Imagine having someone in your corner who’s spent nearly 40 years deep inside the VA system handling your case.
We’re your VA Benefits Advocate who understands the VA maze because we’ve been part of it.
We share a deep bond with the military community, and it’s personal. We get your struggles, we’ve felt your pain, and we know your frustrations firsthand.
When you team up with us, you can rest easy knowing we’ll be there, cheering you on and fighting for your rights every step of the way.
Our calculator is intended to give you a close estimate of your monthly compensation.
Enter your number of Rated Disabilities; Your Percentage per Condition; Marital, Children and Parent status and Aid and Attendance (AA). Our VA disability calculator determines your estimated monthly combined disability rating compensation.
A: Absolutely! At CaseSix, we stand out from other VA Accredited Attorneys and Claim Agents. While many don’t assist Veterans with their initial VA submissions, called Original Claims, we prioritize helping Veterans at this important stage.
A: To obtain a copy of your medical records from the VA, you can submit a written request to the VA Medical Center that has your records. Alternatively, you can request your records online through the “Blue Button” feature on the My HealtheVet website. If you need further assistance with this process, feel free to contact us at CaseSix and we’d be happy to guide you.
A: To initiate the process, we will need some basic information from you. This typically includes your full name, contact details, service history, and details about the benefit or claim in question. You can provide these details by filling out our Free Benefits Evaluation Form. Rest assured, any information you share with us will be handled with utmost confidentiality.
A: At CaseSix, your appeal is in excellent hands. Our team of VA Affiliate Claim Agents, backed by our extensive experience, takes up your case. Each appeal is treated with utmost importance and dedication, prepared with care and precision as if it were our own personal case. Rest assured, we give our best to represent you.
A: For those with a disability rating under 50%, your military retirement pay might be reduced by the amount of your VA disability payment – which is tax-free. But don’t worry, this offset might not be permanent and could potentially be discontinued in the future.
A: You’re eligible to file for any conditions that occurred due to military service or any pre-existing conditions that were exacerbated by your time in service. It’s essential to gather ALL your medical records, both military and civilian, to support your claim.
A: Absolutely, should you unfortunately pass away and your death is a result of one of your service-related disabilities, your spouse may qualify for benefits. This eligibility comes under the VA’s Dependent Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program. This program is designed to provide financial support to survivors of veterans whose death was service-related.
A: The compensation awarded for service-connected conditions varies based on the specific rating criteria established by the VA and the veteran’s symptoms. Each condition gets a separate rating, and if you have multiple conditions, the ratings are combined, representing your overall disability level, which won’t exceed 100%. The amount is annually adjusted according to Federal cost of living changes. However, note that the ratings are combined, not added, to achieve the overall disability rating.
A: Nope, service-connected disability compensation is tax-free. However, be aware that non-service connected pensions could be taxed, depending on your overall financial circumstances.
A: CaseSix, is about no nonsense transparency with veterans coming first. After a thorough review of your claims file, we schedule a telephone call to review your eligibility report, covering all conditions you wish to file and conditions that you probably didn’t know you could claim. CaseSix works together with our clients to ensure there are no benefits left on the table.
Our representation fee is 20% of your retroactive back pay we helped recover. VA automatically takes the 20% fee from your retroactive disability check, while the other 80% is deposited directly into your Banking Account. Our pay depends on our success in your case. No win, no payment. It’s simple and fair.
For more information please refer to our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
A: Although the VA makes the final decision on service-connection, our team at CaseSix, led by a seasoned, retired VA Decision Review Officer, brings unparalleled knowledge of the VA system and its inner workings.
We’ll guide you through every step, leveraging our deep understanding of VA regulations and tactics to help determine the potential service connection of your illness or injury.
A: Absolutely. Your eligibility for compensation hinges on whether you have a condition or disability that originated from or was aggravated by your active military service, regardless of whether it was during peacetime. The key difference between peacetime and wartime veterans for disability compensation purposes lies in the entitlement for a non-service connected pension.
A: Generally, there’s a one-year window to appeal a VA decision. If these deadlines are fast approaching, it’s essential to reach out to us. If a deadline is missed, you risk losing potential years’ worth of back pay.
A: The timeline for resolving a case varies widely due to the unique circumstances and complexity surrounding each appeal.
A: Absolutely, you can still file a claim even with a general discharge. However, it’s important to note that the VA will conduct an evaluation to determine if your service can be considered “honorable for VA purposes.” This is a case-by-case assessment, and the outcome may affect your eligibility for certain benefits.
A: A Decision Review Officer (DRO) is a senior official who reviews currently decided Rating Decisions to determine if your claim was properly decided. DROs have the authority to reverse a decision, thereby providing the relief sought by a veteran.
What does a DRO do?
Decision Review Officers (DRO) review post-decision appeals of disability award decisions. When veterans disagree with their VA’s disability rating decision, they have the right to file a Higher-Level Review (Appeal) which a DRO reviews. The DRO review provides a fresh and experienced perspective. You can opt for the DRO process on VAF 20-0996 Higher Level Review Form.
Why choose a DRO review?
Two key advantages stand out:
1. Experience: DROs are seasoned VA officials with a deep understanding of VA disability claims and appeals.
2. Direct Communication: You can request a DRO hearing, enabling a direct conversation with the decision-maker over the phone.
How to get an Informal Conference?
You can indicate on VAF 20-0996 Higher Level Review your request for an Informal Conference with a DRO.
What occurs during a DRO Informal Conference?
Contrary to the intimidating image of courtrooms, DRO hearings are informal, resembling more of a discussion than a trial. Both you and your legal representative can present your case, and the DRO will review all evidence and ask questions. While immediate decisions are uncommon, the DRO will advise on the next steps, whether it’s gathering more evidence or awaiting their decision.
In conclusion.
If the DRO supports the initial denial, you’ll get a detailed Case Statement. If they rule in your favor, you’ll receive a DRO Decision, akin to a Rating Decision.
A: An RVSR, or Rating Veterans Service Representative, plays a key role in the VA claims process. Once all the necessary data for a claim has been gathered, it’s the RVSR’s job to evaluate this evidence. They’re responsible for making decisions based on the claim, and addressing any issues the claimant has raised.
How do they do it?
The RVSR reviews various evidence associated with the claim. This can include service medical records, VA medical examination records, clinical summaries from VA Medical Centers, and any information from private sources, such as a veteran’s physician.
Their main job revolves around interpreting these medical records to determine if there’s enough evidence to make a decision on the claim. This decision can be either favorable or unfavorable. For a favorable decision, the medical evidence must
1. Show a disabling condition that’s ongoing.
2. Demonstrate, using service records or other pieces of evidence, that the condition was a result of their service.
3. Link the current condition directly to an illness or injury incurred during their service.
Who are these RVSRs?
What’s particularly interesting is that RVSRs don’t necessarily have a medical background nor are they Attorneys. While some might have medical experience, like being former nurses or medics, they aren’t medical doctors. Historically, decisions were made by “rating boards” which included medical professionals, but this changed in the 1990s. Now, decisions are typically made by non-medical individuals who know VA Law. This shift was due to various rulings and appeals, emphasizing the importance of evidence in making these decisions.
In a nutshell, an RVSR is a bridge between the medical records, VA Law, and the VA’s decision on a claim, ensuring veterans get the decisions they deserve based on their service and evidence.