In this article, I want to walk you through the first steps of representation with Stone Rose Law and what we’ll need from you as your accredited attorneys.
As a marine infantry veteran myself, I know that most of us vets have not worked with lawyers in the past.
That’s why I wanted to provide this video, to walk you through the next steps to getting you your veterans benefits.
Let’s dive in.
The first step is signing the documents. The VA needs to recognize us as your attorneys. And we’ll also file an intent to file for you to preserve a favorable effective date.
Now, if you have already filed an intent to file (ITF), ours will not interfere or override your previous ITF.
You’ll get a letter from the VA confirming they received your intent to file.
After we file those initial documents to the VA, it typically takes about 8 to 10 weeks to both get access to your file and for us to fully review it, though sometimes it can be a little faster or, unfortunately, sometimes it can be a little slower.
During this time, it is incredibly important that you do not file anything with the VA yourself, as it could interfere with future filings or appeals.
Even worse, it could impact your potential for the earliest effective date possible.
As I often tell my clients, think of us as bus drivers. You’re the GPS. We’ll get you where you need to go as quickly as possible, but we can’t fight over the steering wheel.
I know it’s hard to let go, but trust the process and our proven track record of results.
In the last two years alone, we’ve clawed back over $7 million in wrongfully withheld benefits for our clients.
Step two as soon as we get access to your file, a VA-accredited attorney will review it in detail.
After the review, we’ll schedule a phone call with your attorney or case manager to discuss what we found.
Step three involves filing appeals, gathering additional evidence with your assistance, filing new claims, or combining all three.
Unfortunately, once we file, it is out of our hands.
We’re at the VA’s mercy in terms of timing, although in certain circumstances, we can seek to expedite the claim due to serious illness, financial hardship, or pending or current homelessness.
I know this process can be confusing and frustrating, but that’s why we’re here to help.
We’re going to help you navigate it and get the benefits you deserve. We appreciate your trust and confidence in us, as well as your patience as we open your file and begin reviewing it.
For more information, visit our blog at stoneroselaw.com/veteranslaw/ or call us at (480) 498-8998.
As always, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.
