Imagine if this was your life after the military:
✅ Your medical care is fully covered.
✅ A tax-free check lands in your account every month.
✅ You can support your family, pay the bills, and breathe easier—without battling the system alone.

This isn’t a fantasy. It’s exactly what VA disability compensation is meant to provide for veterans who suffered injuries or illnesses from their service. Yet many veterans don’t fully understand this benefit or mistakenly think it’s not for them. In this post, we’ll break down what VA disability compensation is, who qualifies, how it works, and how it can truly change a veteran’s life for the better. (To be clear, we’re focusing on VA disability compensation, not the VA pension, which is a separate needs-based benefit for wartime veterans.) By the end, you’ll know why this benefit exists, how to pursue what you’ve earned, and why having the National Security Law Firm (NSLF) in your corner can make all the difference.

What Is VA Disability Compensation?

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to veterans who have disabilities connected to their military service. In other words, if you got sick or injured because of your service – or if service aggravated an existing condition – the VA compensates you for that loss in health. This money is not charity or a handout; it’s a recognition and reward for the sacrifices you made. As one NSLF attorney puts it, “VA benefits are not charity—they are earned compensation for your service.” It’s the country’s way of taking care of those who took care of us.

Key features of VA disability compensation:

  • Tax-Free Monthly Payments: The payments come to you tax-free, at a rate determined by your disability rating (more on ratings soon). They continue for life, as long as the disability persists.

  • Not Income-Dependent: Unlike some other benefits, VA compensation is not means-tested – it doesn’t matter how much you earn or have in the bank. A billionaire and a low-income veteran get the same compensation for the same disability rating. (By contrast, the VA pension is a separate benefit for wartime veterans with financial need– you generally can’t receive both, and the VA will pay whichever is greater.)

  • Additional Benefits: Having a service-connected disability can unlock other perks too – like VA healthcare eligibility, vocational training, property tax breaks in some states, and more. The higher your rating, the more additional benefits (for example, at certain ratings you can add dependents, or qualify for housing grants or student loan forgiveness).

Think of VA compensation as a way to replace the earning potential you lost due to service-related health issues and to honor your service. It provides stable financial support so you can focus on healing and living your life, instead of stressing over bills. As NSLF notes, it’s about “financial security: monthly, tax-free income for life… and acknowledgment of your service – you earned it. Period.”

Who Qualifies for VA Disability Compensation?

You qualify for VA disability compensation if you meet a few basic requirements:

  1. You’re a Veteran with a Disabling Condition: You must have a current physical or mental health condition that affects your body or mind. It could be anything from a bad knee to PTSD – even hearing loss, migraines, or scars. The severity can range widely (the VA will assign a rating to quantify it). Even a mild issue like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can qualify, as long as it’s service-connected (and tinnitus is actually the #1 most common VA disability claim). There’s no time limit on when your condition had to appear – some issues surface years after service, and that’s okay. The VA recognizes that certain service-related problems (like PTSD or Agent Orange-linked illnesses) may only become apparent long after you hang up the uniform.

  2. Service Connection (the condition is linked to your service): This is the core requirement – your disability must be “service-connected.” In simple terms, that means the VA agrees that your military service caused or worsened the condition. Service connection can be established in several ways – maybe you injured your back in a training accident, developed hearing loss from the gun range, or contracted an illness due to toxic exposures on duty. Even if an injury happened off duty, if service aggravated it, it might count. In some cases, conditions are presumed service-related (for example, certain Vietnam vets are presumed exposed to Agent Orange, or Gulf War vets with specific illnesses). Secondary conditions (issues caused by a service-connected disability) can also be compensated. In short, if you can trace your disability back to your time in uniform, directly or indirectly, you likely meet this requirement. We’ll dive deeper into service connection below.

  3. Discharge Character: Generally, you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Honorable and General discharges are fine; Other Than Honorable (OTH) may require special review. If you have an OTH or bad conduct discharge, you might need a VA Character of Discharge determination or even a discharge upgrade to gain eligibilitynationalsecuritylawfirm.com. Don’t write yourself off, though – there are exceptions (like the “insanity exception” for mental health-driven misconduct or new 2024 rules requiring the VA to consider “compelling circumstances” in misconduct cases). The bottom line: most veterans with non-dishonorable discharges and a service-related health issue will qualify for compensation. If your discharge is a potential hurdle, NSLF can often help navigate or overcome it.

  4. Degree of Disability: Technically even a 0% rating (meaning the VA agrees it’s service-connected but finds it non-compensable) qualifies you for the benefit (just at $0 payment). But to get payments, you’ll need a rating of 10% or higher. The vast majority of qualifying veterans have conditions that meet the 10% threshold. And ratings can go all the way to 100% (complete disability). We’ll explain the ratings system next.

If you check those boxes, you’re eligible. It doesn’t matter if you served in combat or never left U.S. soil – combat service is not a requirement. Peacetime veterans and support personnel get hurt and sick too. As NSLF emphasizes, “Many peacetime vets and non-combat vets are still eligible.” What matters is the link to service, not where or how it happened. Also, age isn’t a barrier – you could be 22 or 82. In fact, lots of Vietnam, Cold War, and Gulf War veterans are only now claiming benefits for issues that began decades ago. Don’t think it’s “too late” – if it’s service-connected, it qualifies, period.

Understanding “Service Connection”

“Service connection” means the VA has officially determined that your disability is linked to your military service. This is the linchpin of VA disability claims. Without service connection, there is no compensation. But with service connection established, you’re entitled to benefits even if the condition emerged after service.

There are a few ways service connection can be proven or presumed:

  • Direct Service Connection: There’s clear evidence your condition began in the service or was directly caused by it. For example, your medical records show you broke your ankle in a parachute jump, and now you have chronic ankle issues – that’s a direct service connection. Or you were diagnosed with asthma while on active duty that still affects you today. This is the most straightforward type.

  • Aggravation: You had a pre-existing condition that worsened because of service. Maybe you had a minor knee injury before enlisting, but the rigors of military training made it far worse. If the military aggravated a condition beyond its natural progression, the VA compensates the degree of worsening.

  • Secondary Service Connection: A service-connected disability can cause another condition, which then becomes service-connected as well. For instance, you have a service-connected knee injury that alters your gait, and over time it throws out your back – that back condition can be claimed as secondary to the knee. Or perhaps medication for a service injury causes liver damage – that liver issue can be secondary. VA will pay for all disabilities stemming from the original service injury (primary or secondary).

  • Presumptive Service Connection: In some cases, the VA presumes certain conditions are service-related based on unique exposures or circumstances, even without direct proof. A classic example is Agent Orange exposure – if you served in Vietnam (or certain other areas/times) and later develop one of a list of diseases (like Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, certain cancers), the VA presumes it’s service-connected. Similarly, Gulf War veterans with certain unexplained illnesses, former POWs with specific conditions, radiation-exposed vets, and more have presumptive conditions. This can spare you the burden of proving the link – the VA essentially says “we assume service caused this.”

Documentation and evidence are how you establish service connection. Typically, you’d show: (1) a current medical diagnosis, (2) an event, injury, or exposure in service, and (3) a nexus linking #1 and #2 (often via a doctor’s opinion). If all your care was in the military, sometimes the link is obvious (e.g. chronic condition noted in your service treatment records). Other times you might need supporting statements or medical expert opinions to draw the connection.

Bottom line: If you have a disability and you can trace it to your service – whether by an incident, an exposure, or a chain reaction from another injury – you likely have a service-connected condition. And that means you’re entitled to VA disability compensation for it.

Examples of Service-Connected Conditions

Service-connected disabilities cover a wide range – far beyond just combat wounds. Here are some common examples that many veterans (maybe even you) experience:

  • Hearing Loss & Tinnitus: Years of gunfire, engines, and explosions take a toll. It’s no surprise that tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is the single most common VA disability – nearly 3 million veterans receive compensation for it. Hearing loss is up there too, with almost 1.5 million vets service-connected for it. If you were around loud noises in service (and who wasn’t?), these conditions are high on the list to check. You don’t need a specific injury event; cumulative noise exposure is enough.

  • Knee, Back, and Joint Problems: Military life is tough on the body. Jumping out of trucks, rucking with heavy gear, PT tests – they can all lead to orthopedic issues. In fact, limitations of motion in joints (like knee flexion issues and back strains) rank among the top 5 most compensated conditions for veterans. Whether it’s chronic knee pain, a bad back, shoulder injuries, or arthritis, many vets have these problems tied to service activities or injuries. Even if the wear-and-tear took years to show up, if service contributed, it can be service-connected.

  • Nerve Conditions (e.g. Sciatica): Lots of vets deal with nerve pain or neurological issues traceable to service. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve (often manifesting as sciatica) is a very common service-connected disability in VA’s rolls. This often ties into back injuries or disc issues from service. Carpal tunnel from repetitive tasks, neuropathy from cold injuries, or nerve damage from shrapnel or fractures are other examples.

  • Mental Health Conditions (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety): Our wounds aren’t always visible. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most frequent claims, with over 1.4 million vets service-connected for PTSD. Combat can cause PTSD, but so can training accidents, sexual assault (Military Sexual Trauma), or other traumatic events in service. Depression and anxiety disorders that began in or were exacerbated by service are also eligible. The VA recognizes these conditions just like physical ones. If your military experience left emotional scars, you deserve treatment and compensation for those too.

  • Head Injuries and TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from things like IED blasts or training accidents has affected many OIF/OEF veterans (and earlier eras too). Aftereffects can range from headaches and memory issues to mood changes. If you had any concussive events in service and have lasting symptoms, it’s worth exploring a claim.

  • Respiratory Issues (Burn Pits, Agent Orange, etc.): Exposure to toxins is a big topic lately. Veterans who breathed in burn pit smoke in Iraq/Afghanistan are now experiencing asthma, bronchitis, and rare respiratory cancers – many of these conditions are now presumptively service-connected by law. Vietnam-era vets exposed to Agent Orange have a long list of presumptive diseases (from diabetes to Parkinson’s to cancers). Gulf War vets have “Gulf War Syndrome” and related presumptives. Even if your condition emerged years later, if it aligns with known military exposure effects, you may have a case.

  • Scars and Orthopedic Residuals: Did you have any surgeries in service or injuries that left scars? Scars (even if not painful) can be rated. So can lingering effects of fractures, torn ligaments, etc. For instance, almost 1 million vets are compensated for scars. If you required surgery (say, appendix removal, knee surgery, etc.) during service and have residual effects or scars, that’s service-connected.

  • Chronic illnesses: Things like hypertension, ulcers, or diabetes can be service-connected if they began in service or within a presumptive period after (for certain chronic diseases). For example, hypertension is now presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure (just added in 2022). If you developed an illness during service or shortly after, don’t assume it’s “just aging.”

This is not an exhaustive list, but it shows the breadth. According to VA’s own data, the top disabilities claimed by veterans include tinnitus, knee problems, back strains, nerve paralysis, hearing loss, PTSD, arm/ankle joint limitations, migraines, and scars. In other words, very common ailments. You’re not required to have a dramatic combat injury – the everyday rigors of military service are enough to cause lasting issues. Even if your condition seems minor, it may still rate compensation. For instance, tinnitus is only a 10% rating, but that’s still a monthly check and free VA healthcare for it. Many vets also underrate their own issues or assume “others have it worse, I shouldn’t apply.” Don’t fall for that. Every service-connected disability, big or small, is an earned benefit. As NSLF puts it, “Taking your benefits doesn’t take away from anyone else.” You can get compensation for multiple conditions, too – the VA will combine them into one overall rating.

How VA Disability Ratings and Payments Work

Once the VA agrees your condition is service-connected, they assign a disability rating to it. This is a percentage from 0% to 100% in 10% increments (0%, 10%, 20%, … 100%). The rating reflects how severe the VA thinks your disability is, and how much it impairs your average earning capacity. The higher the percentage, the greater the impact on your life – and thus the higher the compensation.

Some key points about ratings and compensation levels:

  • Combined Rating: If you have multiple disabilities, each gets its own percentage, and then the VA uses a formula (the “Combined Ratings Table”) to calculate your overall rating. This formula isn’t just simple addition – it accounts for the idea that a 30% disability plus another 20% disability doesn’t equal a 50% total disability (since you’re considered, in VA math, 30% disabled and 70% “efficient,” then 20% of the remaining 70%, and so on). The math can be funky – for example, 30% + 20% = 44% which rounds down to 40%. The VA will round to the nearest 10%. The gist: multiple issues can combine to a higher overall rating, but there are diminishing returns as you approach 100%. (NSLF’s lawyers are adept at navigating this combined rating math to ensure you get every last percent you deserve).

  • 0% Ratings: A 0% rating means “we recognize it’s service-connected, but it’s not severe enough to warrant compensation.” You won’t get monthly payments for a 0% condition. However, 0% still has value – it means free VA healthcare for that condition and the ability to apply for an increase if it worsens. It also can help you reach higher combined ratings when paired with other conditions. So even a 0% service connection is worth having on the books.

  • 10% to 90% Ratings: These are partial disability ratings. You’ll get a set monthly amount for each level, which increases as the rating goes up. For example, a single veteran with a 50% rating currently receives about $1,041 per month, while a 70% rating pays around $1,716 per month. These payments are tax-free. They also generally increase annually with cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). The VA compensation rates are publicly available and update each year (e.g., in 2024 they rose by 8.7%, in 2025 by 3.2%, etc.).

  • 100% Rating: A 100% schedular rating is the highest level, reserved for disabilities (or combination of disabilities) that make you essentially totally disabled in the eyes of the VA. The 100% rate for a single veteran is about $3,700+ per month as of 2024. That can be higher if you have dependents (e.g., a spouse, children, or dependent parents) – for instance, a vet with a spouse at 100% gets a bit more. At 100%, you also unlock some additional benefits, like eligibility for dental care, full commissary privileges, and possibly exemption from certain state taxes or fees. It’s a big deal. There’s also a special status called TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability) where if your disabilities (even if not totaling 100%) prevent you from holding a job, the VA will pay you at the 100% rate. So there are multiple paths to get the top benefit.

  • Incremental Differences Matter: Each step up in rating brings more money and often new benefits. A jump from 30% to 50%, or 50% to 70%, can be very significant in dollars. And the jump from 90% to 100% is huge. For example, going from 90% ($2,300/mo) to 100% ($3,700/mo) might nearly double your monthly compensation. Over a lifetime, these differences add up massively. We’ll illustrate this with real numbers in the lawyer section, because it’s often more than a half-million dollars difference over 20–30 years.

  • Additional Compensation (SMC): In cases of very severe disabilities, the VA can pay Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) on top of the regular rates. This includes things like loss of use of limbs, blindness, need for aid and attendance, etc. If you’re 100% and housebound or need a caregiver, for example, you can get extra money. This is a bit beyond our scope here, but it’s good to know it exists for extreme situations.

In summary, the rating determines your pay. The VA’s goal (theoretically) is that a 100% rating compensates for the average veteran’s inability to work, whereas a 10% rating compensates for a minor impairment, and so on. In practice, even at lower ratings, the extra income and access to care can be a game-changer. Many veterans rely on their VA disability check as a vital supplement to their income or retirement. It’s also lifetime (there’s no arbitrary cutoff age).

It’s important to get the rating you truly deserve – which is why documentation and sometimes appeals are crucial. Sadly, the VA doesn’t always rate correctly the first time; under-rating is common.A 30% instead of 50%, or 70% instead of 100%, can leave thousands on the table. If you feel your rating is too low, you have the right to seek an increase or appeal. Given the stakes, many veterans turn to experienced attorneys (like NSLF) to help increase ratings and ensure they’re not shortchanged.

Before we talk more about attorneys, let’s dispel some myths that often hold veterans back from even pursuing VA disability benefits in the first place.

Common Myths and Misunderstandings about VA Disability

There’s a lot of misinformation and misconceptions out there about VA disability benefits. Let’s tackle a few of the biggest myths – and the truth about each:

  • Myth: “My service wasn’t in combat, so I probably don’t qualify.”
    Truth: You do not need to be a combat veteran to get VA disability. Any injury or illness linked to any period of service can qualify – wartime or peacetime, overseas or statesidenationalsecuritylawfirm.com. Training accidents, wear-and-tear, illness, mental health struggles… all count. Don’t assume you had to earn a Purple Heart to deserve compensation.

  • Myth: “Applying for disability makes me weak or is asking for charity.”
    Truth: VA disability compensation is earned, just like your paycheck or military retirement. It’s a benefit you earned by serving – an entitlement by law, not charity. As NSLF bluntly says, “VA benefits are not charity—they are earned compensation for your service.”nationalsecuritylawfirm.com There is no shame in claiming what you’re owed. In fact, using the benefits you’ve earned honors your sacrifice rather than diminishing it.

  • Myth: “Someone else probably needs it more than me. I’m managing, I shouldn’t take resources from other vets.”
    Truth: This is an admirable sentiment, but it’s misguided. You claiming your benefits does not take away from anyone else. The VA doesn’t have a fixed pie where if you get a slice, another vet goes hungry. Everyone who qualifies can receive what they’re entitled tonationalsecuritylawfirm.com. There are millions of dollars in benefits not being used by veterans every yearnationalsecuritylawfirm.com – it’s not selfish to claim your portion, it’s smart and deserved.

  • Myth: “The VA claims process is too much of a headache. I heard it’s super slow, complicated, and I’m likely to just get denied.”
    Truth: Yes, the process can be complex – there are forms, exams, and sometimes long waits. But you don’t have to do it alone, and it’s gotten better in recent years. The VA has made improvements (especially with the Appeals Modernization Act) to speed things up, and many claims go through in a matter of months now. More importantly, help is available – from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) or qualified attorneys – to guide you through the red tapenationalsecuritylawfirm.com. Don’t let fear of paperwork cost you a lifetime of compensation. As one veteran said, walking away because it’s overwhelming is basically “throwing away lifetime tax-free income”nationalsecuritylawfirm.com. It’s worth the fight – and there are experts ready to fight with you.

  • Myth: “If my initial claim is denied, that’s it – nothing I can do.”
    Truth: Absolutely wrong. You can appeal a denial, and many veterans win on appeal with additional evidence or the right arguments. A VA denial is not the final word – think of it as a setback, not the end. There are multiple appeal options (Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, Board of Veterans’ Appeals), and veterans frequently succeed on a second try. Often, initial denials happen due to missing evidence or VA errors that can be fixed. Don’t give up – you have rights in the appeals process, and success rates go up significantly when vets have proper representation. (At NSLF, appeals are our specialty – we’ve turned around many unfair denials.)

  • Myth: “I can’t work if I’m on VA disability, or I’ll lose my benefits.”
    Truth: VA disability compensation is not the same as Social Security disability. You can work while receiving VA disability payments, unless you are rated 100% and specifically receiving benefits for Total Disability/Unemployability (TDIU). For any rating under 100%, you are free to work without it affecting your payments. Even at 100%, if it’s a schedular 100%, you can still work (many 100% disabled vets do). Only if you’re being paid at 100% because you’re unemployable (and even then, marginal or part-time work can be allowed) is work an issue. So don’t think you have to be completely jobless or immobile to qualify. Many disabled vets hold careers and simultaneously receive VA comp for service injuries – that extra income helps them thrive, not sit at home.

There are other myths (like “VA healthcare is terrible” – in truth, it varies but many VA hospitals provide excellent care; or “if I didn’t document it in service, I can’t claim it” – not always true, you can establish service connection with other evidence). The point is: don’t let misconceptions stop you from applying or appealing. When in doubt, seek out reliable info (the VA’s website, or reputable guides like NSLF’s VA Disability Education Center). And consider talking to a professional who knows this field. Which brings us to…

Why National Security Law Firm (NSLF)?

At National Security Law Firm, our mission is simple: “maximize your benefits in the shortest time possible.” We’re not just another law firm that dabbles in veterans’ cases – we are veterans, serving veterans, with a deep personal passion for this work. Here’s why NSLF is uniquely positioned to help with your VA disability claim:

  • Veteran-Founded, Veteran-Led: This firm was founded by disabled vets for fellow vets. Our founder, Brett O’Brien, is a U.S. Army veteran (still serving in the Reserves) who knows the system firsthand. He developed a rare cancer linked to contaminated base water during his service – and the VA denied his claim. Yes, you read that right. Brett has been there, battling frustration and bureaucracy when the VA didn’t want to do right by him. He eventually won, and that experience lit a fire to help others. Brett built NSLF so that no veteran has to fight the system alone or settle for less than they deserve. When we say “we understand,” we truly do – because we’ve lived it.

  • Trusted by Veterans Nationwide: We are proud to have earned the trust of veterans all across the country. NSLF has a stellar 4.9-star rating in Google Reviews from the vets we’ve helped (hundreds of them) – and you can read those reviews here. Hearing stories of how we changed lives is the greatest validation of our work. We’re also an accredited VA law firm and handle cases nationwide – you don’t have to be in our city to work with us. We utilize secure technology to serve veterans in all 50 states and even abroad.

  • Veterans Serving Veterans: Almost all our attorneys and paralegals are veterans or military family members. We have former officers and NCOs, you name it. When you talk to us, you’re talking to someone who “gets” the military mindset and will treat you like a brother or sister in arms, not just a case number. This isn’t just a job for us; it’s a mission. Our values – duty, loyalty, integrity – align with the military values you know. We bring that same dedication to fighting for you that we brought to fighting for our country.

  • Maximizing Benefits, Minimizing Hassle: We know the VA process can be overwhelming, so we take pride in making it as easy and stress-free for you as possible. We handle the paperwork, the phone calls, the research, the appeals – all of it. Our team breaks down the legalese into plain language so you always know what’s happening. As one client said, we make the process “super simple and clear.” We can’t promise the VA will be fast (nobody can), but we can promise that we won’t waste a minute. Our firm operates with military efficiency – we get things done quickly and correctly, so you’re not waiting on us. Every day we ask, “how can we speed this up and get our client paid sooner?” Because we know every month waiting is a month of benefits lost.

  • Proven Results & Bold Advocacy: We’re not afraid to take on complex or difficult cases – in fact, we thrive on them. Whether it’s a denied PTSD claim, a Vietnam vet finally seeking Agent Orange benefits, or an increase from 80% to 100%, we bring our A-game. We have helped countless veterans nationwide secure the higher ratings and back pay they deserve – often after they had tried and failed on their own. Our team has argued before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and even the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. We know how to build compelling cases with medical evidence, lay statements, and legal precedent. And we fight aggressively – as one of our principles states, “Our attorneys don’t just aim to win; we aim to win big.” We’re in this to change lives, and that means not settling for mediocre outcomes when a veteran qualifies for more.

In short, NSLF offers the best of both worlds: the heart and understanding of fellow veterans and the skill and knowledge of top-notch lawyers. We truly believe we’re among the best in the nation at what we do – and our growing reputation backs that up. Our goal isn’t just to win your case, but to maximize it – to get you every dollar, every benefit, as quickly as possible. Because you’ve waited long enough.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?

We know what you might be thinking at this point: “All that legal firepower sounds expensive… can I even afford a lawyer?” Good news – at NSLF, you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win your case. This is called a contingency fee arrangement, and it means there’s zero financial risk to you.

Here’s the breakdown of our pricing model:

  • No Upfront Fees, No Hourly Billing: We do free consultations and charge nothing to start or work on your case. You will never get a monthly bill from us. We don’t charge by the hour. You could call us 10 times a week with questions and it wouldn’t cost you a dime out-of-pocket. We front all the costs of developing your claim (gathering records, medical opinions, etc.). This was important to us as vets – we never want finances to be a barrier for a fellow veteran to get help.

  • Only Pay If You Win (Contingency Fee): We only get paid if we successfully secure new benefits for you. Our standard fee is 20% of your back pay. Back pay is the lump sum of past-due benefits the VA owes you, usually from your effective date to when they grant the claim. By law, attorneys in VA cases typically charge 20% (which is what we do; and notably, this fee is the same or less than what many non-profit VSOs charge in fees from retroactive awards, interestingly enough). You keep 100% of your future monthly checks – the fee only comes out of the one-time retro payment. And if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. That pushes us to work extra hard for you, because our payment depends on your success.

  • No Hidden Costs: There are no administrative fees, no nickel-and-dime charges. In rare cases, if an outside expense is needed (like an expert medical opinion) we discuss it with you – but generally, we handle all that and it’s part of the 20%. We are fully transparent about our fee agreement from day one (you’ll have it in writing and we walk you through it). There won’t be any surprises.

For more detail on our fees and how they work, see our VA Disability Lawyer Pricing Explained page (we break down examples there). But the key takeaway: hiring us requires no money out-of-pocket, ever. We’ve structured our practice so that finances won’t stand in the way of a veteran getting quality representation. As we like to say, our incentives are aligned with yours – we only get paid when you do.

Many clients also find comfort in the fact that because our fee is a percentage of back pay, it essentially pays for itself – it’s money you wouldn’t have had without us fighting and winning for you. Let’s illustrate that in the next section, because it’s one of the strongest reasons veterans choose to get legal help.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your VA Claim?

“Do I really need a lawyer, or can I do this on my own (or with a VSO)?” This is a very common – and valid – question veterans have. The short answer is: Yes, you absolutely can go it alone or use a free VSO, and many veterans do. But here’s the reality: a skilled VA disability lawyer can often mean the difference between a partial benefit and the full benefit you deserve.The VA process is a battle, and having an experienced advocate in your corner is a force multiplier.

Consider these points when deciding whether to enlist an attorney’s help:

  • Higher Chance of a Higher Rating: Statistics and our firm’s experience show that represented veterans tend to secure higher disability ratings than unrepresented ones. Why? Because lawyers (and accredited agents) know how to navigate the regulations, ensure all your symptoms are documented, and argue for the correct rating criteria. Many veterans, on their own, might overlook secondary conditions or not realize that, say, their migraine condition should be 50% instead of 30% based on frequency of prostrating attacks, etc. We know the rating schedule inside out. Even going from (for example) 70% to 100% is life-changing – and we’ve helped lots of vets make that jump. A skilled lawyer often increases your rating, which means more money every month for the rest of your life (tax-free).

  • Faster Approvals (Less Dragged-Out Fights): A well-prepared claim can sometimes avoid unnecessary delays. We help get it right the first time, whenever possible, by submitting robust evidence and legal briefs pointing the VA to the correct conclusion. If a denial happens, we know how to quickly pivot to an appeal and not waste time. We’ve often found that with an attorney handling things, the VA tends to respond more promptly – perhaps because they know we’ll hold them accountable. NSLF has also developed internal strategies to cut through VA backlogs and bureaucratic holdups. The result: our clients frequently get to a favorable decision faster than they expected. As we say, a skilled lawyer often gets you approved faster (so the money starts sooner).

  • The Lifetime Value of a Proper Rating: Let’s talk numbers, because this is where the true value of a lawyer becomes crystal clear. Imagine a veteran who, on their own, manages to get a 50% rating. That’s about $1,000 a month. With an attorney’s help, maybe we establish they should’ve been 100% all along (perhaps by combining conditions or proving unemployability). Now they get about $3,700 a month.The difference is roughly $2,700 more every month. Over a year, that’s $32,000 in additional benefits. Over 20 years, that’s $600,000+ extra in the veteran’s pocket. Over 30 years, it’s close to a million dollars. And that’s not even counting ancillary benefits like added healthcare, education for dependents, etc., that come with a 100% rating.

    To use NSLF’s own example: a veteran at 70% might get ~$1,700/mo, whereas 100% is ~$3,600/mo – a $1,900 difference per month. That equals $22,800 more per year, and about $684,000 over 30 years. Hiring a lawyer in that scenario (at a 20% fee on back pay) might cost, say, a few thousand from the retro award – but it yields hundreds of thousands in future payments. As we like to say, the right lawyer doesn’t cost you money – they make you money. In almost every successful case, our fee is just a small fraction of the additional benefits we win for the client.

  • Expert Guidance and Less Stress: Beyond dollars, having a lawyer means peace of mind. You don’t have to learn VA law overnight or guess at what forms to file. We will identify all possible claims (we often find veterans are missing conditions they could claim), gather medical evidence (we work with doctors who can write nexus letters or DBQs), and handle communications with the VA. We develop legal arguments citing VA regulations and case law that most veterans (and frankly many VSOs) aren’t familiar with. If a case needs a hearing, we represent you. If it needs an appeal to the Court, we handle that. Meanwhile, you can focus on your health and your family. We often hear clients say they felt a huge weight lifted after hiring us – they finally could sleep at night knowing someone was fighting for them.

  • When to use a VSO vs. an Attorney: Veterans Service Organizations (like DAV, VFW, American Legion) offer free representation. They are a great resource for initial claims or straightforward cases. We have deep respect for VSOs and often work alongside them. However, VSOs can be overburdened and might not have the time or legal expertise for complex appeals. If your case is denied, or it’s complicated (multiple conditions, need medical opinions, unfavorable discharge, etc.), that’s where an attorney can add tremendous value. Some veterans start with a VSO and later switch to us when the process becomes daunting or hits a wall. There’s no wrong answer – only what’s effective. In our VA Representation Options Guide, we offer an unbiased breakdown of going pro se vs. VSO vs. attorney, to help you decide what’s best for your situation.

In the end, the decision is yours. You absolutely can navigate the VA claims process on your own – many do. But you should do so with full awareness of what you might be foregoing. If you had a legal issue like a criminal charge or a big financial transaction, you’d likely get a lawyer to protect your interests. For your VA benefits – which could be hundreds of thousands of dollars and critical healthcare for you and your family – consider giving yourself that same advantage. At least take a free consultation with us to understand your case strength. We’ll be honest: if we think you’re doing fine on your own or that a VSO can handle it, we’ll tell you that straight up. If we think we can dramatically improve your odds or outcome, we’ll explain how. The consult costs nothing, and you’ll come away more informed either way.

Your Next Step: Get the Benefits You Deserve

The biggest mistake you can make with VA disability is waiting. Every month you put off filing a claim or an appeal is a month of tax-free compensation you might be missing out on. And if you wait too long, you could even lose retroactive benefits. You sacrificed for your country – now it’s time to let your country take care of you. As NSLF often reminds veterans: “Every month you delay could mean losing benefits forever.”

Whether you decide to work with us, go with a VSO, or handle it on your own, please – take action. Apply, appeal, ask questions, get answers. Don’t let misinformation, pride, or the complexity of the system stop you from securing your future. You earned these benefits. Don’t leave them on the table.

If you’re not sure where to start, a great resource is our VA Disability Education & Legal Strategy Center – it’s a hub of free guides and insider tips we’ve compiled to help veterans understand and win their claims. Think of it as your field manual for the VA claims battle. You can learn about everything from crafting a winning claim, to speeding up your case, to common errors to avoid. We built this knowledge center so that any veteran can empower themselves with information – whether you ultimately hire us or not. (Explore the guides in our VA Disability Education & Legal Strategy Center on our website for more – it’s all available to you.)

And remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. If you want personalized help – someone to take the burden off your shoulders and fight aggressively on your behalf – NSLF is ready to step in. It starts with a conversation: schedule a free consultation at your convenience. . We’ll listen to your story, review any decisions or medical records you have, and honestly assess your case. There’s no pressure and no cost for that meeting. We’ll lay out a game plan – whether it’s something you can do on your own or how we can help. At the very least, you’ll gain clarity on what to do next.

You’ve had our backs; now let us have yours. National Security Law Firm – It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.