Attorneys that represent the interests of disabled veterans are regulated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs accredits these attorneys and they also review all agreements made between the attorney and his disabled client. The agreement will be honored by VA if the legal fee does not exceed 20 percent of the past due benefits that are finally awarded.
Prior to 2007, veterans benefits attorneys in Pennsylvania were not allowed to represent a veteran before the Department of Veterans Affairs issued its first final decision on the claim. This is no longer the case; a disabled veteran can now hire attorneys at any time after they have been denied benefits and filed notice with the VA that they disagree with their decision.
Fee options:
Although veterans benefits attorneys in Pennsylvania have the right to charge a client a flat fee or an hourly rate, rarely is this done. The majority of veterans benefits attorneys charge on a contingency fee basis. This simply means that the attorneys will be paid in accordance with the agreement only when the client is awarded past due benefits. The fee is normally withheld from the past due amount and paid directly to the attorneys by VA.
Finding accredited attorneys:
As noted, all attorneys that represents veterans who were denied benefits or were given a rating below what they expected based on the extent of their disability, must be accredited by VA.
It is not necessary for an attorney to be accredited to simply help a veteran understand the benefits that are available. When you are preparing to file an appeal however, your attorneys must be accredited.
Accreditation is a must, but when you are looking for veterans benefits attorneys in Pennsylvania you want more than that; you will want attorneys that are experienced in handling cases similar to yours. Select attorneys that you feel comfortable with and you feel will give you the attention you need as the case progresses.
When you are faced with having to hire veterans benefits attorneys in Pennsylvania take time to find a team that has plenty of experience and cares for you and your situation. You are invited to schedule a free consultation with Jackson & MacNichol, Attorneys at Law.
