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How to Expedite Your VA Disability Claim: Key Strategies for Veterans

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For veterans who have fallen ill or become injured due to active duty military service, entitlement to benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a vital lifeline.

However, the journey through the VA benefits process can often be riddled with delays, particularly frustrating for disabled veterans dealing with distress and hardship.

Despite the notorious VA backlog, there’s good news: under specific scenarios, you can expedite a VA disability claim.

Ensuring all pertinent evidence is submitted before you expedite your VA claim is critical to avoid swift rejections and to optimize the outcome.

Most VA disability claims take years to obtain a final resolution. Find out how to expedite VA claim

Criteria to Expedite VA Disability Claim

1. Terminal Illness

A terminal illness, as the name implies, severely limits life expectancy.

A range of conditions qualify, including:

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Lou Gehrig’s Disease
  • Advanced cancer
  • Multiple organ failure

Should you request your claim be expedited due to a terminal condition, VA will require a diagnosis and the current state of the illness. Details about hospice care can bolster your case.

Sadly, even fast-tracked claims can sometimes remain unresolved before the veteran’s passing. However, entitlements like Dependency and Indemnity (DIC) and accrued benefits can extend to eligible family members, with certain criteria for eligibility. See the 2024 Complete Guide to DIC.

Are you considering DIC benefits? Click the button below and let us help you with your claim.

2. Advanced Age

For claims at VA’s Regional Office, ‘advanced age’ typically starts at 85. At the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA or Board), it’s 75.

Depending on where your claims sit, each might be expedited based on its respective age criteria.

Advanced age may qualify you for advancing a VA claim

3. Financial Hardship

For veterans facing extreme financial constraints directly due to their disability, there’s the option to fast-track their claims.

Essential forms like VA form 10-10hs are available on the VA website.

VA seeks concrete evidence of “extreme” hardship—like eviction or foreclosure notices, assets seizure, utility termination, or bankruptcy.

Including notices and personal statements on financial hardship can bolster your case.

VA also extends multiple assistance programs and facilities to support veterans facing grave financial challenges.

The VA offers programs and facilities to help vets going through hardships.

4. Homelessness

Under certain conditions outlined in 42 U.S.C. § 11302, veterans can have their VA claims expedited.

Furthermore, VA and associated entities offer an array of programs, from housing and healthcare to employment resources, for homeless veterans.

This includes initiatives like HUD-VASH for permanent housing, the GPD Program, EUL Program, and more.

Assistance lines like the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (1-877-4AID-VET) can be invaluable.

While expedited claims can alleviate some waiting time, understanding the broader scope of available resources can be a game-changer for veterans facing hardships.

Check with the nearest VA facility for specific programs and eligibility criteria in your area.

Vet crisis line: 1-800-273-8255

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Serving our nation was your duty; assisting you now is ours.

For professional support with VA benefits and claims, reach out to Hill & Ponton at 1-888-477-2363.

If you’ve encountered a VA benefits denial or need assistance in filing, we’re poised to back you.

Secure the compensation you deserve by contacting us right away.

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  • Thank you to the firm of Hill & Ponton!! Brian Hill and his staff were able to get my 100% disability with the VA for my exposure to herbicides in Thailand. I have been fighting for this for many years and kept getting denied, after consulting with Hill & Ponton I decided to let them help me and it was the best decision I could have made. I found their professionalism to be outstanding.

    – Chip P.

    North Carolina

  • They got my disability rating after I was denied twice. They knew exactly how to format and submit the claim. I was rated 50%, Hill & Ponton weren’t done, they found other medical that related to exposure and submitted additional claims. I could not have received a disability rating without Hill & Ponton. If you need help, choose Hill & Ponton.

    – Thomas D.

    Illinois

  • The service provided by Hill and Ponton was exemplary. The lawyers and staff took care of every aspect with respect and understanding of the clients needs. In my case, as a new widow, they patiently walked me through each step. They kept me informed of the progress. I cannot say enough about the service they provided. Thank you Brian and staff.

    – Judith K Zitzewitz

    Florida

  • As a Vet you may have filed a disability claim, and if you want to win your claim you need to call Hill and Ponton. I didn’t know what to do about my condition or status until I made the call. At H&P they not only took my case, but made me feel like family. They changed my life and they will change your life too. It’s true! In my opinion you can’t do better and you won’t regret it!

    – Paul K

     Indiana

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