Navigating veterans disability and benefits can feel overwhelming—especially with complex eligibility rules, strict documentation requirements, and an often frustrating VA claims process. Many veterans and their families aren’t fully aware of the compensation, healthcare, and financial resources available to them, or how to effectively secure these benefits.
Working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference in successfully accessing the veterans disability and benefits you’ve earned through service.
An estate planning or elder law attorney plays a key role in helping veterans and their families secure veterans disability and benefits, while also integrating those benefits into a comprehensive financial and estate plan. If you’re exploring legal help for veterans in Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, or surrounding areas, here’s what you should know.
Understanding Veterans Disability and Benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of disability and benefits to eligible service members and their families. These include disability compensation for service-connected injuries, healthcare services, pensions, education assistance, home loans, and survivors’ benefits.
However, many veterans encounter significant obstacles when trying to access these benefits. Incomplete applications, lack of supporting evidence, and confusion around eligibility often result in delays or denials of rightful veterans disability and benefits.
How Attorneys Help Veterans Secure Disability and Benefits
An experienced attorney—whether a veterans disability lawyer or an elder law attorney with VA experience—can play a valuable role in several ways:
Evaluating Eligibility
Attorneys help veterans understand which benefits they may qualify for and develop a personalized strategy. This may include guidance on disability compensation, pension benefits, Aid & Attendance for long-term care, and how benefits coordinate with broader estate planning.
Preparing and Filing Claims
Filing a strong, well-documented VA claim is critical. An attorney helps collect medical records, organize service documentation, and ensure that applications are filed correctly and on time.
Handling Appeals
When claims are denied or under-rated, an attorney provides vital support during the appeals process. Legal representation improves the likelihood of success when challenging VA decisions.
Coordinating Benefits with Estate Planning
Estate planning attorneys, particularly those focused on elder law, help veterans protect their assets and integrate benefits into a comprehensive plan. This includes planning for Medicaid eligibility, protecting a spouse’s financial security, and structuring trusts and other tools to maximize the value of veterans benefits.
Why Work with an Estate Planning or Elder Law Attorney?
Many veterans assume they must work only with VA-accredited representatives. However, estate planning attorneys provide added value that complements the claims process—especially when long-term financial security and family legacy planning are priorities.
Attorneys can help:
- Protect family wealth while securing needed benefits
- Integrate VA benefits with Medicaid and other public programs
- Plan for incapacity and long-term care costs
- Minimize estate taxes and probate issues
This is particularly valuable for older veterans or those with significant assets, real estate, or business interests.
Why Legal Guidance Matters for Veterans Disability and Benefits
For veterans seeking additional guidance, the VA Office of General Counsel Legal Services provides helpful resources. The Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s Military and Veterans Programming also offers education and support for veterans navigating legal matters.
Locally, working with a reputable elder law firm, such as Mittman Law, can ensure that both your veterans’ benefits and your estate planning goals are fully addressed.
Jeremy Mittman brings over 40 years of estate planning expertise, guiding and assisting veterans across Montgomery County, Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Lehigh County.
If you or a loved one needs guidance on veterans’ benefits, contact us through our FAQs or contact page to schedule a consultation.