***NOTE*** I’m not a professional at this. These are just some things that I have learned along the way from doing my personal claims and my stepfather’s claims and from doing research for posts on this blog.

1. Be careful of up-front costs. Your initial consultation with a VA disability attorney should always be free, and you shouldn’t be expected to pay legal fees out-of-pocket. You should only have to pay if you won your claim.
2. Make sure that your representative (lawyer, VSO, or claims agent) is accredited, if they are not, run.
3. Never pay for a consultation, they should always be free, if not, find someone who is.
4. Be patient, you will need it, it is not a fast process.
5. Try to provide a complete package, it will be processed that much quicker. Include all the medical records, all the buddy statements, and nexus letters when you submit a claim.
6. If you can’t dedicate the time to do this right, hire someone who can. An incomplete package will not be approved.
7. Take advantage of the new VA website and file online.
8. Not all injuries are created equal. I had surgery to remove the shredded meniscus in my right knee. Shockingly it is not rated as much as if I had not had the surgery.
9. Not everything can be service-connected.
10. Not all C&P exams are created equal. I have been to some that are in-depth, and others that I’m not in the office for 5 minutes in total.