New Claims
Understanding why we focus on post-adjudication claims — and where to go for help with initial filings
Important: We Cannot Charge for Initial Claims
Under 38 CFR §14.636(c), accredited agents and attorneys are prohibited from charging fees for services provided in connection with a first-time initial VA disability claim. This is federal law, and we follow it.
Our firm specializes in cases where the VA has already made a decision — appeals, rating increases, CUE motions, effective date disputes, and TDIU claims. These post-adjudication services are where our forensic intelligence approach delivers the most value.
The Three-Prong Service Connection Test
Every VA disability claim must establish three elements to win service connection. Understanding this test is critical — whether you are filing an initial claim or fighting an appeal, these are the three things the VA must see in your file:
Current Diagnosis
A current, documented diagnosis of the condition you are claiming. The VA cannot rate what is not diagnosed by a qualified medical provider.
In-Service Event
Evidence of an event, injury, or illness that occurred during military service. This comes from service treatment records, personnel records, or deployment logs.
Medical Nexus
A medical opinion linking the current diagnosis to the in-service event. This is where most claims fail — without a nexus, the other two elements do not matter.
When a claim is denied, the denial letter tells you which of these three prongs was not met. That is the starting point for an appeal or Supplemental Claim with targeted evidence.
Why We Focus on Denials and Appeals
The VA Disability Advocate exists because the VA gets it wrong — routinely. Veterans are denied for conditions that are clearly service-connected. Ratings are assigned below what the evidence supports. C&P exams are inadequate. Effective dates are set too late. The system is not designed to catch its own errors.
Our forensic intelligence approach is specifically designed to decode denial patterns, identify evidence gaps, challenge inadequate exams, and build precision cases that overturn bad decisions. This is post-adjudication work — and it is where a VA-accredited claims agent provides the most value that a VSO typically cannot match.
An initial claim is a straightforward filing. A denied claim is a legal argument. We do legal arguments.
When to Come to Us
After the VA Decides — Your Appeal Lanes
Submit new evidence to reopen a denied claim — file within one year to preserve your effective date
Challenge the decision without new evidence — a senior reviewer re-examines the law and the record
When your condition has worsened since the initial rating — file for the higher rating you deserve
The Advocate's Take
I am honest about this: if you are filing a first-time claim and it is straightforward, a VSO can help you at no cost and do a good job. Go to your county VSO office.
But the moment the VA says "denied" or gives you a rating that does not match your condition — that is when the real fight starts, and that is what we do. We take the cases the system got wrong and we fix them. No fees unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an accredited agent charge for an initial claim?
Where should I go for help with an initial claim?
When should I come to you instead of a VSO?
What if my initial claim was recently denied?
Do you handle claims for conditions that worsened after the initial rating?
What is the three-prong service connection test?
What is the difference between a VA-accredited claims agent and a VSO?
The Three-Prong Service Connection Test
Every granted claim proves these three elements. Miss one — usually the nexus — and the claim is denied. This is the standard your file has to meet.
The 3-Prong Service Connection Test
All three must be present. Miss one and the claim collapses — no matter how severe the condition.
Current Diagnosis
A present, medically documented condition. No diagnosis — no claim. The VA cannot rate a symptom it has not confirmed.
In-Service Event or Exposure
An injury, illness, event, or toxic exposure that occurred (or was aggravated) during active service — shown in records, or presumed under the PACT Act.
Medical Nexus
A medical link stating the current condition is “at least as likely as not” (50% or greater) caused by the in-service event. This is where most claims are won or lost.
Real Veterans. Real Claims. Real Outcomes.
Every case on this desk belongs to someone who served. These are the veterans this practice represents — across every era, branch, and condition.
Veteran Representation
Veteran Representation
Veteran RepresentationKnow What the C&P Exam Should Look Like
The VA produced this explainer of the claim exam. Watch it, then compare it to what actually happened in yours.
Your VA Claim Exam: What to Expect
Tips to Prepare for Your VA Claim Exam
Three Ways to Put an Accredited Agent on New Claims
No fee unless you win. An accredited agent #45147 personally reviews every request — we respond within 48 hours.
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