Why Choose Hiller Comerford for VA Disability Benefits
Many veterans only receive a portion of the benefits they qualify for. The VA system includes dozens of programs that work together in ways that are not always obvious. Our firm helps veterans identify every available category of support. When you work with us, you gain a clear picture of the full benefit spectrum rather than a narrow list of basic entitlements.
A Clear Path to Every Benefit You Can Claim
We take a client-centered approach, matching you with a dedicated VA disability lawyer in Buffalo who handles your case from start to finish. Unlike firms that rotate clients between multiple attorneys, you will work with one advocate who becomes fully familiar with your service history, medical evidence, and the unique details of your claim.
Coordinated Help for VA and SSD Benefits
Our firm also provides full-service support. Many veterans are eligible for Social Security disability benefits in addition to VA compensation, and our attorneys can manage both claims under one roof. This integrated approach eliminates the stress and cost of coordinating multiple lawyers while ensuring no benefit is overlooked.
Guidance That Connects Your Rating to Real-Life Support
Veterans often focus on immediate payments and overlook programs that support long-term quality of life. Some benefits provide continuing medical care, others offer assistance with mobility, home modifications, or daily living needs. We help you understand how rating affects your future access to treatment, financial resources, and specialized programs.
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.
What Types of VA Disability Benefits are Available?
Veterans in Buffalo often hear about “VA disability benefits” as if the entire system were a single payment. In reality, the VA built an extensive network of programs that operate together in ways many veterans never learn about. These programs cover income, long-term care, family support, and medical access that continues throughout your life.
Every category has its own rules, rating requirements, and potential for additional increases. A VA disability lawyer with a complete understanding of what the VA offers can put you in a strong position to claim the full range of support tied to your service.
-
Disability Compensation
The most common VA disability benefit, providing tax-free monthly payments for conditions caused or worsened by military service. Ratings range from 10% to 100%, with higher ratings reflecting greater severity and impact on daily life and employment.
-
Back Pay (Retroactive Payments)
Covers all benefits owed from the VA’s assigned effective date to the approval date. Many veterans receive substantial lump-sum payments when claims are granted.
-
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
Extra support for veterans with severe service-connected impairments, such as loss of limbs, need for daily assistance, or extreme sensory loss. SMC supplements regular compensation to reflect higher care needs.
-
Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
For veterans who cannot maintain substantial employment due to service-connected conditions, even if their combined rating is below 100%. TDIU provides compensation at the 100% rate based on vocational impact.
-
Secondary Service-Connected Conditions
Covers new conditions that result from an existing service-connected disability, such as depression linked to chronic pain. This extends compensation to cover related impacts.
-
Aid and Attendance/Housebound Allowances
For veterans needing help with daily tasks or confined primarily to home due to permanent disability. These benefits increase monthly support to help with ongoing care.
-
Special Claims and One-Time Allowances
The VA provides additional monetary awards under specific circumstances beyond the standard disability rating. Examples include:
- Automobile allowance and adaptive equipment funding for veterans who need specially equipped vehicles due to their service-connected disability.
- Clothing allowance for veterans who use prosthetic devices or medications that wear out garments.
- Temporary disability benefits for veterans recovering from surgery or hospitalization related to service-connected conditions.
These special claims address needs that regular compensation does not directly cover.
-
Benefits for Dependents and Survivors
Service-connected disability can also unlock support for spouses, children, and dependent parents:
- Increased compensation amounts for eligible dependents based on rating and family status.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving family members when a veteran dies from a service-connected condition.
- Spina bifida and certain birth defect allowances for children exposed to specific service conditions.
These programs reflect the broad impact of service-connected disabilities on families.
-
Burial and Funeral Benefits
Families may qualify for financial assistance to help cover burial and funeral expenses after the death of a veteran. While this support does not erase loss, it can lessen the financial strain during a difficult time.
A full benefits review gives veterans far more clarity than a simple rating letter. Each program has its own purpose, and many of them work together to create steady financial support, health coverage, and practical assistance for daily living.
When every eligible benefit is identified and applied correctly, veterans gain room to breathe, plan, and recover without feeling lost in a maze of forms and rules. A disability lawyer at our firm can make sure that every available benefit is pursued strategically, helping you build a foundation for safety, independence, and peace of mind.
How VA Disability Ratings Determine Compensation
A veteran’s disability rating is central to benefit levels and eligibility for supplemental programs. Ratings are expressed as percentages, ranging from 0% to 100%, based on the severity of the service-connected condition. These ratings determine monthly compensation and access to benefits like SMC, TDIU, and Aid & Attendance.
Accurate ratings are legally significant because a misclassification can reduce monthly income, deny access to specialized programs, and affect back pay calculations. A VA disability attorney in Buffalo can review your medical records, service history, and treatment notes to ensure your rating fully reflects the severity and impact of your conditions.
Can My VA Disability Rating Change Over Time?
Yes. VA disability ratings can change if your condition improves, worsens, or new evidence is submitted. Re-evaluations may adjust your monthly compensation and eligibility for certain programs.
What a Lawyer Does to Help Veterans Access Benefits
Veterans who work with a VA disability lawyer are significantly more likely to get their claims approved and receive higher ratings. In fact, nationally, veterans represented by attorneys see approval rates around 76% on initial claims versus roughly 50% for unrepresented applicants.
In Buffalo, NY, where dealing with VA regional offices can be complex, having a lawyer can make the difference between a denied claim and the full benefits you’ve earned. A lawyer can help by:
✓ Collecting service records, medical reports, and treatment notes
✓ Preparing and submitting your VA disability claim accurately
✓ Identifying less obvious opportunities, such as Secondary Service Connection claims and 1151 claims for VA medical errors
✓ Accessing specialized programs like Special Monthly Compensation, TDIU, and Aid & Attendance
✓ Monitoring deadlines for appeals, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board of Veterans’ Appeals submissions
✓ Coordinating VA and Social Security disability benefits when applicable
When you choose to work with our law firm, you gain a partner who knows how local VA offices operate, anticipates common obstacles, and helps claims move more efficiently. That means faster resolutions, fewer administrative errors, and higher approval rates.
When Can I Apply for VA Disability Benefits in Buffalo?
Buffalo veterans may submit a VA disability claim as soon as their military service ends. Filing promptly matters because back pay begins from the day the VA receives your application, not the approval date. Waiting to apply can mean losing months or even years of benefits you have earned.
What Happens if My Claim is Denied?
For veterans whose claims are initially denied, timing is also critical. The VA sets strict deadlines to appeal a claim denial:
- Supplemental Claims: Must be submitted within one year of the VA’s decision
- Higher-Level Reviews: Must also be requested within one year
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) Appeals: Typically filed within one year with options for direct review, submitting new evidence, or requesting a hearing
Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law helps veterans act quickly so they don’t miss out on benefits like TDIU, Special Monthly Compensation, and standard monthly payments. Filing on time safeguards income, access to healthcare, and assistance programs for daily needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions veterans have about VA disability benefits in Buffalo. For a more in-depth look at eligibility, claims, and specialized programs, we also offer a comprehensive FAQ guide that you can consult. Otherwise, contact our law firm today for personalized attention.
How long does it take to receive VA disability benefits?
After you file a VA disability claim, the VA reviews it in several stages before making a decision. The most recent VA data shows that disability-related claims nationwide take about 88 days on average from submission to decision, though more complex claims can take several months longer.
Once the VA issues a decision and assigns a disability rating of at least 10 percent, you should receive your first monthly payment within about 15 days of that decision. Back pay owed from your effective date is typically paid in a lump sum, often within a few weeks after approval, though administrative delays can occur.
Are VA disability benefits taxable?
No. VA disability compensation and most related VA benefits are not taxable at the federal level and do not need to be reported as income on your tax return. This includes disability compensation and VA pension payments. These benefits are generally exempt from both federal and state income tax in New York.
Can I work while receiving VA disability benefits in Buffalo?
Yes. Veterans can work and still receive VA disability compensation for service‑connected conditions. There is no earnings limit that disqualifies you from monthly VA disability payments simply because you are employed. The main exception is if you are rated totally disabled based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). In that case, the VA has determined your service‑connected conditions prevent you from substantially gainful employment.
If you return to work in a high‑paying job, that could affect your TDIU status, but for regular disability ratings, employment does not reduce your monthly VA benefits.
How can I afford a VA disability lawyer?
Veterans disability lawyers at our firm work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay upfront or out of pocket while your case is pending. Because you pay only if you receive benefits, this structure makes legal representation financially accessible for many veterans. We go over exactly how payment works in detail during your initial free consultation, so you know what to expect before deciding to move forward.
What is service-connected disability compensation?
Service-connected disability compensation is a monthly, non-taxable payment for conditions caused or worsened by military service. It includes direct service connection, aggravated service connection, presumptive service connection, and secondary service connections, as well as paired organs and 1151 claims. Additional benefits may include adaptive equipment, dental care, or housing grants. A Buffalo VA disability lawyer can help gather evidence and guide you through the application process.