Veteran law

Get The Benefits You’ve Earned

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a wide range of benefits for those who have served in the U.S. military. However, the claims process can be complex, frustrating, and often results in denials or underrated disabilities. The Oliver Law Firm is veteran-owned and built to help veterans dispute denied claims from gathering more evidence to arguing before the courts. Whether you're filing your first claim, seeking an increased rating, or appealing a denial, understanding the process is critical to securing the benefits you've earned.

Know your rights

Duty to Assist

The VA has a legal obligation to help you gather evidence and develop your claim. They must assist in obtaining service records, medical records, and other relevant documentation.

Benefit of the Doubt

When evidence is roughly equal for and against your claim, the VA must resolve the doubt in your favor. This is a powerful legal principle unique to veterans law.

Right to Representation

You have the right to be represented by an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization at no upfront cost.

Right to Appeal

You have the right to appeal any VA decision you disagree with. There are multiple appellate options available, and there is no limit to how many times you can appeal.

  • The process begins with a thorough review of your military service history, medical records, and current situation. We assess which VA benefits you may be entitled to and identify the strongest path forward for your claim.

    What to Expect

    • Review of your DD-214 and service records

    • Discussion of service-connected injuries or conditions

    • Assessment of current disability rating (if any)

    • Identification of all potential benefits and claims

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We conduct a comprehensive review of your service history and medical records to identify every benefit you're entitled to, often finding claims veterans didn't know they could make.

  • Building a strong VA claim requires solid evidence connecting your conditions to your military service. This includes military medical records, private medical records, buddy statements, and often an independent medical examination.

    What to Expect

    • Collection of all relevant military and medical records

    • Obtaining buddy statements from fellow service members

    • Scheduling independent medical examinations if needed

    • Documenting the nexus between service and current condition

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We gather and organize all necessary evidence, coordinate medical examinations, and ensure your claim package is complete and compelling before submission.

  • Your claim is formally submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Claims are generally processed through the VA regional office. The type of claim filed (original, supplemental, or increased rating) depends on your specific situation.

    What to Expect

    • Submission of VA Form 21-526EZ or appropriate form

    • Establishment of an effective date for benefits

    • Assignment of a VA claims processor

    • Acknowledgment letter from the VA within 1-2 weeks

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We prepare and file your claim with precision, ensuring all forms are correctly completed and all supporting evidence is properly organized and submitted.

  • The VA will schedule you for a compensation & pension examination with a VA-contracted physician. This exam is critical — the examiner's opinion often determines whether your claim is approved and at what disability rating.

    What to Expect

    • Notification of exam date, time, and location

    • Physical examination related to your claimed conditions

    • Questions about your symptoms, limitations, and service history

    • Examiner provides a medical opinion to the VA

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We prepare you thoroughly for your C&P exam, explaining what to expect, what to communicate, and how to accurately describe your symptoms and limitations without minimizing them.

  • After reviewing all evidence and the C&P exam results, the VA issues a decision. If approved, you receive a disability rating (0-100%) that determines your monthly compensation. Processing times vary but typically take 3-6 months.

    What to Expect

    • Decision letter detailing approved/denied conditions

    • Disability rating percentage assigned to each condition

    • Combined disability rating calculated

    • Monthly compensation amount and effective date

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We review your decision letter carefully, ensure your rating accurately reflects your disabilities, and identify any errors or underrated conditions that warrant further action.

  • If your claim is denied or you receive a lower rating than expected, you have options. A supplemental claim allows you to submit new evidence, while a higher-level review asks a senior reviewer to re-examine the existing evidence for errors.

    What to Expect

    • Review of denial reasons or rating rationale

    • Decision on whether to file supplemental claim or higher-level review

    • Gathering of new and relevant evidence (for supplemental claims)

    • Informal conference with senior reviewer (for higher-level review)

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We analyze the VA's decision, identify the strongest avenue for challenge, gather additional evidence or arguments, and aggressively pursue the rating you deserve.

  • If initial appeals don't resolve your claim, you can appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals. You can choose a direct review, submit additional evidence, or request a hearing before a veterans law judge.

    What to Expect

    • Filing of Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 10182)

    • Choice of review lane: direct, evidence, or hearing

    • Possible hearing before a veterans law judge

    • BVA decision that can grant, deny, or remand your claim

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We represent you before the board, prepare compelling legal briefs, and if needed, advocate on your behalf at hearings to ensure your service and sacrifices are properly recognized.

  • If the BVA denies your appeal, you can take your case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This is a federal court that reviews BVA decisions for legal errors. You have 120 days from the BVA decision to file.

    What to Expect

    • Filing a Notice of Appeal within 120 days

    • Legal briefing on errors made by the BVA

    • Possible joint motion for remand with VA

    • Court decision that can affirm, reverse, or remand

    How The Oliver Law Firm Helps

    We handle the complex federal appellate process, identifying legal errors in the BVA's decision and advocating before the court to secure the benefits you've earned through your service.