VA Disability Lawyers Proudly Serving Veterans in Los Angeles, CA

Legal Services in Los Angeles: What We Can Do for You

• Appeals: If your VA disability claim was denied, we can help you navigate the appeals process. We understand the different appeal lanes (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, Board Appeal) and can determine the best strategy for your case.
• Increases: If your service-connected condition has worsened, you may be eligible for an increased disability rating and higher compensation. We can assist in gathering evidence and filing for an increase.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We assist surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members or veterans who died from service-related causes.
• Special Monthly Compensation: SMC provides higher compensation rates for veterans with specific needs or particularly severe disabilities (e.g., loss of limb, blindness). We can help determine eligibility and win your case.
• Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability: If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you might qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower.   

Winning Claims and Appeals

VA claims, especially appeals, require specific evidence to be successful. Claims are often denied due to insufficient evidence connecting disability to military service, incomplete forms, or missed deadlines.

What Does VA Look for?

1. Current Diagnosis: You must have a current diagnosis of a disability from a medical professional.
2. In-Service Event/Injury/Illness: Evidence must show an event, injury, or illness occurred during your military service.
3. Nexus: Medical evidence must link the current disability to the in-service event, injury, or illness.

Proving nexus is often the most challenging part of a claim. This typically requires medical evidence, like a doctor’s statement explicitly linking your condition to your service (a “nexus letter”). This can sometimes be complicated by conditions that appear years after service, such as those linked to toxic exposures.

Toxic Exposure Claims

Many veterans were exposed to harmful substances during their service, leading to health problems later in life. While the number of military bases directly in LA County is limited and toxic contamination is not well documented, several installations with potential exposures are nearby or within the county, and many veterans in LA may have served at contaminated bases elsewhere in California or the country.

Military Bases in the Greater Los Angeles, CA Area

• Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB) / Space Force Base (LASFB): Located in El Segundo, it’s the primary active-duty installation in LA County, headquarters for Space Systems Command. It provides services to military personnel in the region.
• Fort Irwin National Training Center: Located further out in the Mojave Desert (San Bernardino County), but many personnel assigned may transit through or reside closer to LA. Known for large-scale training exercises.
• Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC): North of LA County, comprises Point Mugu and Port Hueneme. Supports naval air and construction forces.
• Edwards Air Force Base: Spanning LA and Kern Counties, a major flight test center. Potential environmental concerns exist and veterans who served there may be eligible for disability compensation. Find out more here.
• Camp Pendleton: Marine Corps base south of LA in San Diego County. A major installation where many LA-area veterans may have served. Potential exposures (burn pits, contaminated water historically) are recognized by VA. See Camp Pendleton toxic exposures here.
• Closed/Historic Bases: Los Angeles County has numerous former military sites (e.g., Fort MacArthur, Long Beach Naval Shipyard/Station, Naval Air Station San Pedro) and veterans who served at these locations might have faced exposures (e.g., asbestos at shipyards).   

When Should I Get a VA Disability Lawyer?

While veterans can navigate the VA system alone or with help from Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), there are distinct advantages to hiring an experienced VA disability lawyer, especially for appeals.

• Alternatives: VSOs offer free assistance but may have large caseloads. Claims agents can also help but aren’t always attorneys.
• Pros of Attorneys for Initial Claims: While attorneys typically charge fees (often contingency-based for appeals), they can offer in-depth legal analysis and evidence development strategies even at the initial stage, though many, like Hill & Ponton, focus primarily on appeals.
• Staying Current: VA laws and regulations change. Attorneys specializing in VA law stay updated on procedural and regulatory shifts that can affect your case. See recent changes: https://www.hillandponton.com/changes-va-appeals-process/
• Benefits for Appeals: This is where attorneys often provide the most value. Appeals involve complex legal arguments, evidence rules, and potentially hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or court appeals. An attorney understands how to build the strongest case, gather crucial evidence (like medical nexus letters), and represent you effectively.   

Your Appeal Options

1. Supplemental Claim: Submit new and relevant evidence. (Average processing goal: 3-4 months)
2. Higher-Level Review: Request a review by a senior claims adjudicator based on the same evidence. (Average processing goal: 4-5 months)
3. Board Appeal: Appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). You can choose a direct review, submit more evidence, or request a hearing. (Can take a year or more)