When you file a claim for disability benefits with the VA, you expect them to review your claim quickly and to give you a fair disability rating and compensation. While this can happen on the first try, it’s very common for veterans to have to appeal the VA’s initial decision. As part of that appeal process, you’ll need to write a disability appeal letter and send it to the VA for review. If you’re not sure where to start with the letter, the process of writing it can feel overwhelming. Your Ohio veterans disability attorneys share a few tips to help you write a strong letter for your appeal.
1. Keep Explanations Simple and Clear
Appealing a claim denial or an unfair disability rating can leave you wanting to explain everything in as much detail as possible. While being descriptive and including as much information as you reasonably can is a good start, try to explain your situation in clear and simple terms. Be specific about the symptoms you’re experiencing and the way your disability impacts your life and your ability to work or participate in certain daily activities. Be descriptive but accurate and avoid using flowery language that doesn’t add value to your letter or that could be misinterpreted by the reviewer reading your letter.
2. Don’t Let Emotions Get in the Way
Though it might be tempting to convey your anger and frustration at the VA’s decision in your letter, try not to. Letting your emotions get in the way could lead to the reviewer dismissing your concerns outright. Instead, consider writing two letters: one for yourself that includes all of your anger and frustration surrounding the process and one for the VA that explains your situation without the anger and frustration.
3. Highlight Medical Evidence
The key to successful appeals lies in showing clear and irrefutable medical evidence that highlights the extent of your disability and leads the reviewer to agree that an appeal is necessary and deserved. Point out any diagnoses you’ve received, restrictions and necessary accommodations required, and any opinions rendered during your independent medical examination. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your letter and your appeal will be.
Your Ohio veterans disability attorney can help you figure out which evidence to include and how best to explain that evidence in your appeal letter.
4. Include Witness Statements if Possible
You can also include witness statements in your letter to further strengthen your case. These statements can come from your coworkers, family members, friends, medical care providers, and anyone else who can attest to the way your disability impacts your life. If you don’t already have witness statements, consider collecting them before writing the final draft of your letter and sending it.
5. Let Your Ohio Veterans Disability Attorney Review It
It’s a good idea to let your veterans disability attorney review your letter before you send it. This gives them a chance to make sure you’re addressing all of the reasons for your initial claim denial or lower-than-deserved disability rating and lets them weigh in on any additional content you should include to make sure your letter is as impactful as possible.
6. Include Your Current Contact Information
Make sure your letter includes your current contact information like your cell phone number, email address, mailing address and current residential address. You’ll want to include this even if the information hasn’t changed since the VA reviewed your initial claim. This way, they’ll know how to get a hold of you quickly and can’t use a lack of current contact information as an excuse to delay your claim.
Get the Help You Deserve
Writing a compelling appeal letter is a great way to set your appeal up for success. But you don’t have to write it entirely on your own. You can and should let your Ohio veterans disability attorney review your letter before you send it. At Veterans Law Attorneys, our team has helped veterans like you appeal their benefits claims for years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get the help you need appealing your claim.
