Veterans may be eligible for various benefits as a result of their service to our Nation. Bedell PLLC assists Veterans and other eligible beneficiaries in obtaining the benefits they are entitled to. We assist primarily with obtaining disability and pension benefits although we also work with Veterans seeking additional benefits. If you have been denied benefits, contact us for a no-obligation consultation about your case.
The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only.
Disability Benefits are available for Veterans who have a current disability that is the result of an injury, disease, or event that occurred in military service. The amount of the benefit is based on the severity of the current disability.
Information on the application and appeals processes for Disability benefits is available below.
Pension Benefits are available for Veterans who meet all of the following criteria:
Age 65 or older or are permanently and totally disabled;
Served on active duty with at least one day during a period of war;
Income and net worth does not exceed certain limits as shown on the VA’s website.
Pension benefits are also available in some cases for the surviving spouse and children of a Veteran who was entitled to a pension.
The amount of benefits paid for pension is dependent on the Veterans income and net worth.
Additional pension benefits are available for Veterans who require assistance in their home or at an assisted living facility.
The application and appeals processes for Pension Benefits are substantially the same as filing for Disability Benefits.
Obtaining Your Benefits
Applying for Veterans benefits is designed to be a “non-adversarial” process wherein the Veteran is given the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, in many cases the intent of the process falls short and the Veteran is subjected to a frustrating and drawn out process.
Omission of materials or mistakes in the application process can lead to unnecessary delays in receiving your benefits. Failure to submit documents or forms on time can void your entire application and require you to resubmit your application. Carl B. Bedell assists Veterans throughout this process and ensures that they receive all the benefits they are entitled as quickly as possible. If you have been denied benefits, contact Carl for a no-obligation consultation about your case.
The Information Provided is Not Legal Advice.
Filing for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office using VA Form 21-526
This filing initiates the benefits process. At this stage, the Veteran should ensure that the VA has a copy of his or her Military Service Record (DD Form 214), all pertinent medical opinions that address the disability for which the Veteran seeks compensation, and dependency records such as marriage certificate, birth certificates for children.
The Veterans medical records should indicate that the Veteran suffered some injury while in-service and that that injury is at least as likely as not to have been the cause of the Veterans current injury or disability.
Veterans and beneficiaries should apply for benefits as soon as possible. Once the Veteran is deemed to have a service-connected disability, the disability benefits usually revert back to the date the Veteran first applied for the benefits.
Completed applications for benefits should be submitted to the Veteran’s nearest Regional Office. A list of the VA’s regional offices is available on the VA’s website.
Links to selected VA forms are available below.
Alternatively, Veterans can also complete the application for VA benefits online through the VA’s Veterans Online Application System (VONAPP).
Depending on his availability, Carl assists Veterans with their applications for benefits or pension on a pro bono basis. Contact Carl if you are in need of assistance in filing your application for Veterans Benefits.
Costs
Filing Your Application for Veterans Benefits
Do not pay for assistance prior to NOD.
Depending on his availability, Carl may be able to provide pro bono assistance in completing your application for Veterans Benefits. Otherwise, he can provide you with contacts of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) who can also assist in completing the application for benefits or pension. Veterans and their beneficiaries should never pay for assistance in completing or filing their application for Veterans benefits.
Appeals at the Department of Veterans Appeals – Carl represents Veterans in their appeals of Rating Decisions at the Regional Offices and at the Board of Veterans Appeals on a contingency-fee basis. He does not get paid unless you do. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs does not limit the amount attorneys can charge, Carl charges reasonable fees dependent on the case. The actual amount charged will be agreed upon before Carl agrees to provide representation.
Appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims – Carl represents Veterans in their appeals at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims on a pro bono basis. If the case is successful, Carl is paid by the VA through an application for Equal Access to Justice Funds. This is at no cost to the Veteran.
Other Legal Services – Contact Carl if you require other legal services. Carl is licensed in the State of Virginia, Missouri, Washington DC, and New York and may be able to provide those services. If not, he will attempt to refer you to an attorney who can assist you.