You’ve probably heard the rumor: “Lawyers drag out VA disability cases on purpose so they can earn more from your back pay.”

The truth? The vast majority of accredited VA disability lawyers do not do this.

In fact, delaying your case hurts you and your lawyer. Most delays in VA claims and appeals are caused by the VA system itself — not your attorney.

Why VA Cases Take So Long (It’s Not Your Lawyer)

If your claim feels stuck, chances are you’re dealing with one of these common VA bottlenecks:

  • Massive VA Backlogs: As of 2025, hundreds of thousands of claims and appeals are still pending at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Even with the AMA “modernization,” cases often take months or years because of systemic delays.

  • C&P Exam Delays: Scheduling Compensation & Pension exams — a critical part of many claims — can take months due to staffing shortages and backlogs.

  • Record Requests: Obtaining military service records and medical documentation can be slow, especially for older cases.

  • Legislative Changes: New presumptive conditions (like those added under the PACT Act) increase the VA’s caseload and slow the system for everyone.

  • Hearing Requests: Choosing a BVA hearing often adds months or years, since hearings must be scheduled, transcribed, and reviewed. Many experienced lawyers (including NSLF) avoid hearings unless absolutely necessary because written evidence can often move the case faster.

📌 Bottom line: The VA system itself — not your lawyer — is the main reason claims take so long.

Why Lawyers Have No Reason to Delay

  • Ethical Duty: Accredited attorneys are bound by professional rules requiring them to act diligently and efficiently. Dragging out a case would violate those obligations.

  • Financial Incentive: Lawyers don’t bill by the hour. They only get paid if you win — typically 20% of your back pay. Delaying your case just delays their paycheck too.

  • Reputation: Veterans talk. Firms that ignore clients or let cases drag on earn poor reviews and quickly lose trust. The best firms build their reputation on responsiveness and results.

Yes, there are a few bad eggs in the legal world. If a lawyer never communicates, misses deadlines, or seems uninterested, that’s a red flag. But these are rare — and easily spotted by looking at reviews and reputation.

Why NSLF Is Different

At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we built our practice on one core principle: maximize your benefits in the shortest time possible.

  • We’ve been there ourselves. Brett O’Brien, our founder, is a disabled Army veteran who was personally denied by the VA after being diagnosed with a rare cancer tied to contaminated base water. He knows what it feels like to wait — and he created NSLF to fight back against delays.

  • We are trusted nationwide. Veterans across the country rate us 4.9 stars on Google (see reviews here) because we keep them informed, we push their cases forward, and we win.

  • We make it simple. Whether you go it alone, work with a VSO, or hire us, our mission is the same: give you the clearest path to benefits and eliminate confusion.

Should You Hire a Lawyer?

A good VA lawyer shouldn’t slow your case down — they should make it stronger and often more efficient.

  • They help you gather the right evidence so the VA can’t easily deny or underrate your claim.

  • They often avoid unnecessary hearings that add years to your case.

  • They know how to submit evidence directly into VA’s system (via VBMS and direct upload), cutting out mailing and transcription delays.

  • They monitor your case in real-time to ensure VA hasn’t misplaced or mislabeled key documents.

📌 Example: A veteran at 70% gets $1,700/month. At 100%, it’s $3,737/month — equivalent to earning about $6,000/month in taxable income. That’s a $2,000 monthly difference, or nearly $700,000 over 30 years. A good lawyer helps you get to that higher rating faster — and that more than pays for their fee.

For a full breakdown, see our Guide to VA Representation Options.

Pricing

  • No upfront costs.

  • 20% of back pay only.

  • You keep 100% of future monthly checks.

See our VA Disability Lawyer Pricing Explained page for details.

The Resource Every Veteran Needs

Want to learn the strategies to win faster and maximize your rating? Check out our VA Disability Education & Legal Strategy Center. It’s your one-stop hub for guides, checklists, and insider tips to:

  • Avoid common VA delays.

  • Maximize your rating.

  • Make the process as simple as possible.

Final Word

Yes, VA cases take too long. But it’s not because lawyers are dragging their feet. The real culprit is the VA’s backlog-heavy system.

The vast majority of VA lawyers want the same thing you do: a fast, favorable outcome. And at NSLF, we take that mission personally. We know every month matters. That’s why we fight to move your case forward quickly and strategically — never to drag it out.

👉 Reach out today. Let us take the weight off your shoulders and fight to get you the benefits you’ve earned, as fast as possible.

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