VA Rating Reduction Lawyer Virginia

You sacrificed a lot to serve your country, including your health. Now, the Veterans’ Affairs benefits you depend on could be reduced – or even ended. It’s understandable to feel nervous about your disability benefits being reduced, and no one understands your anxiety and worries like Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law.

The VA can reduce your disability rating if it determines that your disability has gotten less severe over time (and, therefore, you’re able to sustain gainful employment).  The agency may take a couple of different approaches to reduce benefits, although a reduced disability rating may not be final. You’ll also receive notification about the reduction and have the right to appeal this decision. An experienced Virginia VA rating reduction lawyer can help guide you through the red tape and paperwork as you try to preserve your benefits. Call Greg today for a free case review.

How Can A Virginia VA Rating Reduction Lawyer Help Me?

The VA periodically schedules re-examinations for some disabled veterans receiving benefits. Not all disabilities are subject to these re-examinations. Usually, only disabilities that may potentially become less severe are re-examined.

The exam may evaluate:

• Whether your symptoms still present the same level of severity
• Whether you have the same disability as you initially filed a claim for

The doctor may check other things, too. The goal of the exam is to ensure that only veterans who need benefits receive them. However, if you get a notice of a required re-examination, this doesn’t mean that your benefits will be reduced immediately. You have a right to Due Process—your disability rating won’t be reduced without permitting you a chance to contest the VA’s determination.

Your veterans benefits lawyer can help you draft your appeal and advise you of the right supporting medical records and other documentation you need to support your claim to maintain your rating. An attorney can also present your appeal to the VA and argue on your behalf.

Legal Advice For Appealing Your Rating Reduction

If you attend your re-examination appointment and your disability and symptoms have not changed since your initial diagnosis, then the VA won’t reduce your benefits rating. Even before you go to your re-examination appointment, you may wish to talk to a VA benefits attorney. They may be able to help you manage your exam appropriately and advise you of what kind of supporting documentation may be of benefit to take to the exam.

Your Due Process proceedings start with a notice from the VA that your disability rating will be reduced. You have 60 days from the notice to rebut the rating decrease, including requesting a redetermination hearing. This, however, must be requested within 30 days of the notification. You can see why it’s important to talk to a layer fast.

Book Your Free Consultation Today!

Do you need help with a VA rating reduction? Our legal team can help you get the full VA benefits you’re entitled to and appeal any rating reduction on your behalf. Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law, supports Virginia veterans and works tirelessly to serve those who served our country. Call Greg today for a complimentary case review!

Virginia VA Rating Reduction Lawyer FAQs

Our Virginia VA rating reduction lawyer understands from experience that when veterans face a potential reduction in their VA disability rating, the process can be confusing and stressful. Our team at Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law, works with veterans to protect their ratings and help them navigate the legal aspects of a VA rating reduction. Gregory M. Rada has been representing his fellow veterans before the Veterans Administration since 2012. He started After Service LLC so veterans would have access to a law firm founded by a veteran. Prior to becoming an attorney, Greg served in the United States Air Force from 2002 to 2008 as a C-17 loadmaster, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, accumulating over 2200 flying hours, including 828 combat flying hours.

Whether your rating is being reviewed for a potential change or has already been reduced, understanding your options is essential to maintaining the benefits you’ve earned. Below, we address some common questions surrounding VA rating reductions and how we can help.

Can A VA Rating Reduction Be Temporary Or Permanent?

Yes, VA rating reductions can be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances. Temporary reductions typically occur when the VA believes your condition has improved but could worsen again over time. Permanent reductions happen when the VA determines that your condition has shown sustained improvement and is unlikely to revert to its previous state. In either situation, it’s important to review the VA’s reasoning with a lawyer who understands VA disability law to determine if the reduction is appropriate or if it can be challenged.

What Happens If My VA Disability Rating Is Reduced?

If your VA disability rating is reduced, it will directly impact the amount of compensation you receive. Depending on the new rating, your monthly benefits could be significantly lower. Once the VA issues the decision, you’ll have the right to appeal. It’s important to act quickly, as there are strict timelines for submitting appeals. A Virginia VA rating reduction lawyer can help you understand the steps required to file an effective appeal and gather the necessary evidence to support your case.

What Is The Difference Between A VA Rating Reduction And Termination Of Benefits?

A VA rating reduction means your disability rating has been lowered, which reduces your monthly benefits but does not eliminate them entirely. On the other hand, termination of benefits happens when the VA determines that your condition no longer qualifies for any level of disability compensation. Termination is less common but can occur if the VA believes your condition has fully resolved. If you face either situation, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer to assess whether the VA’s decision can be challenged and to help protect your benefits.

How Does A Lawyer Challenge An Unfair VA Rating Reduction?

Challenging an unfair VA rating reduction starts with reviewing the VA’s decision and understanding the evidence they relied on. A lawyer can gather additional medical evidence, request new exams, and present arguments on your behalf to show that your rating should not have been reduced. Working with our firm gives you the opportunity to present the strongest case possible, as they can identify the legal strategies most likely to succeed in your situation.

What Are My Chances Of Success With A Lawyer In A VA Rating Reduction Case?

While no outcome is guaranteed, working with a lawyer significantly increases your chances of success in a VA rating reduction case. Lawyers who handle VA disability claims are familiar with the evidence the VA requires and how to challenge unfair decisions. They will work with you to build a case that addresses the VA’s concerns and demonstrates why your rating should remain intact. By partnering with a Virginia VA rating reduction lawyer, you’ll have the legal support needed to give you the best chance of keeping your benefits.

At Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law, we understand how much is at stake when the VA attempts to reduce your rating. If you are facing a rating reduction, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation. We are committed to helping veterans protect their benefits, and we’ll work with you to pursue the best outcome for your case.