Receiving a denial letter regarding disability benefits from the VA can be frustrating and disheartening. It is natural to want to express grievances regarding the denial to appeal a VA disability claim, attacking their reasoning. As will all things, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it.
The Notice of Disagreement (NOD) form is the first step to appealing a denied claim. Without the proper know-how, many veterans make the mistake of using this form to air their justifications for receiving the benefits they feel they deserve. Doing so, however, is not ideal and can actually harm the proceedings of the appeal.
When it comes to processing any paperwork, what is in writing becomes binding. Nothing about this fact seems mysterious. The other end of that spectrum, however, means the opposite holds as well — anything omitted leaves room for other implications or is subject to interpretation. Unless the filer is familiar with legal parameters, it may not be clear why taking on the matters personally can be more detrimental than beneficial.
Omission within the NOD leaves room for rejection of the appeal based on unsupported evidence. It may seem like a small detail, but a failure to mention just one issue and the entire motion could appear faulty.
Fortunately, filing an appeal to a VA disability claim doesn’t have to be another challenge to be handled alone. The legal team of Jackson & MacNichol work to fight for veterans benefits with the pride and competency their clients deserve.
