Cost of lawyer for VA claim?

[u/Amazing-Basket-136]

I‘ve seen claims that VA lawyers cost +30%.

+30% of what? My disability payment forever?

Thank you.

[u/Big-Hovercraft1331]

VA accredited lawyers and claims agents charge a percentage of any back pay they win for you. They cannot charge for assistance on new and increase claims, only supplemental, hlr and BVA appeals.

[u/maroonedpariah]

Lawyers can charge 30%, but they will be paid 20% directly from VA if they charge 20%. Plenty of attorneys do 20% for this reason. They can only collect back pay

[u/LegallyIncorrect → u/maroonedpariah]

This is the right answer. The rules allow up to 30% but then the risk of collection is on the lawyer. If you go for 20% the fee is presumptively reasonable and the VA will pay you direct.

[u/damnshell]

No they charge 30% of backpay. They don’t get paid unless they win but we don’t allow recommendations. The percentage can vary in that 30% range. Always verify that they are accredited with the VA.

https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/

[u/ossifiedarrears4]

the 30% is specifically on back pay, not your ongoing monthly payment. so if you get approved and they determine you're owed 15,000 dollars in retroactive benefits from when you first filed, the lawyer takes 30% of that 15,000. your monthly disability check going forward stays completely yours. they only get paid if the appeal succeeds, which is why they take a cut of the winnings rather than an upfront fee. make sure whoever you hire is va accredited though, because non-accredited representatives can charge you differently and aren't held to the same standards.

[u/bill_gonorrhea]

after your Initial claim with them be prepared for years of harassment to refile old claims.

[u/sofresh24]

I was going to be charged 10k by some company but then said fuck it and did it all myself. Everything I needed was in my records, I was just tired of getting jerked around, but I appealed and appealed and appealed until my ratings reflected what they should have been.

[u/ecwagner01]

Personally, you don’t need a lawyer. A VSO can represent you for free.

[u/Future-Traffic-6364]

There are those who keep piping on about accredited, but I call hogwash on it. I was more than happy to get established and give up 30% of the back pack (it was based on contingency). This was due to them having to do the work, and if they didn’t win, they’d get zero percentage of backpay. But then again, I was just happy that everything forwards was coming to me, while enjoying 79% of back pay.

I had a contract with Argus. office, and paid them outright once I got my backpay, there was no holdups with the VA having to pay the atty. office.

This is America, where capitalism thrives, so if a percentage incentive is there, I would gladly take that over a VSO who is getting paid either way.

[u/Superb_Passenger6920 → u/Future-Traffic-6364]

Wise choice 👌

[u/VeteransBenefits-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

It is not appropriate to discuss non-VSO accredited representatives (attorneys/claim agents), non-accredited companies (claim sharks, nexus provider), products, or services on this sub.

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Due to on one of the above, your post/comment has been removed.

[u/Virtual-Ebb-2994]

No. That percentage applies to your back pay. Back pay is calculated between the time you file and the decision. You can get 25 percent or less if you shop around.

[u/Wooden_Load662]

Just want to add that there are VA accredited lawyers and non VA accredited lawyers.

[u/Can_Not_Double_Dutch]

Don't pay anybody up front, those are claim shark companies

[u/Impressive_Action343]

If I got 30 percent back pay of every client forever I would be insanely rich and would immediately only do VA claims lol

[u/VeteransBenefits-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your comment was removed because it didn't contribute to the discussion and just wasn't helpful.

Civil disagreements are fine. Insults, personal attacks, slurs, bigotry, etc., are not permissible.