Types of VA Disability Claims Our Lawyers Handle in Amherst
Military service can leave veterans with a wide range of lasting conditions, from invisible wounds like PTSD to physical impairments that make daily life a challenge. The VA disability system is complicated, slow, and often unforgiving. Our Amherst VA disability attorneys don’t just file paperwork; we craft a comprehensive strategy for your claim. We represent veterans across all branches with various types of claims.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Orthopedic injuries and chronic pain
- Agent Orange and burn pit exposure
- Gulf War Illness
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Sleep apnea and respiratory conditions
- Secondary service-connected disabilities
- Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
We provide start-to-finish guidance, including claims, appeals, and overlapping benefits such as Social Security Disability, ensuring that no potential compensation is overlooked. Choosing a VA disability attorney in Amherst from Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law means having a partner who anticipates VA hurdles and fights to secure every benefit you’ve earned through your service.
Amherst VA Disability Attorneys Who Fight for Every Benefit
Many law firms settle quickly to avoid the hassle, leaving veterans with far less than they deserve. Our VA disability and personal injury lawyers in Amherst take every claim seriously. We are not intimidated by the VA’s bureaucracy or the complexity of your case. Our reputation for thorough and aggressive advocacy often encourages the VA to take claims seriously from the outset.
Navigating the VA System with Confidence
Veterans often lose valuable benefits because claims are incomplete or incorrectly documented. By creating a fully documented, compelling claim, we reduce the VA’s ability to deny or undervalue your case.
Strong Appeals When the VA Says No
A denial is common, but not the end. We specialize in crafting effective appeals that deliver results. From Supplemental Claims to Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearings, our Amherst VA disability attorneys know which evidence and arguments carry weight.
Coordinated Approach to Multiple Benefits
Many veterans are eligible for multiple types of support, including VA disability compensation and SSD benefits. Our firm coordinates all your claims, ensuring every benefit available to you is pursued efficiently.
We Have a No-Fee Guarantee
You never pay us upfront. We only get paid if we win for you, so our success is directly tied to yours.
Free Case Evaluation
Speak with a lawyer at no cost. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
You’re More than a Case
We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your story and guide you through every step with care and compassion.
VA Disability Benefits and Compensation for Amherst Veterans
Navigating the VA system independently can result in missed deadlines, undervalued claims, and lost back pay. That is why having a veterans disability lawyer is important. We work to secure every benefit available under federal law while tailoring our strategy to your unique circumstances.
- Standard Disability Compensation: Regular monthly tax-free payments based on your VA rating and eligible dependents.
- Retroactive Back Pay: Payments for benefits you were entitled to from your claim’s effective date, ensuring you are not penalized for delays.
- Enhanced Disability Payments: Extra compensation for severe disabilities requiring daily assistance, such as amputations, blindness, or extreme mobility limitations.
- Unemployability Benefits (TDIU): For veterans unable to work due to service-connected disabilities, even when the overall disability rating is below 100 percent.
- Secondary Condition Benefits: Coverage for new disabilities that are caused or aggravated by your service-connected condition.
- Aid for Daily Living & Housebound Support: Programs to assist veterans who require help at home or cannot leave their residence.
- Survivor and Dependent Benefits: Payments and resources for spouses, children, or other dependents impacted by a veteran’s service-connected disability or death.
- Burial & Interment Allowances: Assistance covering funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans.
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we know that each benefit can make a tangible difference in your daily life. Our VA disability lawyers in Amherst meticulously track deadlines, compile medical evidence, and calculate the full scope of what you deserve. While the VA rarely highlights every entitlement, we leave no stone unturned. Your future, health, and financial security deserve nothing less than total advocacy.
How a Veterans Disability Attorney Will Help Your Claim
Delays, denials, and confusing medical evaluations can leave even the most organized veteran frustrated and financially vulnerable. Every misfiled form or missed deadline can translate into lost back pay, delayed monthly compensation, or overlooked special benefits. That is why having an Amherst VA disability lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
Our team takes the complexity off your shoulders and turns it into a strategic advantage. Working with us means:
✓ Collecting your complete service history, medical records, and expert opinions to build an airtight claim.
✓ Identifying every potential benefit, including secondary conditions, Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, and special monthly compensation.
✓ Filing appeals, hearings, or federal actions when the VA refuses to acknowledge the full extent of your disability.
✓ Managing all deadlines, correspondence, and paperwork so nothing falls through the cracks.
✓ Coordinating multiple claims or benefits under one roof to maximize your compensation.
Our Amherst VA disability lawyers treat every claim like a mission-critical operation. We move quickly, act decisively, and ensure that every benefit you have earned through service is pursued to its fullest.
Veteran Disabilities That Qualify for Benefits in Amherst
Not every injury or condition automatically qualifies for VA compensation. The key is proving a clear link between your disability and your service. Veterans often struggle with paperwork, missed deadlines, and incomplete documentation, which can result in thousands of dollars in lost back pay and monthly benefits. Our Amherst VA disability attorneys specialize in ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
- Direct Service Connection: Your condition must be clearly linked to an event or exposure that occurred during service. Medical records, duty reports, and credible witness statements all play a role in building a successful claim.
- Aggravated Conditions: Pre-existing conditions that worsened due to military service may qualify. Our attorneys know how to document aggravation effectively, ensuring the VA recognizes the full extent of the impact.
- Presumptive Disabilities: Certain conditions, like those linked to chemical exposures or chronic illnesses common in combat zones, are automatically presumed service-connected. Identifying these correctly can speed approval and increase compensation.
- Secondary Disabilities: If one service-connected condition causes or worsens another condition, you may be eligible for additional benefits. For example, chronic pain from a back injury can lead to depression or mobility issues.
- Paired Organs: Disabilities affecting one organ of a pair, such as eyes or kidneys, can qualify for compensation for both. Substantial medical evidence is crucial to support these claims.
- 1151 Service Connection: If a condition arises from VA treatment or care errors, you may qualify under 38 U.S.C. § 1151. These claims require careful preparation and precise medical documentation.
Many claims fail not because the disability is ineligible, but because the service connection isn’t presented correctly. Our Amherst VA disability lawyers make sure every detail, every record, and every expert opinion works in your favor. We fight to get the full benefits you have earned and ensure no opportunity is missed.
Filing Deadlines for VA Disability Claims and Appeals in Amherst
For veterans in Amherst, timing can make a massive difference in VA disability claims. While there is no strict deadline for submitting an initial VA disability claim after leaving service, filing sooner ensures your back pay starts as early as possible. Back pay is calculated from your effective date, which is typically the date the VA receives your claim. Delaying your application could mean thousands of dollars in lost benefits.
Appeals, however, have strict federal deadlines under VA regulations. After a VA decision, you generally have:
- Supplemental Claim: One year to submit additional evidence for reconsideration.
- Higher-Level Review: One year to request a review by a senior VA reviewer.
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) Appeal: One year to file for a hearing or submit new evidence to the BVA.
Missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to challenge a denial, so accurate tracking and timely submissions are critical. Our VA disability attorneys in Amherst manage every timeline, form, and requirement to prevent mistakes that could jeopardize your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, our Amherst VA disability attorneys have answered the questions we hear most often, giving you practical guidance to protect your rights and avoid costly errors. For personalized advice about your claim, contact our law firm today.
How do I know if I qualify for VA disability benefits?
You may qualify if you have a service-connected disability, meaning your injury or illness was caused or aggravated by your military service. This includes physical conditions, mental health issues such as PTSD, and chronic illnesses linked to in-service exposures. The VA evaluates evidence like medical records, service records, and expert opinions to determine eligibility. An Amherst VA disability lawyer can help identify qualifying conditions, gather documentation, and ensure your claim meets VA standards.
Can I appeal a denied VA disability claim in Amherst?
Yes. If the VA denies your claim, you can file a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Each option has specific procedures and deadlines, and mistakes can forfeit your rights. Our Amherst VA disability attorneys handle the appeals process, submit evidence, and represent you at hearings to maximize the chances of approval.
How does the VA determine the severity of my disability?
The VA assigns a disability rating from 0% to 100% based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Ratings affect monthly compensation, eligibility for additional benefits, and TDIU claims. Accurate medical evidence and a detailed record of your limitations are essential. A disability lawyer at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law can ensure your condition is fully documented to achieve the correct rating.
What is Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)?
TDIU allows veterans whose service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantial gainful employment to receive compensation at the 100% rate even if their combined rating is below 100%. Establishing TDIU requires medical evidence and documentation of your work limitations, which an experienced VA disability attorney in Amherst can compile effectively.
Do I need a lawyer to file a VA disability claim in Amherst?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but the VA system is highly complex. Filing without legal guidance can result in delays, denials, or underpaid benefits. A VA disability attorney in Amherst, NY, can ensure your claim is complete, deadlines are met, and appeals are handled professionally to maximize your compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a VA disability lawyer?
Our VA disability attorneys at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law work on a no-fee guarantee. You only pay if we win your claim, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent you from accessing the representation you need.
How long does it take to receive VA disability benefits after filing a claim?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your claim and the VA’s workload. Simple claims may be resolved in a few months, while more complex claims involving multiple service-connected conditions, secondary disabilities, or appeals can take over a year. Working with an Amherst VA disability lawyer ensures your paperwork is complete, deadlines are met, and medical evidence is properly submitted, which can help reduce delays.









