At Disability Law Group (DLG), we take immense pride in sharing a recent success achieved by Attorney Drop, a dedicated VA disability lawyer for a Vietnam War Veteran exposed to Agent Orange. Through persistent advocacy and deep expertise in VA disability benefits, Attorney Drop was able to secure a 100% VA Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating for the Veteran, greatly enhancing his quality of life and financial security.
This Veteran, who served honorably in Vietnam, has long struggled with several health issues linked to his exposure to Agent Orange, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, and congestive heart failure. Despite the severity of these conditions, his previous did not adequately reflect the full scope of his impairments, leaving him without the appropriate compensation and support.
Breaking Down the Key Issues
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PTSD Rating
When the Veteran first approached Disability Law Group, he was rated at 30% for PTSD. Attorney Drop recognized that the severity of his symptoms warranted a higher rating, and she immediately took action. She arranged a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which confirmed that the Veteran met the higher criteria for PTSD. Additionally, Attorney Drop collaborated with the Veteran’s family members and former coworkers to obtain personal statements that documented the psychological symptoms they had observed, further supporting the case for an increased rating. Thanks to her efforts, the Veteran’s PTSD rating was increased to 100%.
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Congestive Heart Failure
The case presented further challenges when the VA initially denied service connection for the Veteran’s congestive heart failure, stating that it was not a presumptive condition of Agent Orange exposure. However, Attorney Drop did not accept this decision. She conducted extensive research, reviewing medical studies and identifying compelling evidence that hypothyroidism—a condition the Veteran already had service-connected—was a significant risk factor for developing congestive heart failure.
Attorney Drop secured an independent medical opinion that conclusively linked the Veteran’s congestive heart failure to his service-connected hypothyroidism. This expert testimony, combined with her meticulous review of the Veteran’s medical records, helped establish the causal connection needed for the VA to grant service connection for the heart failure.
A Comprehensive Victory for the Veteran
Attorney Drop’s tireless dedication to the case paid off. She presented a well-supported argument demonstrating how the Veteran was entitled to service connection and ensured he received the highest rating for his conditions under the rating criteria. As a result, the VA granted the Veteran not only the 100% P&T rating but also the added benefit of special monthly compensation due to the severity of his disabilities.
Furthermore, Attorney Drop was successful in securing retroactive VA benefits ensuring that the Veteran received VA disability back pay dating back to May 2019. This resulted in over $120,000 in past-due compensation.
This substantial financial award provides the Veteran with the financial stability he deserves and ensures that he will receive the maximum benefits available moving forward, including critical support for his ongoing healthcare needs.
Why Legal Representation Matters
This case underscores the importance of having experienced legal representation when navigating the complex VA disability claims process. Many Veterans are unaware that a VA disability appeal can significantly impact their and final compensation, making professional guidance crucial.
Attorney Drop’s commitment and expertise made a significant difference in securing the benefits the Veteran earned through his service.
If you or a loved one is seeking assistance with a VA disability claim, we invite you to contact us today. We are here to help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
