Talk with a VA Disability Expert
Alpha offers Disability Advocacy for veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
- Even If your medical condition was not caused by your service, you may qualify for benefits.
- If you receive benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA), you may qualify for more.
- If you are a surviving spouse, you may be entitled to survivor benefits.
- There is no cost to you unless we win your case or increase your benefits in appeals.
The VA can be a challenging bureaucracy. We are here to help you navigate the maze. The majority of our Advocates are veterans themselves and are independently accredited by the VA’s Office of General Counsel. We understand the challenges you face Enter your information below to be contacted for a no obligation consultation.
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Note: All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.
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If you would like assistance, please feel free to click on the Get Help Today icon at the top of this page or call us at 877.611.7724.
I'm the son of the veteran and I was wondering if I can get help with my clam. I am entitled to get pension but I'm trying to get DIC. My claim is that his death was caused by a secondary alcahol addiction caused by PTSD. He died by driving his car into a semi truck. He was very mentally ill and drank because of it. He died but I believe he couldn't go on living with his PTSD and would have died one way or the other because of the Veitnam War still haunting him. They denied me because they say he never filed a claim. I still believe I am entitled to DIC because he was entitled to benefits under PTSD and other issues. Aren't I entitled to benefits because of his issues? The only records I have is me and my moms testimony and his death certificate showing his death was from intoxication and vehicle driving into the rear end of a semi.,
Michael, Very sorry to hear about your father. PTSD is a serious illness and alcoholism is often used as self-medication to “drown out the memories and survivor guilt”. I do believe you have a valid claim for DIC based on what you shared thus far. I encourage you to contact us and arrange an appointment with one of our advocates to get started on your appeal as soon as possible.
So my father didn't need to file an application for me to qualify for DIC? Then why did they deny me? They want mt to appeal to the BVA now. I thought I could get benefits because I qallify for benefits under the helpless child prior to 18 years old rules. But after they granted me Pension they said my 200 bucks a month disqualified me for that cause of the 2020 dollars a year limit. So I make too much to get that. So since I do believe that my father's death was caused by service connetion and PTSD, I filed a claim and got denied. They say since he wasn't rated disabled prior to death and since he never filed a claim, my claim is denied. Do you still think I qualify and can win with your help?
Michael, It would have to be shown that your father actually suffered from PTSD as a result of his military service and that his alcoholism was directly rated to his PTSD which led to his untimely death. This may be difficult to establish but, in my opinion, it's worth trying.
Thanks what's after a BVA appeal?
Michael, After the BVA appeal is the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. You have 120 days from the date of the BVA decision to file the Notice of Appeal form to the Court.
I just found out today that I got 50% disability from the Va and my origional percentage, from the navy, was 60%. I thought that VA was higher and was counting on at least the same percetage. I dont know what to do, I think we can appeal or somthing...should I? Can I?
Amanda, We can assist you in understanding the Physical Evaluation Board's determination and why it differs from the VA's. We can also help you decide whether appealing the decision is in your best interest or not. If so, we can help you develop a strategy with realistic timelines to pursue the maximum compensation level allowable under VA regulations you may be entitled to. We encourage you to contact us through the form on this page so that one of our advocates can help you as soon as possible.
I want to work! I am very board. I can work on my computer, as lone as I am taking my prescribed pain pills! Please help me get a job so that I can do SOMETHING! Thank YOU
waitting on VA DRO disicion going on 10 months can I apply for my C file or put other claims in.
Romolo, Thanks for contacting us. Ten months is a significant amount of time to be waiting for the DRO to make a decision. Yes, you can request a copy of your claims folder and yes, you can submit additional claims for consideration. We recommend discussing these options with an experienced advocate. Please contact us if you'd like our help.
I will get back with you I have to call to ck. on my C file and ck. with dav rep first.
Romolo, If you have any other questions or concerns, we're ready to help you.
I was originally rated 70% in 2007/08 time frame. I am looking to increase the percentage or the route of Individual unemployability due to the fact that these issues have cost me 7 jobs since 2007, and now I have been unemployed for 6+ months. My hesitation is due to the fact that I can not afford to lose any of the previously awarded 70% rating. I do not know if it is even possible to lose a rating such as this, but rumors have led me to take a more conservative approach of doing nothing.
Richard, VA regulations make it very difficult to reduce an evaluation. Improvement must be sustained over time to justify a reduction and there would have to be medical evidence to support improvement. The risk is low to get reduced. Regulations also prevent the VA from having the authority to threat reduction just because you file a claim for individual unemployability (IU). You could get over $1,000 a month or more if you win a rating of 100 percent for IU. We would have to talk to you to better counsel you on the risk of lower benefits versus the very possible opportunity of getting much more in benefits.
Now have 50% disability applied for increase twice been denied both times need help to appeal the decision thank you
Larry, We will contact you but you can also submit your info on our online form or call as at 877.611.7724 in case we can't reach you. Alpha can help you appeal for more.
I was wondering if there is anyone in the WA area that could be of great assistance to my family and I. I left my son to join the army in the care of my mother, when I went to court I was made out the bad guy, found out while I was in a medical Hold unit that my mother had moved my son in with his father. I lost my son and I live in texas with my husband. How can i set the record straight that i did not abandon my son, even the court looked t my sending $13,000 home a year as "nothing" while the father sent nothing for the child. The court was told that i chose my duty stations, which anyone in the military knows to be extremely false, we do not get to pick and choose where we go, we are simply sent where we are needed. Any legal help at a military rate would be outstanding, seeing as the state will not give me legal aid since my husband is in, yet I'm not working due to injuries and my current pregnancy. Is there anything i can do for my son's sake to bring him back to his real family, and give him the chance to meet his little sister?
Jessica, I’m sorry but Alpha is not aware of anyone in the Washington area that handles situations like yours. Unfortunately, you are a living example of the women veterans I wrote about in an article on this site about the civil challenges they face. I wish we could help you but Alpha specializes in helping veterans with their VA claim for disability compensation. If we can help you with that, we would like to. I hope things work out for you.
How long do I have to be married to a 100% for 10 years veteran before I am eligible for monthly income if he passes away. thank you
Florence, You must be married for one year.
Does Alpha have IMEs that can review c-file and provide a nexus opinion?
Lee, About your question on IMEs (Independent Medical Examination) for a c-file (claim) our advocates work with your existing treating physicians to compliment the record with necessary medical opinion. We write letters to the physician to best articulate the medical question at issue to ensure that the medical opinion adheres to acceptable medical principles, meaning that there is some medical consensus behind it to establish credibility. A treating physician is intimately involved with the patient's medical history and etiology and is in the optimal position to render the most credible opinion. In some situations, the veteran doesn't have a treating physician. Alpha advocates are trained to help veterans find one who will help strengthen and improve chances of getting a credible opinion. If you are looking for help in obtaining a medical opinion for your particular case, I encourage you to call us.
Ok my husband is rated 100% through the VA, and we had gotten married 7 months ago. We read in the award letter that you receive extra benefits after he gets married or has another child. Who do we contact and what do we need to do? We have mailed a copy of the marriage certificate to the VA office and they said that's all we need to do. I'm just curious and needing answers. Thank you for a response. April
April, Generally, the veteran should complete the VA form 21-686(c) and provide a copy of the marriage certificate. Most likely, you are at the point now where the VA's administrative support team will process the dependency allowance claim and render a decision with payment. Generally it takes about 90 to 120 days from date of submittal.
I AM A 30% disabled vet diagnosed with PTSD.Also 0% f or my scars due to stomach wounds.I have been unemployed the last several years because of my condition.I have had many surgeries because of stomach problems.I have put in for an increase twices but have been denied.Last time denied was in 2007.I have just put in for 100% unemployable.What do you think my chances are and what i should do?
If you need more guidance on your claim please call us. We would like to help you get the most in compensation.
I am a Veteran and I was in the United States Marine Corps 33 years ago. I went back to school after 22 years and I have accomplished receiving my Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, and now working on my MBA and then PhD. God has been so good to me and I just wanted to get some benefits from the military to help me pay for my education. I have a 30 year old son who has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and he is a Chef at the Old Soldiers Home here in Washington, DC. I am so proud of him and love him dearly and all I want is to give a better life to him and myself. I am disable due to some incident from the military and can't seem to get any help. What can I do? Alph thank you in advance for anything that you can do to help me and it will be very much appreciated. God Bless you!!!
I am currently rated at 30% by the VA and have appealed three things (June 2010.) The three things that I have appealed is 1. moderate sensorimotor polyneuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. 2. Hearing loss both ears 3. Tinnittus in both ears Can you help to speed them up at all. Or is that even possible? Sincerely, Robert
Robert, There are generally three conditions for expediting a claim: 1. If you're over 75 years of age 2. financial hardship like bankruptcy or home eviction 3. a significant illness that could be terminal You will want to make sure your case is developed before requesting it be expedited. A good accredited agent can assist you with the development requirements first before making the request.
In 2010, I applied for benefits for my PTSD, depression, and the injury I received while active duty. I was denied and I'm weary of fighting it. My injury left me with a metal rod for a femur that makes standing on my leg for long periods of time almost unbearable. I guess I'm just wondering if I have a case. Thank you for your time.
Steven, We suggest calling in so that we can assess your information to help determine if you could have a service connection for your symptoms. Then you'll have a case, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Please call 877.611.7724 if interested in our help.
Can a veteran have a claim started through the DAV and appeal an old claim through Alpha?
Cody, Yes, you certainly can. You have the right choose reprepresentation at any time.
I filed for disability and was found to be 0% disabled. I did not file an appeal within the time allowed. Is it too late to appeal or reapply? I broke my leg in air assault school and had to have the break surgically pinned. During my exam the doctor disclosed he didn't even have a copy of my paperwork. Anyway, thoughts? James
James, If you feel the disability has gotten worse over time you can simply submit a written statement to the nearest VA regional office and request that they consider increasing the evaluation.
what does having your claim for ptsd mean when va say's its been deferred
Paul, This usually means that the VA rating board is requesting the completion of some aspect of the case before rendering a decision. For example, their decision may be pending the completion of a VA medical examination.
i saw in a previous post you said that if you think your deserve an increase just fill out a paper and turn it in. i am 50% for ptsd but lost my job due to ptsd and have been getting worse. i am going to file for an increase. my question is you made it sound like its a one sheet of paper and thats it. so are you saying i dont need any help from you guys? dont want to waste my time or yours.
Jack, It would be nice if the process was that easy but it's not. It sounds like you want to pursue Individual Unemployability which would give you a 100 percent rating. We suggest contacting us about your claim to at least discuss your options. Please read our article on Individual Unemployability and call us if you think you'd like our help.
my husband is a vietnam vet been sick for years doc. not knowing what is wrong with him as of 2009 he has diabetics and as of 8/25/11 lupus where do we go from here with the va
Grace, If it can be established that your husband's conditions are service-connected, he can get compensation. Perhaps you should call for more guidance from an Alpha advocate on how to start a claim with the VA.
I have filed a cliam over 15 months ago and have not gotten a response back when,I call they tell me a different story evrytime can you help me in getting a answer the last time ,I checked they have not worked on my file for two months
Charles, Maybe we can help. Often we are able to advance a case with the VA. Call us at 877-611-7724 or submit your info to us above, if interested in our advocacy help.
Hi Alpha is taking care of an appeal for me right now requesting a DRO decision. I notice there are a lot of new laws that have passed or are in the works for the issues I currently have in appeal. Is it better for me to wait for the DRO decision or should we address these issues now? I am afraid it will place my file back in the "delay" desk as I am already nearing the one-year wait. Thanks,
Laura, Your advocate will know what to do for you and is highly trained in strategizing appeals, but if you have concerns you should discuss them together.
I'm just a little upset due to my case has been ongoing for over one and half years and nothing at all.I try to live each day on a budget and the navy has done great damage to me in so many ways. I came to alpha for help and I just want it to be over so I can go on with my life now and forever. Please can someone please look into my case and just make me and everyone happy we all need a chance to live a happy life. Thank you very much ...
Dash, We hear you. And we agree. It is a long wait. And your advocate is doing everything possible to move things along. Reach out to him directly whenever you want to talk about it. You say you're struggling on a budget. Maybe you can find some programs and services to help you financially during the wait at HelpWell. Please check it out. It's an online tool and it's free.