Ohio Veterans Disability Benefits Attorney

After completing military service for their country, many veterans seek the medical assistance and benefits promised by the government. Whether they served in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other conflict, the VA should serve as a reliable resource during their transition back to civilian life. Unfortunately, obtaining these benefits is often challenging – and sometimes seems impossible – due to bureaucratic hurdles and complex processes.

At Manring & Farrell, we proudly represent disabled veterans throughout Ohio, helping them secure the veterans compensation benefits and Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. Our experienced Columbus veterans compensation benefits lawyers prepare you for every step of the claim process, from initial applications to appeals, for both service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities.

We provide personalized attention, gathering evidence to strengthen your case and navigating the VA’s complicated system. If more than a year has passed since your decision and you didn’t appeal, we can assist in reopening your claim with a Supplemental Claim using new and relevant evidence.

What We Handle

Our Columbus attorneys assist veterans with VA and Social Security Disability claims, guiding you from the initial application through appeals or claim reopenings. We handle cases involving a wide range of disabilities, including physical injuries, mental health conditions, and illnesses related to service exposures.

For decisions made after February 19, 2019, under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), you have three review options:

• Supplemental Claims: Submit new evidence to support your case.
• Higher-Level Review: A senior VA official re-examines your claim without new evidence.
• Direct Appeal: Take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a thorough review, potentially including new evidence and a hearing.

If your rating decision predates February 19, 2019, you can use the legacy appeals system, including filing a Notice of Disagreement. Remember, you generally have one year from the date of your VA decision to file an appeal. We help you select the most strategic path based on your situation.

Mental Health and Treatment Updates

Veterans can access their first three outpatient mental health or substance use visits each year at no cost through 2027. This includes evidence-based treatments for military sexual trauma (MST), telehealth services, and residential rehab programs.

In a crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online anytime. Our firm stays current with all VA rule changes and legal updates to ensure we advance your claim effectively.

When Can We Represent You?

Manring & Farrell can represent you as soon as you receive your initial VA decision. For pre-February 19, 2019 decisions, we handle legacy appeals, including Notices of Disagreement. For newer decisions under the AMA, we guide you in choosing between a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board of Veterans’ Appeals appeal to maximize your chances of success.

Attorney Fees for Veterans Benefits Claims

We work on a contingent-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront – fees are only collected if we secure a successful outcome. Typically, fees range from 20% to 33% of any past-due benefits awarded by the VA, as outlined in our agreement. No fees are deducted from your current or future monthly disability payments.

Presumptive Service-Connected Conditions

Certain medical conditions are presumed by the VA to be service-related, simplifying the claims process. This presumption can be rebutted in rare cases, but it provides a strong foundation for eligibility. Examples include:

• Chronic Diseases: Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or hypertension diagnosed within one year of release from active duty (with at least 90 days of service).
• Tropical Diseases: Illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, malaria, or filariasis diagnosed within one year of release.
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): Diagnosed at any time after discharge with 90+ days of service.
• Former Prisoners of War: Conditions like psychosis, anxiety disorders, dysthymic disorder, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, heart disease, hypertensive vascular disease, stroke, chronic dysentery, or irritable bowel syndrome (with at least 10% disability).
• Vietnam Veterans (January 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975, excluding offshore waters): Agent Orange-related conditions, including Hodgkin’s disease, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, respiratory cancers (e.g., lung, trachea, larynx, bronchus), prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, soft tissue sarcoma (with exclusions), and under certain conditions, chloracne or porphyria cutanea tarda.
• Radiation-Exposed Veterans: Specific cancers like Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, various leukemias, multiple myeloma, or primary liver cancer (excluding cases with cirrhosis or hepatitis B), based on exposure locations and types.
• Gulf War Veterans: Medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome (present for at least six months, at least 10% disabling, diagnosed by December 31, 2021).

For more details, visit our Veterans Compensation FAQ page.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

VA claims can take years, and denials or low ratings are common, even for serious injuries like shrapnel wounds, nerve damage, herbicide-related illnesses, IED injuries, PTSD, or partial limb loss. Don’t give up – persistence is key. The most important steps are:

• Continue fighting for the benefits you earned.
• Hire an experienced attorney to navigate the process.

We help build strong appeals with comprehensive evidence. For more guidance, see our Veterans Compensation Disability FAQ page.

Eligibility for Service-Connected Disability Benefits

To qualify for service-connected benefits, you must meet three key requirements:

1. A current physical or mental disability with a medical diagnosis.
2. An injury, event, or aggravation during service.
3. A connection (nexus) between the service event and your current disability (some are presumed service-connected).

Even indirect connections may qualify – for example, a service-related leg injury leading to back problems or depression. Benefits are not income-based, so you can receive them while working or collecting other income like Social Security Disability.

Your discharge type matters: Honorable or general discharges typically qualify; dishonorable ones do not. Our firm, with over 30 years of experience since 1991, evaluates your eligibility and builds a robust case.

Eligibility for Nonservice-Connected Disability Benefits

If your disability isn’t directly tied to service, you may still qualify for nonservice-connected pension benefits if you:

• Have a current disability.
• Served at least 90 days on active duty, with at least one day during wartime.
• Received a discharge other than dishonorable.
• Are 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled (not due to willful misconduct).
• Meet income and asset limits set by Congress (these benefits are needs-based).

Proving eligibility can be challenging, but our attorneys have handled over 15,000 disability cases and apply that expertise to strengthen your claim.

Why Choose Manring & Farrell?

Since 1991, Manring & Farrell has focused exclusively on representing injured and disabled clients across Ohio, including veterans seeking both service-connected and nonservice-connected benefits. We provide step-by-step guidance, from applications to appeals, using our negotiation, trial, and appellate skills to advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Contact our dedicated veterans benefits firm today for assistance with your claim. Call us at 614-678-7199 or reach out online. We have offices in Lima, Columbus, and Lebanon, serving clients throughout Ohio.