We know veterans often have questions about VA disability claims, appeals, ratings, and legal representation. This FAQ section is designed to provide clear, practical answers to help you better understand the process and how a VA-Accredited representative can help.
Greene & Marusak focuses on representing veterans and their family members for VA Service-Connected Disability Benefits. There are several types of disability cases, including, but not limited to:
Yes! In fact, most of our clients are from out of state. We have represented veterans from almost every state, as well as Puerto Rico and Guam. We have also traveled across the country to attend hearings for our clients.
No. Be wary if someone tells you it will. VA does not process claims faster just because a veteran is represented by a service organization or attorney.
However, your claim may be EXPEDITED under certain circumstances, like serious illness or extreme financial hardship. We assess each client’s case to see if their claim can be expedited. Furthermore, our goal is to use our legal knowledge, attention to detail, and investment in your case to help you get a GRANT sooner.
Not necessarily. In some cases, a hearing can be helpful, but the Board has historically had a large backlog of hearings on their docket. Waiting for a hearing can delay a case for years. Often, an affidavit or written statement from you, a family member, or friend, can be as effective and have your claim decided faster. We evaluate each case to see whether a hearing is the best course of action.
Effective February 2019, VA is implementing a new VA appeals process. In this new system, Veterans will have to choose between 3 different “lanes” for their claim to be reviewed:
1) Supplemental Claim Lane – Can submit new and relevant evidence
2) Higher Level Review – No new evidence, claim reviewed by a senior claims adjudicator
3) Board Lane- Appeal Directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Once at the Board, Veterans will have the option to choose between 3 additional review options:
Direct Review- No new evidence and no hearing
Evidence Submission: Can submit new evidence, but no hearing
Hearing: New evidence and a hearing
We typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win you a retroactive award of benefits. Your monthly compensation payments going forward are 100% yours.
Like our fees, costs are only collected if we win and you receive a retro-payment. Costs may be incurred from obtaining expert reports or medical records on behalf of a client. We work hard to minimize costs and will get your approval before incurring any in your case.
We pride ourselves in being honest and straightforward with our fee and cost policy. Before we start representing you, we will fully explain our fee agreement and answer any and all questions you have.
Absolutely not. Not only does intentionally delaying a case not make business sense, but it is also strategically illogical, as well as unethical.
Greene & Marusak is committed to proactive representation and is dedicated to resolving your appeal as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The faster we win your case, the faster we can help the next Veteran.
Clarity out of chaos. The VA process can be long and complicated. Our mission in every case is to develop an efficient and effective legal strategy for each client that gets results and gets through the appeal process as quickly as possible.
How do we do it? Identify the key evidence needed. Draft clear, concise, and to the point legal arguments that the relevant law and VA regulations. Choose the most advantageous appeal type. Move with a purpose.
