VA Disability Lawyer in Buffalo, NY

You might qualify for VA disability compensation if you experienced a service-connected disability. Qualifying conditions can come in many forms, whether you developed a physical condition, like a chronic illness or injury, or a mental health condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  This condition could have developed before, during, or after service. It could either be a result of military service or be aggravated during active service. The Department of Veterans Affairs determines whether a disability qualifies as service-connected, and the criteria they use can be complicated. Veterans with a service-connected disability can receive monthly, non-taxable payments that can help them regain financial stability. Our VA disability lawyers can explain all of the factors that affect these payments, and the many variables that apply. 

VA Disability Lawyer - Disabled Veteran in Wheelchair - Denied BenefitsFor instance, on top of monthly compensation, some veterans can qualify for additional benefits for their service-connected disabilities, such as automobile allowances for adaptive equipment, dental care, and housing grants. 

A wide variety of injuries and illnesses could potentially be considered service-connected disabilities. Our VA disability lawyers can help you understand the different types of service-connected disabilities and find answers for your particular situation.

Examples of Service-Connected Disabilities

Service-related disabilities can be categorized in a number of ways:

Direct Service Connection 

To qualify for disability with a direct service connection you must be able to provide sufficient proof that an incident in-service caused your condition. You will need to provide important documents such as medical records or incident reports to validate your claim. 

Sometimes, witness testimony or professional medical opinions will be sufficient, but it is essential to not rely on either one alone, and to include as much documentation as possible.

Aggravated Service Connection

To qualify for this type of service connection, you must prove that you entered service with a pre-existing illness or injury that was then aggravated as a result of your service. You will need to have evidence of your pre-existing illness or injury and additional evidence that your pre-existing illness or injury worsened as a result of being in service.

Presumptive Service Connection

These are medical conditions that are deemed to be a result of conditions you were subjected to in-service. This may include but is not limited to certain illnesses in POWs, exposure to one or more chemical agents, or certain chronic health injuries, cancers, brain injuries, and infectious diseases. 

Secondary Service Connection

A secondary service connection may exist when a non-service-connected condition was caused by a different condition that was service-connected. For example, if you sustained a service-connected elbow injury that then led to a shoulder injury, which then resulted in disability, benefits may be available. Contact a VA disability lawyer to learn more.

A secondary service connection may also exist if a pre-existing condition was aggravated as a result of your service-connected disability. Depression that was caused or substantially aggravated by chronic pain from a service-connected condition could entitle you to benefits, for example.

Paired Organs

A condition affecting paired organs may also make you eligible for benefits. For example, if you have a service-connected or aggravated condition in your right eye, you might qualify for benefits for your non-injured left eye. Because these two organs are linked, they may be considered together.

1151 Service Connection

Disabilities that fall under this category must be related to either hospital, medical, or rehabilitative care by a VA professional or facility. These claims don’t necessarily have to be the result of negligence on the part of the VA medical facility, provider, or personnel, but must result from an error on the part of one of these entities. 

If your disability was caused by a VA-linked health provider, this is an important avenue to discuss with a knowledgeable VA disability lawyer. 

Our VA Disability Lawyers Are Here for You

We are proudly here to serve you at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, and prefer a client-centered approach. At our law firm, you will interact with the same attorney from the beginning to the end of your case. 

While all of our VA disability lawyers are highly-qualified and happy to serve you, we know how confusing the legal process can be, especially when most law firms pass their clients around from one associate to another. That mix-and-match approach can feel impersonal, detached, and dispassionate. 

That’s why we will match you with an attorney that will be with you every step of the way, to eliminate your doubts and be the expert in your case. We believe in the highest quality treatment for our clients and personalized attention, and it’s the least that we can do after all you’ve been through.

Full-Service

Did you know that if you are unable to work after experiencing an accident, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits? The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and Supplemental Security Incomes (SSI) program provides assistance to qualifying people with disabilities.

VA disability cases aren’t the only thing our firm handles. This means that, at our law offices, you won’t need to go through the hassle and financial burden of hiring one attorney for your personal injury needs and an additional attorney for your disability needs. Our VA disability lawyers can handle all of your needs under one roof. 

As a full-service law firm, we provide legal assistance to a broad range of clients who have a variety of different and overlapping needs. Our VA disability lawyers will be able to expertly assist you with all of your personal injury and disability needs in-house. 

Litigation Is Our Specialty 

Many law firms will shamelessly settle for less than you deserve, avoiding trial altogether due to the inconvenience and expense. We, however, are always willing to go to trial to ensure that you receive the best result. It’s not only the fair thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do. 

Our VA disability lawyers are not afraid of litigation. In fact, litigation is our specialty. Insurance companies know this, which is why we often win higher payouts and more reasonable offers than other firms can secure.

Schedule A Free Consultation With a VA Disability Lawyer Today

A free consultation is a chance for you and our attorneys to get acquainted with each other. By the end of it, you may be able to determine whether the attorney you spoke with is the right fit for you.

Making the decision to hire a VA disability lawyer to represent you is not only important, but often life-changing. Our VA disability lawyers are ready to help serve you by achieving the best outcome for your case. 

Remember that there is no pressure to hire our law firm. Free consultations need not lead to lead to you hiring our firm, and they create no financial obligation for you. Once one of our VA disability lawyers speaks with you during your free consultation, they will be able to provide you with a summarized version of the legal process and the likely outcome of your case. It is up to you whether you would like to continue working with us.

If you or a loved one are in need of a VA disability lawyer, contact us as soon as you’re ready to schedule a free consultation with VA disability lawyers who care. Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law assists clients across Western New York and throughout the state. We are happy to serve you.

Call Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated and highly experienced VA disability lawyers today.