The greatest majority of veterans benefits attorneys work on contingency. A contingency agreement is one where the attorney gets paid if they win your case on appeal.
A veterans benefits attorney in Texas is regulated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Any attorney that represents a veteran with his or her claim for disability benefits must be accredited by the DVA, the DVA reserves the right to review any agreement entered into between the veteran and the attorney.
In the past a veteran that was denied benefits was only able to engage an attorney after the first final decision was made by the Board of Veterans Appeals. This is no longer the case, now a veteran can hire an attorney anytime after the filing of a Notice of Disagreement.
Copy of the fee agreement is filed with the DVA:
Once a veteran and an accredited veterans benefits attorney in Texas have agreed a fee structure, the agreement is filed with the DVA office of General Council; this must be accomplished within 30 days of signing. The DVA can review the fees and legal expenses that are charged by the attorney.
If the DVA find that the attorneys fee is excessive they can order that the fee be reduced. Furthermore, a fee that a reasonable fee is 20 percent of the past due amount awarded to the veteran.
The attorney must be accredited:
Not every attorney can represent a veteran in his or her claim for disability benefits, the attorney must be accredited by the VA. Accreditation is not necessary if the veteran simply wishes to consult with an attorney about the benefits that might be expected but when the attorney is engaged to represent the individual, the attorney that is engaged must be accredited.
No one, including a veterans benefits attorney can predict the outcome of a case; choose an attorney that has a good track record and you feel comfortable dealing with.
If your claim for veterans benefits has been denied you need to engage the professional services of a veterans benefits attorney in Texas. You are invited to contact Jackson & MacNichol, Attorneys at Law.
