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VA disability claims are often denied or underrated — even when veterans clearly qualify for higher benefits. If the VA denied your claim, assigned a low rating, or failed to account for conditions related to toxic exposure, you still have powerful appeal rights. I represent veterans nationwide in VA disability appeals, including PACT Act claims, TDIU, Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), and increased rating appeals aimed at correcting VA errors and securing the full benefits you’ve earned.
As a former federal adjudicator and VA-accredited veterans disability attorney, I know how VA decision-makers evaluate medical evidence, service connection, and functional limitations. Appeals are not about filing more paperwork — they’re about legal strategy, evidence presentation, and knowing how judges think. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win your appeal.

I’m a former federal adjudicator who spent years reviewing disability claims and evaluating evidence the same way VA reviewers and judges do today. I’ve seen firsthand how strong claims fail — not because veterans don’t qualify, but because critical evidence is misunderstood, discounted, or never properly connected to the legal standard being applied.
That experience shapes how I handle VA disability appeals. Successful appeals aren’t about submitting more paperwork or repeating the same arguments — they’re about strategy: identifying where the VA made legal or factual errors, presenting medical evidence in a way decision-makers are trained to evaluate, and focusing on the issues that actually change outcomes.
This work is personal to me. My brother is a veteran, and I understand how frustrating it is when the system meant to serve veterans gets it wrong. I built this practice to give veterans informed, disciplined representation grounded in how these decisions are truly made — not how people assume they are made.

VA disability appeals are handled at the federal level, which means veterans do not need a local attorney to challenge a VA decision. I represent veterans nationwide — remotely, securely, and efficiently — regardless of where you live or where your claim originated.
From initial case review through Higher-Level Review or Board of Veterans’ Appeals proceedings, I handle every stage of the appeal process without requiring in-person visits. Veterans across the country trust this approach because it provides experienced legal representation without added travel, delays, or unnecessary barriers.

A Higher-Level Review (HLR) allows a senior VA reviewer to re-examine your case for legal or factual errors related to VA disability claims, such as those affecting veterans seeking a discharge upgrade. This process does not permit the introduction of new evidence but can be particularly effective when the VA misapplies the law, overlooks favorable evidence, or relies on flawed reasoning in the original decision. For young families in Kansas City, understanding these processes is critical when creating personalized estate plans that may involve trusts or wills to protect their family legacy.
When a claim requires a more formal review, an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals may be necessary. I represent veterans in BVA appeals focused on correcting errors, strengthening legal arguments, and presenting evidence in a way judges are trained to evaluate. Additionally, for young families in Kansas City looking to secure their future, it's essential to consider personalized estate plans, including wills and trusts, to protect your family legacy. If you're a veteran seeking a VA disability or a Veteran Discharge Upgrade, I can provide the guidance you need in navigating these complex processes.
A CUE claim challenges a prior VA decision that contains an obvious and outcome-determinative error related to VA DISABILITY benefits. These cases require precise legal analysis and are not appropriate for every situation. However, when valid, they can lead to significant retroactive benefits for veterans, similar to how personalized estate plans can secure a family legacy for young families in Kansas City. Additionally, understanding these claims is essential for those navigating trusts, wills, and the SSA DISABILITY process, especially in relation to a Veteran Discharge Upgrade.
The VA often assigns incorrect effective dates, which can significantly reduce the back pay a veteran deserves. I specialize in handling appeals for those challenging improper effective dates and errors that impact retroactive compensation. In addition, I assist young families in Kansas City with personalized estate plans, including wills and trusts, ensuring their family legacy is protected. My services also extend to veterans navigating SSA DISABILITY and VA DISABILITY claims, including support for those seeking a Veteran Discharge Upgrade.
We can assist you in planning for the future of your business through personalized estate plans that ensure a smooth transition of ownership, helping you build a family legacy in Kansas City. Whether you need guidance on wills, trusts, or navigating SSA disability and VA disability options, we are here to support young families and veterans, including those seeking a Veteran Discharge Upgrade.
Some veterans qualify for additional compensation based on unemployability or special circumstances beyond the standard rating schedule, such as VA DISABILITY or SSA DISABILITY. I evaluate whether TDIU or SMC should have been considered or awarded and pursue appeals when the VA fails to do so. Additionally, I assist young families in creating personalized estate plans that include wills and trusts to secure their family legacy in Kansas City.
Many veterans qualify for higher ratings or additional compensation but are never informed by the VA. These claims often require careful review of medical evidence, service records, and how conditions interact — not just checking boxes on a form.needs are met.
I represent veterans in VA disability appeals on a contingency-fee basis, ensuring that you can focus on securing the benefits you deserve without upfront costs or hourly billing. My services also extend to helping young families with personalized estate plans that protect their family legacy through wills and trusts. You only pay a fee if your VA disability appeal is successful, making it a risk-free process for veterans, including those seeking a Veteran Discharge Upgrade or assistance with SSA disability claims.
Please reach us at mike@jahn.law if you cannot find an answer to your question.
VA disability appeals can be successful when they focus on the actual reason for the denial and are supported by properly presented evidence. Many denials result from legal or factual errors, missing analysis, or misinterpretation of medical records — not because the veteran doesn’t qualify. A well-prepared appeal that addresses those issues directly has a meaningful chance of success.
Timelines vary depending on the type of appeal and the VA’s current workload. Some Higher-Level Reviews may be resolved in months, while Board of Veterans’ Appeals cases often take longer. Processing times change, but delays do not mean an appeal lacks merit — and deadlines to file are strict, regardless of how long the VA takes to decide.Additionally, a living trust can be used to protect assets from creditors and provide for minor or disabled beneficiaries.
The best appeal path depends on why the VA denied or undervalued the claim. Some cases are best addressed through a Higher-Level Review, while others require a Board appeal or a more targeted legal strategy. The key is choosing the appeal option that matches the error in the decision — not simply filing the fastest or most common option.
VA presumptions are legal rules that allow certain conditions to be automatically linked to military service if specific criteria are met. This includes presumptions related to toxic exposure, service location, or time period. A presumption can make it easier to establish service connection, but the VA still evaluates ratings, effective dates, and entitlement to additional benefits — which are often disputed on appeal.
I represent veterans in VA disability appeals on a contingency-fee basis, ensuring that you can focus on securing the benefits you deserve without upfront costs or hourly billing. My services also extend to helping young families with personalized estate plans that protect their family legacy through wills and trusts. You only pay a fee if your VA disability appeal is successful, making it a risk-free process for veterans, including those seeking a Veteran Discharge Upgrade or assistance with SSA disability claims.
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