It is often asked "when" or "if" you should hire a lawyer.   If your claim is at the RO:    You dont need a lawyer at the RO, because the RO employees would not even notice that you had a winning claim and deny it anyway, 85% of the time. If your claim is at the BVA:      If this is your FIRST Trip to the BVA, probably not.  You can appeal to the BOARD, just make sure you promptly file the NOD, and file the I9, the two steps which are required.    If you have been to the Boar