What we do
What we handle
VA-accredited claims agents are authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 5904 to prepare, present, and prosecute claims for VA benefits. Here's the work we take on.
Initial disability claims
Direct service connection, secondary service connection (e.g., sleep apnea secondary to PTSD), and presumptive conditions under the PACT Act, Agent Orange registry, and Gulf War. We file VA Form 21-526EZ with full evidence development.
Increased rating claims
If your service-connected condition has worsened, we file for a higher percentage. We collect treatment records, lay statements, and where helpful, an independent medical opinion (IMO) — and we challenge inadequate C&P exams.
Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
If your service-connected disabilities prevent substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for compensation at the 100% rate even without a 100% schedular rating. Schedular TDIU requires one disability ≥ 60%, or combined ≥ 70% with one ≥ 40%. Extraschedular TDIU is also available.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
SMC adds compensation above the standard 100% rate for severe disability combinations, loss-of-use, aid-and-attendance need, or housebound status. The categories (k, l, m, n, o, p, r1, r2, s, t) are technical — we identify when you qualify and quantify the upgrade.
Higher-Level Review (Form 20-0996)
Senior reviewer takes a fresh look at your claim with no new evidence. Best when the rater made a clear factual or legal error you can identify. Usually faster than a Board appeal — months, not years.
Supplemental Claim (Form 20-0995)
Reopens your claim when you have new and relevant evidence. The bar is low — anything that could affect the outcome counts. We use this when we get an IMO that contradicts the C&P examiner.
Notice of Disagreement & Board Appeal (Form 10182)
Three docket options: Direct Review (existing record only, fastest), Evidence (90 days to add evidence), Hearing (in front of a Veterans Law Judge). We pick the docket that fits your evidence posture.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Surviving spouse, child, or parent of a veteran whose death was service-connected — or who was rated 100% for the 10 years before death. We handle DIC claims, including § 1318 entitlement when the veteran was rated 100% but the cause of death wasn't service-connected.
What we don't handle
- CAVC appeals. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims requires separate admission. If your case heads there, we'll refer you to qualified CAVC counsel.
- SSDI / private disability / workers' comp. We're VA-only specialists. Other disability systems have different rules and we won't dilute focus.
- Medical opinions. We aren't doctors. We coordinate with licensed providers for IMOs, DBQs, and nexus letters where helpful.
- Discharge upgrades. If your DD-214 has a less-than-honorable character of discharge, we can identify whether it bars VA benefits, but the upgrade itself is a separate process before the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR / DRB).