The benefits you earned. Fought for by people who care.

SSA Corp helps veterans file, develop, and appeal VA disability compensation claims. Legal strategy and claim development are directed by VA-accredited attorneys. VA-accredited representatives and support staff may assist with records, scheduling, intake, client communication, and administrative tasks only within the roles they are legally permitted to perform. Our goal is to protect and preserve the veteran's rights while pursuing the claim or appeal path best suited to the evidence and applicable law.

You may qualify if you are a veteran with a service-connected condition — a physical or mental health condition that was caused or made worse by your military service. Eligibility depends on factors including your discharge status, service history, and medical evidence. The best way to find out is to complete a free assessment with SSA Corp.

Getting started is simple. Fill out our free online assessment form or call us directly. A SSA Corp representative will review your situation, explain how we can help, and walk you through the next steps at no cost to you.

Your claim will be overseen and legally developed by VA-accredited attorney(s). Support staff may assist with intake, record requests, scheduling, document preparation, and communications in roles they are legally allowed to perform, but legal strategy, claim development, and representation decisions are handled by VA-accredited attorneys or other authorized VA-accredited representatives. If your case proceeds to a hearing or court-related proceeding, a VA-accredited attorney assigned to your appeal will prepare you beforehand and appear with you as applicable.

Yes. SSA Corp offers a completely free initial assessment. You can fill out the intake form and speak with a representative about your claim at no cost and with no obligation.

A VA Accredited Attorney or Representative is an individual who has been formally authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans with their benefits claims. Accreditation means they have met the VA's standards and are permitted to represent veterans before the VA.

SSA Corp is proud of our strong track record advocating for veterans. We represent male and female veterans of all ages and branches who have served since World War II, and we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome on every claim.

SSA Corp has an office at 1315 ½ Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, located next to the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center, as well as a corporate office at 823 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78767. We assist veterans regardless of location.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. Receiving your military records (C-File) alone takes approximately 4–6 months. From there, filing, processing, and any potential appeals can extend the process further. SSA Corp works to make every step as efficient as possible.

After your claim is filed, the VA reviews the evidence and issues a decision. If the decision does not grant the full benefit sought, SSA Corp will continue to act in accordance with the representation agreement and applicable law, unless you instruct us otherwise, representation is revoked, or SSA Corp determines that continued representation is no longer viable. An appeal will be filed using the appeal option the VA-accredited attorney handling the appeal believes is best suited to protect your rights, further the interests of the veteran and the claim, and pursue the strongest available path based on the record, deadlines, evidence, and applicable law.

An Intent to File is a formal notice to the VA that protects your potential start date for benefits. It reserves your place in line while your full claim is prepared, which can mean your back pay is calculated from the Intent to File date rather than the date your full claim is submitted.

A C-File (Claims File) is your complete VA record, containing your military service records, medical records, and prior claims history. It provides the evidence needed to support your case, which is why SSA Corp requests it on your behalf at the start of the process.

Possibly. The VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate your disability. Attending scheduled exams is important. SSA Corp will help you understand the process and prepare you to clearly and accurately explain your symptoms, limitations, treatment history, and daily functional impact without minimizing your condition.

Strong claims are typically supported by medical records documenting your condition, evidence linking the condition to your military service, and ongoing treatment records. SSA Corp helps identify and gather the evidence needed to support your specific claim.

Yes, it is strongly recommended. Ongoing treatment for your physical and mental health conditions creates a documented medical record that supports your claim and demonstrates the continued impact of your condition.

Go see your doctors for each disability included in your claim and discuss the severity of each condition and how it affects your daily life, work, sleep, mobility, mood, relationships, and activities. Be clear and complete when describing your symptoms and limitations. Accurate, ongoing treatment records are often critical because VA decisions are based heavily on medical evidence, documented symptoms, functional impact, and continuity of care.

Yes. Whether you are just beginning, already filed, or were recently denied, SSA Corp can review the status of the claim and determine how we may assist. Any legal strategy, claim development, or appeal recommendation will be handled by VA-accredited attorneys or other authorized VA-accredited representatives, with support staff assisting only in legally permitted roles.

A denial is not the end of the road. Once SSA Corp receives the decision, an appellate attorney may be assigned to review the reasons for denial, the available evidence, and the applicable deadlines. Unless you instruct us otherwise, representation is revoked, or continued representation is no longer viable, SSA Corp will act to protect and preserve your rights by filing the appeal it determines is best suited to pursue a favorable outcome for your claim.

Veterans may have multiple review options after a VA decision, including a Higher-Level Review, a Supplemental Claim, an appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals, and, in some cases, review by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. SSA Corp will evaluate the decision, the evidence, and the deadlines, then file the appeal route it believes is best suited to protect your rights and pursue a favorable outcome. The correct strategy depends on the facts of the case and the procedural posture of the claim.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) is a body within the VA that reviews appealed claims. If your case proceeds to the Board, SSA Corp can represent you before a Veterans Law Judge through a VA-accredited attorney or other authorized VA-accredited representative. When a hearing is scheduled, the assigned VA-accredited attorney will prepare you for the hearing and appear with you as applicable.

Appeal timelines vary by type and by current VA backlogs. A Higher-Level Review is generally faster than a Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing. SSA Corp keeps you informed throughout the process.

In many cases, yes. If you have new and relevant evidence that was not previously considered, you may be able to file a Supplemental Claim to reopen your case. SSA Corp regularly assists veterans with reopening prior claims.

A Higher-Level Review asks a more senior VA reviewer to re-examine your existing evidence for errors, while a Supplemental Claim allows you to submit new and relevant evidence. SSA Corp helps determine which path is best for your situation.

A Notice of Disagreement is a formal way of telling the VA you disagree with a decision and wish to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. When SSA Corp determines that a Board appeal is the best route for the claim, a VA-accredited attorney or authorized VA-accredited representative can prepare and file the Notice of Disagreement on your behalf to protect and preserve your appellate rights.

If an appeal is denied, additional options may still be available, including a Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence, a different review lane when legally available, or appeal to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. SSA Corp will review the decision and, unless you instruct us otherwise, representation is revoked, or continued representation is no longer viable, will continue to protect and preserve your rights by pursuing the strongest available path supported by the record and applicable law.

Your rating reflects the severity of your service-connected condition and its impact on your daily life and ability to work. Ratings range from 0% to 100% in increments of 10. When you have multiple conditions, the VA uses a combined ratings formula rather than simply adding the percentages.

A 100% rating means the VA has determined your service-connected condition is totally disabling. This provides the highest level of monthly compensation and may qualify you for additional benefits.

Yes. If your service-connected condition has worsened, you can file for an increased rating. SSA Corp can help you gather updated medical evidence to support the request.

VA back pay (retroactive benefits) is compensation owed from the effective date of your claim or Intent to File. SSA Corp works to ensure you receive the back pay you are entitled to.

VA disability compensation is generally not considered taxable income by the IRS, and is typically not reported on your federal tax return.

Monthly compensation amounts are set by the VA and depend on your disability rating and the number of qualifying dependents you have. The VA publishes current compensation rates, and SSA Corp can help you understand what your rating may mean for you.

TDIU is a benefit that allows certain veterans to be compensated at the 100% rate, even if their combined rating is less than 100%, when their service-connected conditions prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. SSA Corp can help determine if you may qualify.

The VA may periodically review certain ratings, and a rating can change if your condition improves. Some ratings become protected over time. SSA Corp helps clients monitor and maintain their ratings as part of our award follow-up.

Yes. There is no time limit to file a VA disability claim. However, filing sooner can mean benefits begin sooner. SSA Corp has represented veterans of all eras, including those who served as far back as World War II.

Yes. VA disability benefits are not limited to combat veterans. Any veteran with a service-connected condition — caused or worsened by military service — may qualify, regardless of combat involvement.

Absolutely. SSA Corp represents male and female veterans equally across all branches of service. Conditions affecting female veterans, including military sexual trauma (MST) and related conditions, may be covered under VA disability claims.

Discharge status can affect eligibility. Veterans with honorable or general discharges are typically eligible, while other discharge types may require additional review or a discharge upgrade. SSA Corp can help assess how your discharge status affects your claim.

It may still be possible. Some veterans with less-than-honorable discharges can qualify after a character-of-service determination or a discharge upgrade. SSA Corp can help you understand your options.

Yes, in many cases. National Guard and Reserve members may be eligible for VA disability benefits, particularly for conditions connected to active duty service or qualifying periods of duty. Eligibility depends on the specifics of your service.

Injuries that occur during qualifying military training or service may be eligible for VA disability benefits. What matters is whether the condition is connected to your military service, not whether it happened in combat.

In certain circumstances, surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents of veterans may be eligible for benefits such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). SSA Corp can help families understand whether they may qualify.

Many mental health conditions may qualify, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma (MST)-related conditions, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). If your condition is connected to your military service, you may be eligible for compensation.

Yes. PTSD is a recognized service-connected condition. Establishing a claim generally involves a diagnosis, evidence of an in-service stressor, and a link between the two. SSA Corp has experience helping veterans with PTSD claims.

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange may qualify for benefits for certain conditions the VA recognizes as connected to that exposure. Eligibility depends on service history and diagnosed conditions. SSA Corp can help determine if you may qualify.

Yes. Hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common service-connected conditions, often resulting from exposure to loud noise during service. These conditions may qualify for VA disability benefits.

Presumptive conditions are illnesses the VA automatically presumes are connected to military service under certain circumstances, such as exposure to specific hazards. This can make it easier to establish a claim. SSA Corp can help determine if your condition may be presumptive.

Possibly. Some conditions appear or worsen years after service but are still connected to it — these are sometimes called secondary or latent conditions. If a link to service can be established, the condition may qualify.

A secondary condition is a new condition caused or aggravated by an existing service-connected condition. For example, a service-connected injury that leads to another health problem. These may also qualify for compensation.

Veterans exposed to burn pits may qualify for benefits for certain related conditions, particularly following recent legislation expanding coverage for toxic exposures. SSA Corp can help assess your eligibility.

SSA Corp's fee structure complies with VA regulations governing accredited representatives. The fee structure will be explained during your initial consultation by a VA Accredited Attorney or VA Accredited Representative and will also be clearly set out in your representation agreement before you sign.

SSA Corp combines VA-accredited legal advocacy with a client-centered approach. VA-accredited attorneys direct legal strategy and claim development, while authorized representatives and support staff assist within the roles they are legally permitted to perform. We focus on protecting the veteran's rights, building the record, maintaining communication, and pursuing the appeal path best suited to the facts and law of each case.

Yes. Veterans have the right to change their representation. SSA Corp can help you understand the process of switching representatives so your claim continues without unnecessary disruption.

SSA Corp helps veterans across the globe with VA disability claims and appeals. Because VA benefits claims are handled through a federal system, our VA Accredited Attorneys and Representatives can assist veterans regardless of where they live, including veterans living outside the United States.

Yes. SSA Corp treats your personal, medical, and military information with strict confidentiality and uses it only to support your claim.

To begin, we typically need basic information about your military service, your conditions, and any prior claims or denials. Your free assessment helps us understand your situation and identify what records we will need to request.

SSA Corp will use the contact information you provide to keep you informed about major claim developments, decisions, evidence needs, appeal deadlines, and hearing preparation. It is your responsibility to remain in contact with us and promptly update your phone number, email, mailing address, and preferred communication method. Unless you instruct us otherwise or representation is revoked, SSA Corp will continue protecting and preserving your rights if contact is temporarily lost; however, if lack of communication makes continued representation no longer viable, SSA Corp may withdraw from representation in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.

Filing a VA disability claim can interact with military retirement pay in different ways depending on your situation, including rules around concurrent receipt. SSA Corp can help you understand how a claim may affect your specific circumstances.

In most cases, yes. Many veterans work while receiving VA disability compensation. The main exception involves TDIU benefits, which are based on an inability to maintain substantially gainful employment. SSA Corp can help you understand the rules that apply to you.

Yes. VA disability compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are separate programs, and veterans may be eligible to receive both. The programs have different criteria and processes. Other Social Security programs, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may affect or be affected by receipt of VA disability compensation, so veterans should discuss their specific situation with SSA Corp and the appropriate agency before making decisions.

If a service-connected condition improves, the VA may adjust the corresponding rating upon review. Some long-held ratings receive added protection. SSA Corp monitors clients' ratings as part of our ongoing award follow-up.

Many veterans with service-connected conditions are eligible for VA healthcare, and eligibility and priority can be influenced by your disability rating. SSA Corp can help you understand how your rating may affect your access to care.

Yes. Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher may be eligible for additional monthly compensation for qualifying dependents, including a spouse, children, and dependent parents.

Certain education, housing, and other benefits may be available to veterans depending on their disability rating and circumstances. SSA Corp can help you understand what additional benefits your rating may unlock.

The best first step is to complete SSA Corp's free assessment or give us a call. The free assessment gives SSA Corp an opportunity to gather basic information about your service, claimed disabilities, prior claims, and current situation. That information can then be reviewed by a VA Accredited Attorney, and if appropriate, a consultation can be set up to discuss potential next steps. There is no cost or obligation for the initial assessment.