Is it too late to file a disability claim?
Published June 18, 2019
It is never too late to file a VA disability claim. Claimants are not limited in the number of disability claims they may file. But there are important distinctions to keep in mind. For claims seeking service-connection, the VA calls them original claims, and once they are denied and become final, all other claims are called claims to reopen. As for claims seeking an increased rating for a service-connected disability, these types of claims are called increased rating claims.
These distinctions are important in assigning effective dates for disability awards. Remember, effective dates cannot reach any further back than the date of the claim. So while any number of claims may be filed for a service-connected disability, an original claim will have a potential effective date earlier than a claim to reopen.
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"I was happy with Mr. Lippman's representation of my case. His firm accomplished what I thought hopeless-I received my compensation."
Johnny K.|Johnson City, TX
Awarded $537,367
"Mr. Lippman took on my case in 1991. Stuck in there until he was satisfied with the final decision which was 100% TDIU. Thank you Mr. Lippman. Will surely recommend you to other people. Law firm always done what they say they would do. I was very satisfied with the final results of my case."
Terry S.|Gates, NC
Awarded $478,901.00
"Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome."
Need Help With Your Disability Appeal?
Get Free Consultation
- We represent cases at all levels on appeal
- We’ll obtain additional medical opinion evidence, when needed
- We’ll arrange for Vocational Rehab experts to assist, when needed
- Free Consultation