Florida VA Disability Lawyer
In Florida, veterans and service members are eligible for the same federal benefits as other military personnel nationwide, in addition to several state-level privileges available only to Florida residents. An experienced VA disability lawyer can help you and your family receive the benefits you deserve.
- Florida provides veterans and service members residing in the state with additional benefits beyond their federal entitlements, including property tax exemptions, educational benefits, special vehicle tags, and more.
- Veterans living in Florida with a 100% disability rating or TDIU status may be eligible for additional benefits, including a total exemption from property taxes on their home and a disability ID card that denotes eligibility for other state benefits.
- A Florida VA disability lawyer can help veterans, service members, and their families navigate the veterans’ disability claims process to ensure they are receiving the maximum benefits they’re entitled to.
Navigating VA disability benefits in Florida can be a complex process. Between federal eligibility criteria and state‑level benefits, many veterans feel overwhelmed when trying to claim the benefits they’ve rightfully earned. Working with an accredited Florida VA disability benefits lawyer can make a major difference.
With the second-largest veteran population in the country, Florida is home to nearly 1.4 million veterans, over a third of whom have service-connected disabilities. Fortunately, Florida offers several special benefits programs for service members, veterans, and their families, including property tax exemptions, educational assistance, and reduced vehicle tag fees, among others. Florida veterans also receive federal benefits for health care, employment, housing, and burials.
Benefits of Hiring a Florida VA Disability Lawyer
Hiring a VA disability lawyer is crucial when navigating the VA claims process in Florida. Experienced attorneys assist veterans with the challenging, complicated aspects of VA disability claims and appeals, helping service members and their families secure the benefits they deserve.
It’s essential to recognize that eligibility for certain VA and state-level benefits is contingent upon residency, military service, and the veteran’s disability status. While it’s possible for veterans to pursue VA disability benefits on their own or with an accredited Veterans Service Organization, or VSO, an attorney can explain the eligibility criteria and help you navigate the claims process. They can provide personalized attention and peace of mind.
An experienced Florida VA disability lawyer can assist you with the following processes:
- Rating upgrades and appeals
- TDIU claims and 100% disability rating increases
- Secondary condition claims
- Integration with Florida state veteran benefits, including license fee waivers, property tax, and educational benefits
How to File a VA Claim in Florida
An accredited attorney, claims agent, or representative with a Veterans Service Organization, or VSO, can assist veterans in filing claims or requesting decision reviews. Attorneys can provide veterans with responsible, qualified representation on their VA benefit claims.
While accredited attorneys or claims agents may charge you fees for their services, many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless your benefits are secured.
The VA offers several options for veterans to find and appoint an accredited representative, including online, by mail, or in person. While VA-accredited attorneys don’t have to take a test about VA claims, they must be members in good standing of the bar association. The VA offers a tool to search for a VA-accredited representative in your area.
Benefits through the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or FDVA, advocates for Florida veterans, service members, and their families, connecting them with the benefits and services they have earned. The FDVA offers free benefits counseling in the VA Regional Office in Bay Pines, each VA Medical Center, and many VA Outpatient Clinics. Assistance covers all state and federal veterans’ programs.
Information on current federal, state, and local veterans’ programs, entitlements, and referral services is available through County Veteran Service Officers, free of charge. The Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is published annually and gives veterans the latest information on federal and state benefits.
Benefits for Disabled Veterans in Florida
VA federal disability ratings offer national benefits, and Florida state benefits, such as tax breaks, homestead privileges, and other state veteran programs, complement them. Some Florida benefits are available only to 100% veterans, such as disabled veteran ID cards. These cards can be used as proof of eligibility for any state benefit except the property tax exemption.
Under Florida’s veterans benefits system, any real estate owned and used as a homestead by an honorably discharged, permanently and totally disabled veteran or their surviving spouse is exempt from taxation. Additionally, eligible resident veterans with a VA-certified service-connected disability of at least 10% are entitled to a $5,000 property tax exemption.
What to Do If Your VA Claim Was Denied or You Need an Increase
If you are a Florida veteran or service member and your VA disability claim has been denied or you want to try to increase your disability rating, appealing the VA’s decision involves the following steps:
- Obtain your VA decision letter.
- Understand the rating percentage and grounds for appeal.
- Collect additional evidence, service records, medical reports, and lay statements.
- Request reconsideration, file a Notice of Disagreement, or file an AMA appeal.
- Use legal representation to navigate appeals.
Get Help from a Florida VA Disability Benefits Lawyer
Filing a VA disability claim in Florida can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Veterans Guide can connect you with experienced VA disability attorneys who are familiar with Florida’s legal system and can help you and your family maximize your benefits.
Florida VA Disability FAQ
Do Florida Veterans Get Extra State Benefits With VA Disability?
Florida offers additional state benefits for disabled veterans, including property tax exemptions, license fee waivers, and educational benefits.
Can I Live Anywhere in Florida and Still Get My VA Benefits?
Yes, VA benefits are available to veterans throughout the state of Florida.
How Long Does a VA Appeal Take in Florida?
A VA appeal can take anywhere from several months to several years in Florida, depending on the type of appeal you pursue. The fastest options are a Higher-Level Review, which typically takes 4 to 5 months, or a Supplemental Claim, which usually takes 4 to 6 months. These involve a fresh look at the existing claim or the submission of new evidence. The longest timelines are for Board Appeals, which can take a year or longer.
Do I Pay Upfront Attorney Fees in Florida VA Disability Cases?
No, you do not pay upfront attorney fees in Florida VA disability cases; most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid a percentage of your back pay if they win your case.
Can I Qualify for a Florida Property Tax Exemption as a 100% Disabled Veteran?
Any real estate owned and used as a homestead by a honorably discharged veteran with a certified permanent and total disability from a service-connected condition is exempt from taxation. Homes used by surviving spouses who died on active duty or as a veteran are also exempt.
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