Denied or Underrated by the VA? Get The Veterans Disability Appeals Lawyer
The Law Office of John M. Williams, LLC appeals VA decisions to help deserving veterans get compensation denied by the VA.
What We Do
Veterans Disability Compensation Appeals
Common Service-Connected Conditions We Appeal
We handle a wide spectrum of physical and psychological disability claims, from straightforward rating increases to highly complex secondary service connections.
Mental Health & Trauma
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Degenerative Disc Disease & Back Injuries
- Knee and Joint Conditions
- Radiculopathy & Nerve Damage
Neurological & Sensory Conditions
- Migraines and Severe Headaches
- Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Complex & Secondary Claims
- Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU)
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
- Skin Conditions (e.g., Solar Urticaria, Severe Acne)
- Conditions secondary to Tinnitus, Diabetes, or Hypertension
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Appeals
When is the right time to hire a VA appeals attorney? The best time to contact our firm is immediately after you receive a rating decision that denies your claim, provides a lower rating than you deserve, or establishes an incorrect effective date. By law, VA-accredited attorneys cannot charge fees to help you file an initial application. We step in when the VA makes an error, taking over the complex work of filing Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews (HLR), or Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) cases.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a VA appeal? We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not get paid a fee unless you win your appeal. If we successfully secure retroactive benefits (backpay) for you, our fee is a standard 20% of that backpay. The VA pays this directly from your retroactive award, so you never have to worry about out-of-pocket legal bills, retainers, or hourly fees. If we do not win your appeal, you owe us nothing for our legal services.
How long will my VA appeal take? Timelines vary based on the specifics of your case and the appeal lane we select under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA):
- Higher-Level Reviews (HLR) & Supplemental Claims: Currently, the VA takes an average of 4 to 5 months to issue decisions in these lanes.
- Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA): BVA timelines depend on the docket we choose. A Direct Review (no new evidence) typically takes about 1 year, while Evidence Submission or Hearing dockets can take between 1.5 to 2 years or more.
- Note: We meticulously prepare your filings to avoid unnecessary delays and keep your case moving as efficiently as possible.
I was denied years ago. Is it too late to appeal? Not necessarily. While you generally have one year from the date of a decision letter to file a standard appeal, there are powerful exceptions. If we uncover a "Clear and Unmistakable Error" (CUE) in your old rating decision, we can challenge it regardless of how much time has passed. Additionally, if you have new and relevant medical evidence, or if laws have changed (such as the passage of the PACT Act), we can reopen decades-old claims by filing a Supplemental Claim.
Will I lose my current VA rating if I appeal for a higher one? Many veterans fear that "poking the bear" will result in a rating reduction. While the VA does have the authority to reduce ratings if they find a condition has materially improved, our firm thoroughly reviews your complete medical file before we file an appeal. If we see a risk that your current rating could be lowered, we will tell you upfront and advise you on the safest legal strategy.
