Veterans Disability Rights

This program, presented by Kelsey Craveiro, Esq., will provide a general overview of the law, process, and procedure governing disability compensation benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Kelsey will discuss basic eligibility for VA disability compensation, how to file a claim, appealing a denial in light of changes made by Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA), and more.

This program will also cover common challenges faced by attorneys representing veterans before VA, in addition to best practices navigating this complex, rapidly-changing area of administrative law. Attorneys at any level of practice seeking to increase their knowledge in Veteran Disability Rights will benefit from this course.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify basic eligibility for entitlement to VA disability compensation benefits. This includes understanding the impact of an unfavorable military discharge as well as common "bars" to VA benefits
• Review the concept of establishing service connection and other types of VA disability claims
• Discuss VA’s regulatory duty to procedurally assist the veteran in substantiating a claim
• Introduce the major procedural aspects of the VA claims system, including the latest changes implemented by "AMA"
• Recommend common strategies for evidence development based on theories of causation or the specific benefit sought
• Provide an overview of VA’s accreditation process, in addition to how to get paid as a representative