expected, because I am still collecting evidence. I have been doing a lot of research, and learned a lot over the past year, but I think I am going to use an attorney to start my NOD/appeals process. I live in Georgia, and my claim is through the Atlanta Regional Office. Can someone recommend a good, experienced attorney. I live in Southeast Georgia, but can travel.

[Gastone]

K5one: Regarding finding an attorney. I was getting edgy after waiting 3yrs on my DOR Appeal Hearing and decided to talk to an experienced VA Attorney I had 3 No Charge consults 03/2014.The VA provides a list of VA Accredited Attorneys in your State on the VA.Gov site. I met with 1 locally and 2 online. You can get a feel for you case just by talking to them. I did and proceeded to my DRO Hearing which finally took place 06/27/14 as I had planned, with a VSO Appeal Specialist. 2 of the attorneys "on-line" wanted me to cancel my DRO Hearing and proceed to court, 1 (Local Lady) said stay with DRO and would rep me for 20% of Retro. She said it looked like I had all my Ducks in a row and I should prevail. She concurred on my appeal approach, offered some advice which I incorporated at my Hearing, walked out with IU award. She had advised me , if I was comfortable reping myself at DRO Hearing, save the 20% retro. Had I been denied, this young lady would have been my attorney for the BVA. She definitely was not just trying to get a 20% payday of 4yrs retro. Good Luck.

Semper Fi

Gastone

[k5one]

I haven't checked this thread in a while, so sorry for not responding sooner.

I am a Gulf War Vet and my problems are all presumptive. I am currently working at a hospital, and have great insurance benefits, so I don't use the VA Hospital. (Also its a 3 hour drive to the VA Hospital, so very inconvenient)

I have a current diagnosis now, from my physician. I gave him a copy of my entire c-file, including SMR's. He is going to give me a nexxus statement at my next appointment. I also have a physician, who is going to review my records from my local physician, as well as my c-file, and give me an IMO/Nexxus statement.

I have decided not to get an attorney, until I see how this plays out. I was originally denied, because I didn't have a current diagnosis, so with my current diagnosis, hopefully everything goes as it should.

I appreciate all the comments. Its great to have a place like this to get information. If I would have found it sooner, I might not have been denied in the initial review. I've spent countless hours reading these forums and BVA appeals, trying to learn and understand how to get this right. When I finally get through this, I plan to spend some time helping others in hopes they will not make the same mistakes I did.