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Veterans Benefits

Veterans Benefits: Getting the Compensation You Deserve

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” – Maya Angelou

For many veterans and their families, dealing with the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re applying for benefits, appealing a denied claim, or seeking compensation for an illness related to military service, the process can be confusing, frustrating, and exhausting.

At Elderly Care Law Firm, we are proud to fight for veterans and their families. Whether you are a young veteran, older veteran, or surviving spouse, we are here to advocate for you and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Understanding VA Compensation: What You Need to Know

VA disability compensation is a monthly tax-free payment to veterans who were injured or developed medical conditions during their military service.

The amount of compensation a veteran receives depends on their disability rating, which is a percentage assigned by the VA based on how severe their condition is. The higher the rating, the more compensation they receive.

Some common conditions that qualify for VA compensation include:

  • PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  • Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Back and Joint Injuries
  • Cancers and Respiratory Diseases from toxic exposure (such as Agent Orange or Camp Lejeune water contamination)

How the VA Claims Process Works

Filing a VA claim might seem simple, but the process is often long and complicated. Many veterans get denied the first time they apply.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. File a Claim – The veteran submits medical records and proof that their condition is related to service.
  2. VA Review – The VA evaluates the claim, sometimes requiring a C&P Exam (Compensation & Pension Exam) to assess the disability.
  3. Decision Letter – The VA issues a decision, approving or denying the claim and assigning a disability rating if approved.
  4. Appeals (If Denied) – If the claim is denied or rated too low, the veteran can appeal.

Many veterans give up after a denial, but that’s where having an attorney makes all the difference.

Why VA Claims Get Denied & How We Can Help

It is common for veterans to receive low ratings or outright denials for conditions that should qualify. Some of the biggest reasons claims get denied include:

  • Lack of medical evidence connecting the condition to service.
  • Missing paperwork or service records that prove the disability is related to military duty.
  • The VA failing to properly evaluate the condition and assigning an unfairly low rating.

At Elderly Care Law Firm, we help veterans strengthen their claims by:

  • Gathering medical evidence and obtaining a Nexus Opinion (a medical statement linking the disability to service).
  • Filing an appeal and representing veterans in informal conferences with the VA.
  • Advocating before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) and, if needed, taking the case all the way to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).

Our goal is to make the process easier so veterans can focus on their health while we handle the legal battle.

Survivor Benefits: What Spouses & Families Need to Know

Losing a spouse is painful, and dealing with the VA can add even more stress. Many surviving spouses don’t realize they may be entitled to VA survivor benefits—even if their loved one didn’t receive compensation during their lifetime.

The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefit provides monthly payments to spouses and dependents of veterans whose cause of death was related to military service.

To qualify, one of the following must be true:

  • The veteran died from a service-connected condition (for example, lung cancer linked to Agent Orange exposure).
  • The veteran was totally disabled due to service-connected conditions for at least 10 years before passing away.
  • The veteran was exposed to toxic substances like Camp Lejeune water contamination and later developed a related disease.

Many spouses don’t realize they should apply for these benefits. If your veteran spouse passed away and you believe their cause of death was connected to their service, call us. We can review medical records, obtain expert opinions, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Happens to a Veteran’s Pending Claim After They Pass Away?

If a veteran had a pending claim with the VA at the time of their passing, the surviving spouse or dependent may be able to continue the claim through a process called substitution of claimant. This allows the spouse to step in and pursue the claim as if the veteran were still alive.

To qualify for substitution, the surviving spouse must file a request within one year of the veteran’s death. If successful, the spouse could receive:

  • Retroactive benefits from the claim the veteran was pursuing.
  • Increased DIC benefits if the veteran’s pending claim results in a higher disability rating.

Many families miss out on thousands of dollars in benefits simply because they don’t know about this process. If your spouse had a VA claim that was still pending at the time of their passing, don’t wait—call us today so we can help you file the proper request on time.

The PACT Act: Expanded Benefits for Veterans Exposed to Toxins

The PACT Act is a recent law that expands VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during service. This includes those who served in:

  • Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange
  • Camp Lejeune and suffered illnesses from contaminated water
  • The Gulf War and were exposed to burn pits

Veterans who were previously denied claims for conditions related to these exposures may now be eligible under the PACT Act. If you were denied in the past, we can help reopen your case.

Why Hiring an Attorney is Worth It

Many veterans try to handle VA claims alone and end up frustrated with long delays, confusing paperwork, and unfair denials. Having an attorney on your side takes the pressure off.

At Elderly Care Law Firm, we:

  • File and track claims to make sure nothing is missing.
  • Communicate with the VA so you don’t have to spend hours on the phone.
  • Gather medical and legal evidence to strengthen your case.
  • Represent you in hearings and appeals if the VA wrongly denies your benefits.

Veterans fought for this country. We fight for them.

Take the Next Step: Call for a Case Evaluation

You served your country. Now let us serve you. Whether you are a veteran, surviving spouse, or family member, we are here to help you navigate the VA system and get the benefits you deserve.

Call your Veterans Benefits attorney today for a case evaluation. Let us handle the fight so you can focus on what matters most – you and your family. We represent United States military veterans from around the world. 

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Sherrie Lim

Client Services Coordinator

Sherrie Ann Lim brings over twelve years of customer service experience and a strong background in team leadership and client support. Although she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, her career path led her to the dynamic world of the contact center industry, where she discovered a deep passion for service, communication, and operational excellence. 

Sherrie is known for her perseverance, enthusiasm, and confident sense of responsibility. She consistently delivers high-quality results, efficiently managing tasks while remaining flexible to the evolving needs of her clients. Her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence positions her as a trusted ally for businesses seeking proactive and reliable virtual support. 

Drawing from her college background, Sherrie has a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional needs associated with aging, making her especially attuned to the importance of compassionate and informed care for the elderly. She recognizes that elder care isn’t just about physical support, it also involves emotional presence, patience, and clear communication. Her strong appreciation for family ties fuels her commitment to helping clients manage the intricacies of elder care with empathy and attentiveness, ensuring that elderly loved ones feel respected, safe, and truly cared for. 

 

She loves taking care of her family during her rest days and free time, finding joy in the simple yet meaningful routines of home life. Whether it’s preparing home-cooked meals, baking sweet treats for her kids, or tackling household projects, Sherrie finds fulfillment in creating a nurturing and organized environment for her family. Whenever time and opportunity allow, she also enjoys traveling with her family, exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and embracing experiences that strengthen their bond and bring joy into their lives. 

Fun Fact: Sherrie’s two kids were born on the exact same date—two years apart! 

May Cruz

Client Services Coordinator

May began her community service career with the Philippine Department of Health as a Computer Operator, providing vital technical support to healthcare workers across island provinces and helping to bridge technology gaps in remote medical settings. Her commitment to service extended beyond her official duties—she also volunteered in medical missions, assisting indigenous communities and contributing to the delivery of essential healthcare with empathy and cultural sensitivity. 

Continuing her dedication to public service, May later worked at a law firm as a Disability Service Coordinator, assisting military veterans in navigating disability services. She brought empathy, compassion, and heart to the role, ensuring that each veteran felt heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. 

With a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered care, May remains deeply committed to using her skills to uplift underserved and vulnerable communities. 

Fun Fact: Despite not knowing how to swim, May is a certified open water diver. Her adventurous spirit and determination push her beyond her comfort zone—both in life and under the sea.