When you’re thinking about hiring a lawyer for your VA disability claim, one of the first questions is always: “How much will this cost me?”

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we believe in being 100% transparent. Veterans deserve to know exactly what fees are, how they work, and — most importantly — how the right lawyer can actually put far more money in your pocket than they take out.

Here’s the complete breakdown.

How VA Disability Lawyer Fees Work

  • 20% of Back Pay Only: At NSLF, our fee is 20% of your back pay. That means if you win, we’re paid from the lump sum of past-due benefits owed to you by the VA.

  • Never from Future Checks: You keep 100% of your ongoing monthly disability payments. We don’t — and legally can’t — take anything from those future benefits.

  • No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing to hire us. No retainers, no hourly billing, no “nickel-and-dime” charges for phone calls, copies, or postage.

  • No Win, No Fee: If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

📌 Example:
You’re awarded $50,000 in back pay.

  • Our fee: $10,000 (20%).

  • You keep: $40,000 in your pocket right away.

  • Plus: 100% of your monthly VA disability checks for life — tax-free.

Now let’s see what that looks like with and without a lawyer:

  • Without a lawyer (DIY/VSO):
    Let’s say you’re underrated at 70% = about $1,700/month. Over 25 years, that’s $510,000 (tax-free).

  • With NSLF fighting for you:
    We prove you should be at 100% = about $3,737/month tax-free (~$6,000 taxable equivalent). Over 25 years, that’s $1.1 million in lifetime benefits.

Even after paying $10,000 from back pay, you’ve gained $600,000+ more over your lifetime. That’s money for your mortgage, your kids’ education, or just the peace of mind knowing your family is taken care of.

How Much Do You Keep Each Month?

As of 2025, a single veteran rated at 100% receives $3,831.30 per month tax-free. That’s like taking home nearly $6,000 in taxable income every month.

  • Veteran + spouse: about $3,900/month tax-free (~$6,200 taxable equivalent).

  • Veteran + spouse + one child: about $4,100/month tax-free (~$6,500 taxable equivalent).

Our fee is never taken out of those monthly checks. You keep all of it, for life.

Why Lawyers Pay for Themselves (and More)

A good VA disability lawyer should more than pay for themselves by getting you:

  • Higher Ratings Sooner: Moving from 70% to 100% can mean an extra $2,000 per month. That’s nearly $25,000 per year, or $750,000 over 30 years.

  • Recognition of Secondary Conditions: Many veterans miss benefits for conditions related to their primary disability (like depression caused by chronic pain). Lawyers spot these.

  • Faster Wins: While we can’t control VA backlogs, we can ensure your claim is properly developed and avoid weak filings that lead to years of denials and appeals.

  • Preserved Back Pay: Experienced lawyers understand how to lock in the earliest possible effective date, often leading to tens of thousands in additional retro pay.

📌 Example:

  • Without a lawyer: Veteran rated 70%, receiving $1,700/month.

  • With NSLF: Veteran proves unemployability and gets 100%, receiving $3,737/month.

  • That’s a $2,000+ difference each month, or more than $600,000 across 25 years.

Even after a 20% fee on back pay, the long-term financial gain is staggering.

FAQs About VA Disability Lawyer Fees

Q: Why do lawyers only charge from back pay?
Because it’s fair. The VA requires that attorney fees be tied to past-due benefits only. You keep every dollar of your future monthly checks.

Q: Do all lawyers charge the same percentage?
Most charge between 20–30%. At NSLF, we charge 20%, the industry standard, because we believe veterans deserve value.

Q: What if I lose my case?
You owe us nothing. Period.

Q: Why can’t I just do this on my own or with a VSO?
You can — and for simple claims, that may be enough. But if you’ve been denied, stuck at a lower rating, or need to appeal, experienced legal help can mean the difference between years of waiting and securing your maximum benefits sooner.

Q: How do I know if a lawyer is trustworthy?
Check their reviews and reputation. At NSLF, we’re proud of our 4.9-star Google rating (see reviews here) and our track record of helping veterans nationwide.

WHY NSLF

At NSLF, our mission is simple: maximize your benefits in the shortest time possible.

  • Founded by Disabled Veterans: Brett O’Brien, Army veteran, fought his own denied cancer claim and built this firm so other veterans wouldn’t have to suffer the same.

  • Trusted Nationwide: Veterans across the country choose us because we keep them informed, fight aggressively, and never drag out cases. Our reviews speak volumes.

We’ve been in your boots — and we built NSLF to make this process easier for you.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Not every veteran needs a lawyer. But here’s the truth:

  • Veterans who go it alone often leave tens of thousands — even hundreds of thousands — on the table.

  • Lawyers spot opportunities for higher ratings, preserve earlier effective dates, and fight denials with evidence the VA can’t ignore.

  • A good lawyer’s fee is just a fraction of the lifetime benefits you gain.

For a breakdown of your options, see our Guide to VA Representation Options.

Your Next Step

You’ve served. You’ve earned these benefits. Don’t let cost concerns stop you from securing what’s rightfully yours. At NSLF, we’ve made it simple:

  • No upfront fees.

  • 20% of back pay only.

  • 100% of your future checks stay with you.

  • No win, no fee.

👉 Schedule a free consultation today. We’ll listen, give you a clear plan, and fight to get you every dollar you’re entitled to.

National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.