Experienced San Francisco Attorney Fights for Veterans Benefits
Knowledgeable assistance and strong advocacy during the appeals process
The Department of Veterans Affairs has as its mission the lofty duty expressed by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address: “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.” Unfortunately, too many of those warriors and their dependents have their VA claims denied and face a long, frustrating appeals process. At Unruh Law, P.C., I am committed to providing quality representation through every step of the VA benefits appeal process. I am accredited as a service representative by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and over more than 10 years of practice, I have established a track record of success. I am prepared to work tirelessly to help you obtain the full benefits you deserve.
Help with a variety of service-related disability claims
In my practice, I represent veterans and their family members who have had their VA disability claims denied. I am prepared to assist with claims that arise from:
- Agent Orange exposure
- Camp Lejeune water exposure
- Iraq and Afghanistan War burn pit exposure
- Service-related injuries and illnesses
Whatever the source of your service-related disability, I can help you assemble the necessary evidence to prove your eligibility and access your benefits.
Helping you and your family recover the benefits you deserve
The VA provides various benefits for disabled service members and their families, including:
- Service-related disability compensation
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Death pension benefits
- Compensation for injury/death caused by VA (1151 Claim)
I understand the importance of these benefits for you and your family, and I work tirelessly to strengthen your claim to win acceptance.
Stages of the VA benefits appeals process
There are several potential steps in the VA benefits appeals process:
- Notice of Disagreement — You must file within one year of receiving your denial letter. The local VA office takes another look at your file and responds with a Statement of the Case, which includes a summary of the evidence, cites pertinent laws and regulations, and gives the reasons for the decision.
- Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals — If you disagree with the Statement of the Case, you may file a substantive appeal within 60 days. You may request a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The hearing can happen in person or via video conference. You may present additional evidence and call witnesses. The board can grant your request, deny your request, or remand your case back to your local VA office with instructions for reconsideration.
- Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — If the Board of Veterans’ Appeals denies your claim, you may file an appeal with the Court of Appeals within 120 days.
Each stage of the process raises the stakes. The deadlines come very quickly, so there’s little time to prepare for the next stage. To get a favorable decision in a timely manner, it’s imperative that you have an experienced and determined attorney preparing your appeals.
Contact my San Francisco office to schedule a free consultation on your VA disability benefits
Unruh Law, P.C. provides thorough representation for disabled veterans who’ve had difficulty accessing their VA benefits. I take these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront attorney fees. To schedule a free consultation, call me at 833-753-5168 or contact my San Francisco office online.
